Cinema faces backlash after attempting to “fast-forward” through Lightyear’s same-sex kiss
Moviegoers have slammed a local movie theatre after it promised to “fast forward” Lightyear’s same-sex kiss. On 17 June, Pixar finally released the highly anticipated origin story of everyone’s favourite space cadet.
The movie explores the exciting adventures of the famed Toy Story doll Buzz Lightyear – which is voiced by Chris Evans. The new film also introduced an array of new characters, including Buzz’s openly queer best friend and commanding officer, Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba).
But what has set the project apart from other Disney films is the inclusion of Pixar’s first same-sex kiss. The brief moment, which was cut but later restored, occurred between Aduba’s character and her partner.
Although the film has been praised for its LGBTQ+ moment, it has also faced significant pushback from conservative critics. On 22 June, NBC News reported that a movie theatre in Kingfisher, Oklahoma posted a warning sign regarding the aforementioned same-sex kiss. “Attention Parents: The management of this theatre discovered after booking ‘Lightyear’ that there is a same-sex kissing scene within the first 30 minutes of the Pixar movie,” the sign said. “We will do all we can to fast-forward through that scene, but it might not be exact.” Shortly after the sign was posted, the theatre faced immediate backlash on social media.
