Disney and Pixar Want More Diverse Characters, According to John Lasseter
During a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival for their latest animated offering, Inside Out, Pixar chief John Lassester spoke about Disney and Pixar's aim in creating more diverse characters.
“It’s very important to us... to have female and ethnic characters,” said Lasseter, “It’s grown in importance over time. As you’ll see in future films, we’re really paying attention to that.” He went on to discuss when he started in the business there was distinct lack of females working behind the camera, "We have been seeing more and more women, and more and more people from all over the world starting to work with it,” Lasseter said. “That’s exciting. I think it will get reflected in the characters.”
Later in the press conference, Lasseter spoke about Disney's upcoming animated film, Moana which is about a Polynesian princess as a strong example of their want for more diverse characters. “It’s pretty spectacular,” he said. “I guess most people think of fairy tales as European fairy tales. We’re trying to reach out and find origins of legends all over the world.”
Pixar's latest, Inside Out, is set in the mind of a young girl, as her emotions — such as Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith) and Disgust (Mindy Kaling) — embark on an adventure after her family moves to a new home. The movie will premiere out-of-competition at the Cannes Film Festival and is scheduled for release on June 16, 2015.
