A debate is brewing about whether ‘toon hitmakers Pixar are unfairly focusing on male heroes for their films.

Both sides are arguing their case, and while all the leads from the team’s movies are unquestionably male, they haven’t skimped on great female characters. Let’s look at the list...

The Girl: Bo Peep, Toy Story (1995)

Why They're Great: Bo Peep is traditionally limited to the old nursery rhyme about the muddy-headed shepherdess who can’t keep track of a few sheep.

When everyone knows sheep are pretty stupid and generally roam about eating and bleating and not doing much else.

But in Toy Story, John Lasseter and co give her a twist as a toy – she’s headstrong, the voice of reason and a credible love interest for Woody (Tom Hanks). And she’s a take-charge kind of gal – using her crook to grab the lad when she’s after a little alone time.

How It Would've Been Different If They Were A Bloke: We worry that without a balancing, level-headed female around to curb their wilder instincts, the toys would turn into a Lord Of The Flies-style pack and roast Buzz on arrival just to see his smug plastic face melt.

Children everywhere: traumatised. It would be funny, though.

Next: Princess Atta