"Win Or Lose" Series Scraps Transgender Storyline, Introduces Pixar’s First Openly Christian Character Instead
Disney Pixar is changing things up with its newest animated series. "Win or Lose" is a spin-off of the beloved "Inside Out" movies, and the series introduces the studio’s first explicitly Christian character.
Set in the world of Inside Out, the series follows a middle school softball team, the Pickles, in the days leading up to their championship game. But beyond home runs and strikeouts, Win or Lose explores the complex inner worlds of its young players, tackling themes of self-doubt, resilience, and—now, for the first time in Pixar’s history—faith.
The show’s first episode focuses on Laurie, the coach’s daughter, who’s struggling with confidence ahead of a big game. In a rare and refreshing moment for mainstream animation, Laurie takes a quiet pause to pray:
"Dear Heavenly Father, please give me strength. I have faith, but sometimes the doubt creeps in."
It’s a simple, sweet scene, yet one that carries significance. While biblical themes have subtly found their way into Disney classics (think The Lion King’s redemption arc or The Hunchback of Notre Dame’s stunning cathedral sequences), an openly Christian character praying on-screen in a Pixar project? That’s definitely new.
The show’s creators, Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, have emphasized their goal of telling deeply personal, authentic stories. And for Laurie, that means faith isn’t just a background detail—it’s part of who she is. A small but intentional nod to this appears in her bedroom, where an angel figurine sits among her belongings, reinforcing that her faith isn’t a gimmick, but an intrinsic part of her life.
While it’s unclear if Laurie’s faith will be a recurring theme throughout the season or if this was a one-time moment, one thing is certain: Win or Lose is breaking new ground by simply letting a Christian character be a Christian.
In an entertainment landscape where faith representation often feels like an afterthought or controversy, Disney Pixar’s decision to include Laurie’s quiet but meaningful moment of prayer is a breath of fresh air. It’s not flashy, not forced, but real. And in a world where Christian kids rarely see themselves reflected positively on screen, that’s a win worth celebrating.
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