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Disney’s ‘Strange World’ to Feature Gay Teen Love Story

Strange World, the latest Disney feature film set to premiere November 23, 2022, will feature an LGBTQ love story centered around the gay teenage character Ethan Clade.

Strange World, the 61st animated film for the Walt Disney Animation Studio, invites viewers into a Jules Verne-inspired realm that blends elements of fantasy, cyber-punk, and science fiction. The infamous Clade family of world-renowned adventures, scientists, pilots, and agriculturalists journey into an unusual planet with larger-than-life creatures.

Watch Strange World | Full movie | Disney+

Credit: Disney

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The adventure film boasts a diverse cast, with director Don Hall of Moana (2016) and Big Hero 6 (2014) fame, and Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)’s writer Qui Nguyen. As three generations of Clades take on this strange, new climate, they also grapple with their differences within the hostile environment and must come together as a family in order to not just survive, but thrive.

For the young Ethan, his adventures in this never-before-seen universe full of fantastic flora and fauna are complicated by his personal struggles. You see, Ethan has a crush on his fellow classmate, Diazo.

Strange World | Disney Movies

Credit: Disney

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The two already have a friendly connection, and Ethan stresses over its potential to blossom into a romance. However, Ethan will not struggle to accept himself or come out to his family on screen.

Instead, Ethan receives nothing but acceptance and encouragement from his family on his choice of a same-sex partner, which is a refreshing and unique turn for coming-of-age queer media. Jaboukie Young-White, who voices Ethan, says he appreciates Strange World’s themes of familial support present within the LGBTQ representation.

disney strange world

Credit: Disney

In addition to the Clade family, Disney’s Strange World also features their three-legged dog and a mischievous blue blob that gets them into trouble, as shown in a teaser clip released recently by Disney. Says Young-White on the outcome of Ethan’s romantic ordeal:

“I thought that was pretty cool. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of, and something I wish I could have seen when I was that age.”

Fans of all kinds can experience Strange World from the Walt Disney Studios in theaters on November 23.

About Spencer Beck

Spencer is a lifelong lover of theme parks, princesses, and Disney history that recently relocated to Northern California. She completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA, where she was the founder and first president of the campus Disney Club. A former Cast Member still mourning the loss of the Disney Store, she now haunts the halls of the Walt Disney Family Museum, and shares her opinions with anyone who will listen @pinknpurble everywhere.