Pixar Animation Studios is set to debut its first-ever original series, Win or Lose, on Disney+ starting February 19. This uniquely animated show follows eight different characters as they navigate the emotions leading up to their championship softball game. From anxious young athletes to over-involved parents—and even an umpire caught up in romance—the series offers a variety of perspectives on competition and personal growth. A trailer, along with key art and still images, is now available via recent Walt Disney Company press release.
The concept of Win or Lose was shaped by co-creators Carrie Hobson (Lightyear, Luca) and Michael Yates (Soul, Turning Art), who previously worked together as story artists on Toy Story 4. Their own workplace conversations inspired the series’ narrative approach. “We would leave the same meeting with totally different impressions—one of us thinking it went great, the other feeling the complete opposite,” Yates explained. “That realization—that our individual experiences shape how we interpret events—became the foundation for this series.”
Photo via Walt Disney Studios
Photo via Walt Disney Company
For Hobson, her background in softball helped solidify the show’s setting. “I played softball growing up. Inspired by that experience, we felt fast-pitch softball was the perfect backdrop for the show. There are so many facets to playing sports that I love—it can bring out the best and worst of a person, the calmest person can lose their temper. And when it comes to winning and losing—the consequences are nothing, and yet, they’re everything. We really felt like it was the best arena for the themes we loved.”
However, the series has also faced controversy after Pixar reportedly removed transgender character from the final version of Win or Lose, a decision that has sparked discussion among fans and critics.
Featuring a voice cast that includes Will Forte (The Last Man on Earth), Rosie Foss (The Conners), Josh Thomson (Kiri and Lous), Milan Elizabeth Ray (The Wonder Years), Rosa Salazar (Undone) and Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul), Win or Lose blends humor, heartfelt moments and a visually distinct style. The series is produced by David Lally (Inside Out), with music composed by Ramin Djawadi (Game of Thrones), who also collaborated with CAMPFIRE on original songs.