Actor Chris Evans from Pixar's newly released Lightyear responded to criticism for the film featuring a gay couple and kiss.
"The real truth is those people are idiots," Evans said. "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."
"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, previously known for his portrayal of Marvel's Captain America, voices Buzz Lightyear in the film.
Producer Galyn Susman also responded to criticism of the film, asking why viewers "don't get more upset showing failed relationships."
"We have a relationship (in Lightyear) which lasts an entire lifetime," Susman said of the gay couple in Lightyear. "It's loving, it's supportive and it shows Buzz exactly what he doesn't have and that's the whole point."
"We should all be so lucky to have that kind of relationship in our life."
Originally, the gay kiss reportedly was not going to be in the movie. However, the kiss was "restored" allegedly after pushback from Pixar employees months ago, during the Parental Rights in Education (also called the "Don't Say Gay") bill saga.
"Following the uproar surrounding the Pixar employees' statement and Disney CEO Bob Chapek's handling of the 'Don't Say Gay' bill, however, the kiss was reinstated into the movie last week," Variety reported in March.
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