As a movie reviewer with over three decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen it all – from the rise and fall of Hollywood giants to the birth and death of countless productions that never made it past the script phase. The recent news about Disney pulling an episode of “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” titled “The Gatekeeper,” a storyline centered around a trans teen character, has left me utterly disheartened.
In a surprising move, the final season of the widely praised Marvel series, “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” will have one fewer episode. This is due to Disney reportedly withdrawing an episode that presented an inclusive narrative about a transgender teenager. The show centers around 13-year-old Lunella Lafayette (Diamond White) and her dinosaur companion, as they embody the superhero duo in the title. Regrettably, despite receiving exceptional reviews, “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” has been terminated after just two seasons by Disney. The animated series was known for addressing contemporary issues that resonated with its youthful audience in an engaging yet educational manner. It appears that the episode intended to challenge prejudice surrounding transgender athletes will not be broadcast, as Disney opted not to air it.
Derrick Malik Johnson, who works as a storyboard artist for “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” posted (on Bluesky, which is now deleted) that one of the episodes he worked on has been put on hold due to the results of the recent election. This episode, titled “The Gatekeeper,” seems to focus on the character Brooklyn (voiced by Indya Moore), a high school volleyball player who interacts with Moon Girl at school. Although Disney hasn’t confirmed anything about this episode, it looks like it won’t be airing on Disney Channel or Disney+.
The Verge reviewed and analyzed an online-leaked episode, which Disney promptly removed. The episode titled “The Gatekeeper” primarily revolves around opposition to Brooklyn’s transgender identity, stemming from a rival school coach/parent named Greer (voiced by Amy Sedaris). Characters in the show suggest that Greer’s actions are driven by prejudice. The Verge comments that the episode’s message is clear and emphasizes the significance of accepting and celebrating individual identities.
Disney (Reportedly) Made a Terrible Decision
The comic book series ‘Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’s’ storyline ‘The Gatekeeper’ has become significant, given the escalating anti-trans rhetoric. Transgender individuals frequently encounter harsh and uncaring criticism in public spheres. As reported by ABC News, by October 9th, the Trump campaign and several Republican groups had invested close to $21 million on ads that were both anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+. ‘The Gatekeeper’ appears to counter these negative arguments, such as the notion that transgender athletes pose a threat to ‘women’s spaces.’ Instead, it suggests that those who oppose inclusivity like Brooklyn are misguided and in the wrong. It shouldn’t be contentious that intolerance is wrong, and empathy and acceptance are values worth pursuing.
It’s truly unfortunate, though not entirely unexpected, that Disney has chosen to withdraw the episode. You might recall that several months ago, there was controversy surrounding the production of “Inside Out 2,” as it was alleged that any trace of a romantic interest between Riley and her head hockey player, Val, would be omitted. This supposedly stemmed from Disney’s belief that last year’s “Lightyear” underperformed due to its inclusion of a same-sex kiss, and the same group of conservatives who found it objectionable might also take issue with a show like “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” designed for children.
It seems disheartening that Disney appears to be yielding to a group that actively opposes and marginalizes those who could benefit from an episode like “The Gatekeeper.” This is especially disappointing for Disney because although it is a corporation, its entertainment is intended to make children feel secure and accepted. By hiding this episode, Disney seems to imply that certain individuals don’t deserve such feelings of safety.
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2024-11-16 02:34