The animated series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, which has been praised for its exploration of diverse themes, is currently facing controversy surrounding its final season. An episode titled The Gatekeeper, which centers on a transgender character, has reportedly been withheld from airing by Disney. Scheduled to air next year on the Disney Channel and Disney Plus, the episode’s exclusion has raised concerns among creators and advocates within the LGBTQ+ community.
The series follows the adventures of Lunella Lafayette, a highly intelligent 13-year-old girl voiced by Diamond White, accompanied by her pet dinosaur, Devil, voiced by Fred Tatasciore. Throughout its run, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur has tackled significant societal issues, including race, class, and gentrification. The now-withheld episode, "The Gatekeeper," further delves into contemporary discussions surrounding gender identity and transphobia.
In the storyline, Lunella and several members of her school’s volleyball team, including team captain Brooklyn, who is portrayed by Indya Moore, encounter hostility from a rival school’s coach, Greer, voiced by Amy Sedaris. The episode's narrative follows Greer's attempts to undermine and disqualify Brooklyn based on her previously playing on a boys' soccer team, revealing the prejudices that can arise in sports and the underlying bigotry that influences such actions. The community recognises Greer’s motivations as rooted in unfounded fears of losing rather than any genuine concern regarding fairness or competition.
Leaked snippets of The Gatekeeper suggest it presents an empowering message, showcasing pride flags and a prominent musical element featuring Charli XCX’s song Unlock it (Lock It), which aligns with the theme of escaping from confines and celebrating identity. The episode emphasizes camaraderie among the girls as they overcome obstacles, affirming their support for one another in the face of adversity.
The decision to withhold the episode has generated discussions among fans and creators alike about the potential implications for representations of trans characters in media. The context of "Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur" is critical, as it aims to provide a space for younger audiences to engage with discussions of acceptance, identity, and resilience. This situation raises questions about the broader dynamics at play concerning representation and the challenges that creators face in portraying complex identities in contemporary children's programming.
Source: Noah Wire Services