In 2012, children’s movies avoided gay characters. ParaNorman snuck in a revolutionary moment: the buff, heroic jock sidekick—Mitch—reveals at the end of the film that he has a girlfriend... named "Joe." He says it casually, and the film moves on. It is not a "lesson." It is just representation. Watching the cut reveals that this moment was almost cut by the studio, but Laika fought to keep it.
Here is a deep dive into why this film continues to be a must-watch and what makes the full experience so enduring. The Story: A Boy Who Sees More paranorman full
Whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer searching for a high-quality animated feature, ParaNorman is a journey worth taking in its entirety. In 2012, children’s movies avoided gay characters