Los Angeles, CA – August 27, 2025
Chris Evans’s candid and fiery defense of LGBTQ+ representation in Pixar’s 2022 film Lightyear has resurfaced online, earning widespread praise as a “perfect response” to homophobic critics. The actor’s comments, originally made during the movie’s promotional tour, are gaining renewed attention following recent controversies, including backlash against Snoop Dogg for his remarks on a similar same-sex kiss scene in the film. Evans, who voiced the titular Buzz Lightyear, didn’t hold back in calling out detractors, labeling them “idiots” who are destined to “die off like dinosaurs” as society progresses toward greater inclusivity.
The buzz around Evans’s words stems from a viral BuzzFeed article published today, which highlights how his 2022 interview with Reuters has become a touchstone in ongoing discussions about queer visibility in media. In the interview, Evans addressed the controversy over a brief same-sex kiss between two female characters—Alisha Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba) and her wife—depicted in a montage of Hawthorne’s life milestones. The scene, which shows a loving, lifelong relationship, was initially cut by Disney but reinstated after protests from Pixar employees who accused the company of censoring “overtly gay affection” in its films.
“The real truth is those people are idiots,” Evans stated bluntly when asked about viewers opposing the representation. “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.” He elaborated that resistance to change is inevitable but fleeting: “There’s 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. I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.”
Evans also expressed frustration that such inclusivity even sparks debate. In a separate Variety interview, he said, “It’s wonderful, it makes me happy… [But] it’s tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion. That it is this kind of ‘news.’ The goal is that we can get to a point where it is the norm.” He emphasized the importance of diverse representation across all storytelling, adding, “Look, it’s an honor to be a part of something that is taking those steps, but the goal is to look back on this time and just be shocked that it took us this long to get there.”
The Lightyear controversy erupted in 2022 when the film was banned in over 14 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia, for “breaching media content regulations” related to depictions of homosexuality. Domestically, conservative commentators like Ben Shapiro decried it as Disney pushing a “not-so-secret gay agenda,” while the scene drew ire from some parents and online trolls. Producer Galyn Susman defended the inclusion, questioning why audiences get more upset over “failed relationships” than a supportive, enduring same-sex partnership that contrasts with Buzz’s own isolation: “We have a relationship here which lasts an entire lifetime. It’s loving, it’s supportive… We should all be so lucky to have that kind of relationship in our life.”
Evans, a longtime LGBTQ+ ally—his brother Scott Evans is openly gay—has been vocal about these issues before. He previously told TheFIX that supporting human rights, including those of the queer community, has never caused him professional backlash. His response to the Lightyear backlash aligns with broader industry shifts, as Disney faced employee walkouts over its initial support for Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill and subsequent donations to its backers.
The resurfacing of Evans’s comments comes amid Snoop Dogg’s recent podcast remarks, where he expressed being “scared to go to the movies” over the gay kiss in Lightyear, leading to calls for canceling his Australian Football League performance. Social media users on X have amplified Evans’s words, with many calling it a “mic drop” moment that perfectly encapsulates the need to ignore bigotry and push for normalization. One post noted, “Chris Evans said it best—those anti-gay critics are just dinosaurs waiting to go extinct.”
As Hollywood continues to grapple with representation, Evans’s unapologetic stance serves as a reminder of the cultural progress underway, even if it still provokes backlash. Lightyear ultimately grossed over $226 million worldwide despite the bans, proving that inclusive storytelling resonates with audiences. Fans hope Evans’s words inspire more creators to “march forward,” turning today’s “news” into tomorrow’s norm.