Gabrielle Union Opposes Bill “Don’t Say Gay” at Disney Premiere – The Hollywood Reporter

One just has to look through the ads for the new Disney movie Cheaper than a dozen to gather that this is not a one-to-one reboot of the classic franchise.

Directed by Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union, the Gail Lerner-directed film features a cross-cultural cast who work together to tell the story of the Baker family blending life, laughter, and overcoming any challenge that comes their way. life in Los Angeles today. On closer inspection, the screenplay by Kenya Barris, Jennifer Rice-Genzuk Henry and Craig Titley, reveals how the creative team faced those challenges through scenes that tackle racism, prejudice, and prejudice. race, depression, bullying and addiction.

“We have a mix of races, cultures, with many different abilities,” Union said. The Hollywood Reporter Wednesday night while standing on the red carpet before the world premiere at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre. “We raised our children together. We show you the fun of all of this, some of the challenge, and we do it in an age-appropriate, family-friendly way but we don’t shy away from anything. ”

Union also doesn’t want to shy away from another pressing issue of the moment, especially when standing on the red carpet for a Disney movie with her family standing on her shoulders. She also faced it by bringing up the controversy surrounding Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which imposes restrictions on classroom teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity, a personal matter as she was her husband’s stepmother. Dwayne Wade’s transgender daughter Zaya Wade. The family also owns a home in Florida, where Wade was a superstar NBA player for the Miami Heat.

“Kenya Barris and his screenwriter partner, Jennifer G. Henry, wrote a great script. They went on, they said, ‘Do you want a star in the field and run the product?’ I said, ‘Bet.’ There were a few caveats, but no, basically what I read is what you see,” said Union, detailing the signing for the movie that will premiere on Disney+. “I’m incredibly proud of this, especially right now, because we actually say gay.”

Union was then asked how she handled the moment amid a wave of conservative legislation targeting LGBTQ+ youth in states like Florida, Texas and Georgia. “I don’t want to say shock because hate doesn’t shock me at this point. I’ve been a black woman in America since 72. Nothing shocked me, but fear took hold of me because I knew what this led to,” she explained. “Every moment in history, there has been this moment. We know how this ends. We know where hatred and oppression lead. And it can start now with the LGBTQIA community, but if you think it’s just a surname problem. Oh baby, you’re next. ”

Though she didn’t name Disney, Union later urged corporations to do more than post on social media. “If you’re going to take a stance and focus on diversity and inclusion – and it’s not just about black boxes after the death of George Floyd – you need to really put your money,” she said. . “You cannot fight hate and oppression and support hate and oppression. That doesn’t work. Obviously, our family has a big highlight. My child is an only child. There are countless children who deserve peace and the ability to survive and thrive in this world, just like everyone else. And if you think your kid isn’t next, you’re sadly mistaken. “