Pixar Animation Studios has unveiled the trailer for its first-ever original series, Win or Lose, which will debut on Disney+ on February 19. The highly anticipated animated show weaves together the experiences of eight central characters, all preparing for a critical championship softball game.
However, some alterations have been made to the series, with Disney requesting the removal of a storyline involving a trans character and revising dialogue to exclude any references to gender identity. A spokesperson for Disney addressed the changes in a statement to IndieWire, explaining that the decision was rooted in sensitivity to the preferences of younger audiences and parents. “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline,” the statement read.
Each episode of Win or Lose offers a unique perspective, focusing on various characters, including the players, their families, and even the game’s umpire. The trailer highlights the dynamic animation style, blending vibrant visuals with mixed-media techniques. These fantasy elements, such as sweat monsters and orange soda oracles, offer a whimsical take on the stresses and dreams surrounding the game, appealing to both younger audiences and those seeking sports stories that delve deeper than just the action on the field.
Carrie Hobson, who wrote, directed, and executive produced the series alongside Michael Yates, shared her inspiration for the show, recalling her childhood experiences with softball. “I played softball growing up, and we felt that fast-pitch softball was the perfect backdrop for the show,” said Hobson. “There are so many aspects of sports that I love — it brings out the best and worst in people. The calmest person can lose their temper. And when it comes to winning and losing — the consequences are nothing, and yet, they’re everything. It felt like the best arena for the themes we loved.”
The series also features an experimental musical approach, with a score composed by Ramin Djawadi, widely known for his work on Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Djawadi collaborates with the band CAMPFIRE for several original songs featured throughout the series.
The talented voice cast of Win or Lose includes Will Forte, Rosie Foss, Josh Thomson, Milan Elizabeth Ray, Rosa Salazar, Dorien Watson, Izaac Wang, Chanel Stewart, Lil Rel Howery, Melissa Villaseñor, Jo Firestone, Flula Borg, Kyleigh Curran, Jaylin Fletcher, Erin Keif, Tom Law, Beck Nolan, Orion Tran, and Rhea Seehorn.
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