Between the Game Awards andDisney’s own announcement event, December 10th of 2020 was an absolute avalanche of new reveals. Many were simply confirmations of already-known projects, but others were in the category of the completely unexpected. Pixar definitely lands on the latter side with its announcement of an actual Buzz Lightyear prequel movie.
Announced by Pixar director Pete Docter during 2020’s Disney Investor Day, the aptly namedLightyearwill focus on the backstory of belovedToy Storyfigure Buzz Lightyear as a character, rather than the toy version audiences have grown to love for over 25 years. Not only that, but the intrepid space ranger will also receive a new voice, courtesy of Captain America himself, Chris Evans.
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Long time fans of the character may remember the short-lived animated seriesBuzz Lightyear of Star Command, which featured the similar premise of Lightyear’s exploits with the titular peacekeeping organization. In the show, Lightyear himself was voiced by Patrick Warburton, providing the precedent for other actors besides Tim Allen to take on the role. It is unclear how much of the story from this series, if any, will be repurposed for the upcoming film, though the studio has confirmed that the movie will focus at least in part on the character’s origin as a young test pilot. But based on Pixar’s track record, fans can likely expect a few sneaky cameos orEaster eggsfromStar Command’s eclectic cast of alien and robotic denizens.
Pixar has dabbled in the worlds of prequels and spinoffs in the past, with movies likeMonsters Universityand the Disney+ seriesForky Asks a Question. However,Lightyearseems to be a special case, as it focuses on an entirely different version of a character from theToy Storyfilms, almost like an alternate dimension. In that way, it feels similar toMarvel’s upcomingWhat If…?series, which retells some of its established hero stories with substantial twists (like Peggy Carter taking the super serum instead of Steve Rogers).
Lightyearis just one of many unexpected announcements given during Disney’s event, and along with the rest, it almost feels like the equivalent of throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. From another newFantastic 4movie to anactualGuardians of the Galaxyholiday special, fans' confusion and surprise at these bombshells were only eclipsed by their excitement. Disney clearly knows its audience.
Hopefully, this project lives up to expectations, as well as the rest of the new shows and films that have entranced the eager fans. But however it turns out, it’s sure to take viewers to infinity and beyond, or at least to a modestly high number.
Lightyearis currently set to premiere on June 28, 2025.
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