A same-sex kiss in new Disney Pixar movie Lightyear has seen the film hit with criticism from those who believe LGBTQ+ representation has no place in a big screen feature.
Banned from several countries, including the United Arab Emirates and China, Disney have rejected censorship requests and insisted that if the movie is to be seen, it is to be seen in its entirety.
Speaking in an interview with Reuters Television, Evans said of the backlash: "The real truth is those people are idiots.
"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."
He then got a little blunter, adding: "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."
He wasn't the only member of the Lightyear creative team to speak out, as producer Galyn Susman questioned why viewers "don't get more upset showing failed relationships".
Susman said of the same-sex relationship in the film: "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."
There was already controversy surrounding the film, as it was revealed earlier this year that the same-sex kiss had originally been cut. Eventually it was reinstated, with Susman telling the media in a Q&A: "They've always been a part of the film; being able to put back the kiss was important to us".
She concluded: "It's a touching moment. It helps Buzz to see the life that's being lived in front of him by his best friend that he's not having.
"He doesn't have those kinds of relationships. He doesn't have a child; he doesn't have what she has. And so it was important for us to get that back in there and we're really excited about that."
Lightyear is out now in cinemas across the UK.
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