The issue is the film makers intention with this character was not “woke”, his role in the movie is to be a punching bag for fat jokes. Becoming a fat butterfly isn’t supposed to be inspiring or anything, you’re supposed to laugh at it. The anti-woke crowd doesn’t mind depictions of fat people when it’s part of a punchline. If the character would have “stirred controversy” now, it probably would have been for making fun of fat people, not for respectfully portraying a fat character.
My favourite part is when he turns into a butterfly and it’s this:
Funny how an overweight butterfly would not stir controversy back then. Awesomely woke this is.
Idk if that tracks, they kept making fun of his weight if anything.
The male lady bug plot though…
I should clarify indeed, two separate things:
The issue is the film makers intention with this character was not “woke”, his role in the movie is to be a punching bag for fat jokes. Becoming a fat butterfly isn’t supposed to be inspiring or anything, you’re supposed to laugh at it. The anti-woke crowd doesn’t mind depictions of fat people when it’s part of a punchline. If the character would have “stirred controversy” now, it probably would have been for making fun of fat people, not for respectfully portraying a fat character.