Pixar today released a queer-themed short animation on streaming service Disney+. Entitled Out, it’s part of Pixar’s SparkShorts series.
In the super-sweet, nine-minute movie, a man, Greg, frets about how to inform his parents he has a boyfriend. In a trailer released yesterday to social media, he’s seen looking a framed photo of him and his partner, named Manuel.
“Just look them in the eye and say ‘Mom, Dad, I’m…’” he says to himself, by way of a pep talk. Just then, the doorbell rings: Mom and dad have arrived, and Greg realizes he’s still holding the photo of himself and Manuel, which he – and his dog – tries to hide.
The latest heartwarming tale from @Pixar’s #SparkShorts. Start streaming Out tomorrow on #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/gRvBEdK1Iw
— Disney+ (@disneyplus) May 21, 2020
Greg’s parents have turned up to help him move into his new apartment, leading to a couple of incidents where he has to frantically hide some items that reveal his sexuality – including a calendar of hunky men!
The movie claims it’s ‘Based on a true story’, but given some of the more …erm, fantastical elements of the plot, we’re not entirely sure how true that is! However, without giving away further spoilers, it’s an adorable little animation that’s genuinely rather moving.
Out was written and directed by Steven Clay Hunter.
The trailers have prompted many comments on Disney+’s social media channels, with many applauding the streamer for featuring some LGBTQ representation.
Predictably, some are less happy. “Kids don’t need to see these sinful things,” said one commentator on Instagram. Expect pressure group One Million Moms to call for a boycott imminently!
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The SparkShorts series launched last year. They’re typically nine-minute films, created over a six-month time period with a limited budget. They allow new animators and creators to create “experimental storytelling” for the animation giant.
There have already been around half a dozen SparkShorts, with the first couple airing on Pixar’s YouTube channel, before switching to Disney+. Pixar is a subsidiary of Disney.
Related: Your first, flirty look at ‘Love, Victor’, the new ‘Love, Simon’ spin-off
The streamer launched last November and announced earlier this month it had already picked up 54million subscribers worldwide – an impressive figure after just six months. Netflix, which began streaming in 2007, has 183million worldwide.
Earlier this year, Disney+ faced some criticism after it was revealed it was placing its Love, Simon TV sequel, entitled Love, Victor, on its sister streaming service, Hulu.
Although being initially commissioned by Disney, industry insiders believe Disney executives felt the series, which features teens exploring their sexuality, marital issues and alcohol use, was more suited to Hulu. Some LGBTQ commentators took exception to Love, Victor being deemed not family-friendly enough for Disney+.
Love, Victor is set to debut on Hulu on June 19, 2020. Out is on Disney+ now.
Related: ‘Love, Simon’ sequel set to debut on TV in June for Pride Month
WashDrySpin
I am SERIOUSLY tired of Hollywood ONLY showing minority gays with a white gay as a coupling…there are millions of gay couples who are of the same race…but advertisements, movies, etc….NEVER show them unless they are promoting HIV medications
Catholicslutbox
Can’t blame them when rupaul is married to a white guy, that kimono queer eye guy is only interested in white dudes, todrick hall was/is with some white guy. It’s a common occurrence amongst the “Hollywood gays”
Buenosdias12
I remember in the old days it was called “GayPride” Pixar, congratulations on trying to cash in on gay pride. Best of luck to you, hope it makes millions for the company. Of course the money will be allocated to the many lgbtq youth who are living in the street. Thanks in advance for the generosity ?
chase_boston
Yab, good thing we can trust those corps to : first they throw us under then become their Wonder. (rinse&repeat) in the meantime a 15 yr run away, homeless in Hollywood is keeping warm snorting Opium.
Toofie
Cute! Great for Pixar!