Actor Chris Evans fired back at critics of a kissing scene included in the upcoming Disney Pixar film “Lightyear.”
Evans voices the the main character in the film.
During an interview with Reuters Television ahead of the film’s debut, Evans responded to critics of a kissing scene between two female characters included in the movie.
“The real truth is those people are idiots,” Evans said.
He continued, “Every time there’s been social advancement as we wake up, the American story, the human story is one of constant social awakening and growth and that’s what makes us good.”
Evans suggested there is “always going to be people who are afraid and unaware and trying to hold on to what was before. But those people die off like dinosaurs.”
He added, “I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.”
Producer Galyn Susman questioned why viewers “don’t get more upset showing failed relationships,” as Reuters reported.
According to Susman, in the film, “We have a relationship here which lasts an entire lifetime. It’s loving, it’s supportive and it shows Buzz exactly what he doesn’t have and that’s the whole point.”
She continued, “We should all be so lucky to have that kind of relationship in our life.”
Various Middle East countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have banned the film, as IJR reported.
The Hollywood Reporter previously explained, “The scene, involving the female character Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba) and her partner, was originally cut from the film, but reinstated following the uproar surrounding a statement from Pixar employees claiming that Disney had been censoring ‘overtly gay affection’ and Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s handling of Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill.”
The UAE’s Media Regulatory Office said in a tweet the film is not “licensed for public screening in all cinemas in UAE, due to its violation of the country’s media content standards.”
Animated Film '#Lightyear' is Not Licensed to be Shown in Cinemas in #UAE
— UAE Forsan (@UAE_Forsan) June 13, 2022
@uaemro pic.twitter.com/vY4P04NlcX
The film will premiere in U.S. theaters Friday.