The scene has been deleted.
A fake blooper scene that played over the closing credits of Toy Story 2, featuring a casting couch scenario, has been deleted by Disney from the latest home releases of the animated film.
The deleted scene appeared during a gag reel in the end credits, which shows blooper-style scenes involving the film’s animated characters. It depicts the character Stinky Pete the Prospector, voiced by Kelsey Grammer, flirting with two Barbie dolls.
“So you two are absolutely identical,” Stinky Pete says in the clip.
“You know, I’m sure I could get you a part in ‘Toy Story 3.” Pete then panics when he realises the camera is on him and says nervously, “I’m sorry, are we back? Lovely time talking with you, yes, any time you’d like some tips on acting, I’d be happy to talk with you.”
Here’s the scene in full.
Clip via Soundtracks
Film fans will know that earlier Pixar films frequently had faux outtakes and bloopers that played alongside the closing credits.
The outtakes usually made fun of Hollywood and the film industry at large.
However, following the various stories that have emerged about sexual misconduct in Hollywood and the widespread condemnation of these actions by the #MeToo movement, the scene was deemed to be inappropriate.
Two years ago, John Lasseter, best known as one of the founders of Pixar and the director of Toy Story and Toy Story 2, took a leave of absence from the company after acknowledging “painful” conversations and unspecified “missteps.”
He later resigned from the company in June 2018.
When the allegations were initially made, Lasseter released the following memo to his staff:
“I have always wanted our animation studios to be places where creators can explore their vision with the support and collaboration of other gifted animators and storytellers. This kind of creative culture takes constant vigilance to maintain. It’s built on trust and respect, and it becomes fragile if any members of the team don’t feel valued. As a leader, it’s my responsibility to ensure that doesn’t happen; and I now believe I have been falling short in this regard.
“I’ve recently had a number of difficult conversations that have been very painful for me. It’s never easy to face your missteps, but it’s the only way to learn from them. As a result, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the leader I am today compared to the mentor, advocate and champion I want to be.
“It’s been brought to my attention that I have made some of you feel disrespected or uncomfortable. That was never my intent. Collectively, you mean the world to me, and I deeply apologise if I have let you down. I especially want to apologise to anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of an unwanted hug or any other gesture they felt crossed the line in any way, shape, or form. No matter how benign my intent, everyone has the right to set their own boundaries and have them respected.
“In my conversations with Disney, we are united in our commitment to always treat any concerns you have with the seriousness they deserve, and to address them in an appropriate manner. We also share a desire to reinforce the vibrant, respectful culture that has been the foundation of our studios’ success since the beginning. And we agree the first step in that direction is for me to take some time away to reflect on how to move forward from here.
“As hard as it is for me to step away from a job I am so passionate about and a team I hold in the highest regard, not just as artists but as people, I know it’s the best thing for all of us right now. My hope is that a six-month sabbatical will give me the opportunity to start taking better care of myself, to recharge and be inspired, and ultimately return with the insight and perspective I need to be the leader you deserve.
“I’m immensely proud of this team, and I know you will continue to wow the world in my absence. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and look forward to working together again in the new year.”
Lasseter has since been appointed Animation head at Skydance Animation.
Toy Story 4 was recently released in Irish cinemas and it broke the domestic record for the biggest ever three-day opening weekend for an animated film.
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