Chris Evans defends Buzz Lightyear spin-off against anti-gay critics – calling them ‘idiots’ | News about Ant-Man & Art

Actor Chris Evans has criticized people who react negatively to films that reflect traditionally underrepresented groups of people, calling them “idiots” who will “die like dinosaurs.” “.

The Hollywood star voiced the young Buzz Lightyear in the animated film Toy Story Lightyear, which was banned in the United Arab Emirates because it depicts a kiss between two female characters.

Speaking of those who were against the move to reflect different groups on screen, Evans told Reuters TV: “The real truth is those people are idiots.”

Evans added: “Whenever there’s been social progress when we wake up, the American story, the human story, is one of continual social awakening and evolving, and that’s what’s going on. make us good.”

Lightyear, the character’s origin story, will open in theaters on Thursday.

In addition to being banned in the UAE, which includes Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Disney was also unable to secure the rights to show Pixar movies in 13 other Middle Eastern and Asian countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Lebanon. .

The Media Management Office of the UAE Ministry of Youth and Culture said the film was “not licensed for public viewing” due to “violation of the country’s media content standards”.

Buzz’s best friend in the film is a space ranger married to another woman, and a scene showing key moments throughout the couple’s relationship includes a brief kiss.

“There are always people who are scared, not aware and try to hold on to what was before. But those people die like dinosaurs,” Evans said. “I think the goal is to leave them alone, to move forward and embrace the growth that makes us who we are.”

Producer Galyn Susman questioned why viewers “didn’t find it sadder to show failed relationships”.

She said Lightyear shows a relationship that “lasts a lifetime”, is “loving” and “supportive” – ​​showing Buzz “exactly what he’s not and that’s the whole point”.

“We should all be so lucky to have such a relationship in our lifetime.”

On Monday, Evans surprised young patients at a pre-screening for the film, welcoming families at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London at the hospital’s CW + MediCinema – one of six cinema in a hospital that the charity runs in the UK.

The Captain America star spent time chatting with patients and signing posters before attending the premiere in London later that evening.