Trans Voice Actor Zach Barack Defends ‘Paranormal Park’ Amid Netflix Backlash - Role “Saved Lives”

The animated series "Dead End: Paranormal Park", which debuted in 2022 on Netflix, has recently become the focal point of a social media firestorm after billionaire Elon Musk called for a boycott of the streaming service. Musk’s public statements followed revelations about controversial social media posts made by the show’s creator, Hamish Steele, as well as criticism regarding the series’ positive portrayal of transgender characters.

Musk’s repost of a user announcing their cancellation of Netflix subscriptions, captioned “same,” rapidly gained traction, amassing over 200,000 likes and leading to widespread calls for a boycott. The controversy centers not only on the creator’s comments but also on the show's inclusion of transgender themes and its representation of marginalized identities.

At the center of "Dead End: Paranormal Park" is Barney Guttman, a Jewish transgender teenager navigating supernatural adventures alongside his friends. The character is voiced by Zach Barack, who holds the distinction of being the first openly transgender actor cast in a Marvel film, "Spider-Man: Far From Home".

Barney’s coming-out scene, in which he shares his identity and affirms the importance of living unapologetically, has been praised by LGBTQ+ advocates for its authenticity and positive messaging. However, this depiction—intended to resonate with transgender youth—has drawn ire from critics who accuse Netflix of “promoting the transgender agenda” in children’s programming.

Amid the mounting backlash, Zach Barack has spoken publicly to affirm the significance of his role and the broader impact of authentic LGBTQ+ representation in media. Barack emphasized that Barney’s story has “saved lives,” referencing messages from viewers who found comfort and validation in the character’s journey.

hey, i play barney! im trans & have been out for 10 years. im happier than ive ever been & if someone had shown me this television program as a kid it wouldve saved me years of hating myself! you can fear monger all you want, but kids & parents have told me it saved their lives!! https://t.co/5bTC7nUMvk

— Zach Barack (@ZachBarack) October 1, 2025

The controversy has also led to targeted harassment of the show’s creator, Hamish Steele, who has received homophobic and antisemitic threats on social media platforms following Musk’s calls for a boycott. Steele responded to the situation on BlueSky, expressing frustration at the online vitriol and clarifying his stance regarding recent events. “My Instagram comments are now flooded with replies... all I can think of is Yvie Oddley shouting ‘WHAT HAS THAT GOT TO DO WITH ANYTHING?’” Steele wrote, highlighting the disconnect between the criticism and the show’s message.

Steele’s experience mirrors a broader trend of increased harassment targeting LGBTQ+ creators and content, a phenomenon documented by advocacy organizations and industry observers.

The cancellation of "Dead End: Paranormal Park" after two seasons has not diminished its cultural significance. LGBTQ+ organizations have repeatedly cited the series as a milestone for transgender representation in animated media. The show’s heartfelt approach to identity and inclusion has inspired conversations about the importance of visibility for marginalized groups, particularly trans youth.

Advocates note that backlash against such programming often overlooks the tangible benefits of representation, including improved mental health outcomes and reduced isolation for LGBTQ+ viewers. While the current debate highlights persistent divisions over media content, supporters of the show stress that “saving lives” through visibility and affirmation remains the most urgent priority.

Netflix has not issued a formal statement in response to the boycott campaign or the renewed scrutiny surrounding "Dead End: Paranormal Park". The series’ cancellation in 2022 was attributed to routine programming decisions, but the recent controversy has reignited debates about corporate responsibility and the role of streaming platforms in supporting LGBTQ+ creators.

Industry analysts observe that Musk’s boycott, while highly visible, is unlikely to significantly affect Netflix’s subscriber base. However, the situation underscores the volatility of online discourse and the vulnerability of marginalized creators to coordinated harassment campaigns.

As the conversation around "Dead End: Paranormal Park" continues, Zach Barack’s defense of his character and the show’s message stands as a testament to the power of affirming, inclusive storytelling. For many transgender viewers, Barney Guttman’s journey represents hope, resilience, and the possibility of living authentically—a message that, according to Barack, has saved lives and will continue to do so despite backlash.

LGBTQ+ advocates are calling on media companies to prioritize inclusion and provide safe platforms for marginalized voices. As debates over representation persist, the legacy of "Dead End: Paranormal Park" and its cast will remain a beacon for those seeking meaningful affirmation and visibility in mainstream entertainment.