Win or Lose is now streaming on Disney+. Co-creators Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates were tasked with not only bringing Pixar’s first series to Disney+ but also building on the legacy of the storied animation studio. With the arrival of Win or Lose on Disney+, Disney shared about bringing this series to the streaming service.
“We grew up watching Pixar films so being able to be added to the legacy of the studio has been amazing, but also really big shoes to fill,” Hobson and Yates said. “As our Executive VP of Production, Jonas Rivera, once told us, ‘Pixar only gets so many ‘first-ever’ moments, so you know, just make sure our first-ever original series is as good as Toy Story.’”
Hobson and Yates added, “we came to work very sweaty after that.”
Win or Lose shares how eight different characters prepare for a big championship softball game. These stories are intertwined and include insecure kids, helicopter parents, and even a lovesick umpire. The series features the voice talents of Will Forte, Rosie Foss, Josh Thomson, Milan Elizabeth Ray, and others.
“We knew from the beginning we wanted to have all the hallmarks of a Pixar film — humor, heart, and creativity,” the two said. “We came to the table also knowing we wanted to tell the types of stories we couldn’t tell in a film format. Which included multi-protagonists, nonlinear storytelling, and really just pushing the tone to be more outside of the box.”
The intertwining storytelling was inspired by the co-creators’ time working at Pixar.
“Before making the show, we were office mates and we’d often walk out of a meeting with vastly different impressions of how it went,” they said. “We were fascinated with the idea that everyone kind of lives inside their own perspectives. We felt the only way to truly experience this was to intertwine the stories.”
Win or Lose is a “first” for Pixar Animation Studios. However, it was inspired by “quite a few Disney/Pixar films,” Hobson and Yates shared.
“But if we have to pick a joint favorite that we both return to, it’s The Incredibles — the boldness of the storytelling stands alone even today.”
The duo hopes that Win or Lose will help people see the world through different points of view.
“Win or Lose has always been about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes and seeing life the way they see it,” they said. “We hope the show gives people this opportunity in a way only animation can do. We also just hope you have a good time and relate to our characters.”
Have you watched Win or Lose on Disney+ yet? If so, what did you think of it? If not, are you going to? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
