Lightyear star Chris Evans calls critics of on-screen acting idiots

LOS ANGELES, June 14 (Reuters) – The Walt Disney Company (DIS.N) Pixar’s new animated movie “Lightyear” features a gay couple, and is the company’s latest move to bring non-traditionally represented groups to the big screen.

Actor Chris Evans, who voiced the main character in Lightyear, praised movements that reflect all kinds of people, and said those who react negatively should be ignored.

“The real truth is that these are idiots,” Evans said in an interview with Reuters Television ahead of the movie “Lightyear” in theaters on Friday.

“Every time there is social progress while we wake up, the American story, the human story is one of continuous social awakening and growth and that’s what makes us good,” he added.

“Lightyear” was banned in the United Arab Emirates because it depicted homosexuality, and Disney was unable to obtain permission to show the film in 13 other countries in the Middle East and Asia L1N2XW2X0.

The movie is Pixar’s imagination of the movie that inspired the game version of Buzz Lightyear featured in the popular “Toy Story” franchise.

Evans is voiced by Buzz Lightyear, a legendary space ranger. Buzz’s best friend in the movie is a space guard who marries another woman. A scene showing milestones in the couple’s relationship that includes a short kiss.

“There will always be people who are afraid and unaware and trying to hold on to what was before,” Evans said. “But these people are dying like dinosaurs.” “I think the point is to give them no attention, to move forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.”

Producer Galyn Susman asked why viewers aren’t more upset about showing failed relationships.

At Lightyear, “We have a relationship here that will last a lifetime. She’s loving and supportive and shows Buzz exactly what he doesn’t have and that’s the point.”

“We should all be fortunate to have this kind of relationship in our lives,” she added.

(Reporting by Lisa Richwin) Editing by Mark Porter

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