For more than a decade, fans of Disney movies have known TV sitcom star Tim Allen as the voice of Toy Story‘s venerable space cadet: Buzz Lightyear. But, now, that’s all changing.
https://twitter.com/toystory/status/1229103145588011008?s=20
First introduced to audiences in 1995, Buzz Lightyear became a staple of pop culture and a phenomenon among youngsters. His reign as one of the most popular children’s characters has continued through the years with the release of the three film sequels.
Now, Disney and Pixar have announced a fifth film, but it’s a specific spinoff that details how Buzz Lightyear came to be and reveals the origins of his character. Set to debut in June 2022, the new movie Lightyear explores the backstory of the human named Buzz Lightyear which the toy is based on.
Here’s a first look of the young test pilot that became the Space Ranger we all know him to be today. Lightyear launches into theaters June 17, 2022. pic.twitter.com/QfXnHsBLcO
— Pixar (@Pixar) December 11, 2020
In addition to announcing the new film, the studios also revealed that Tim Allen will no longer be voicing Buzz Lightyear and instead have replaced him with 39-year-old Captain America star Chris Evans.
“I’ve been a massive fan of their films since the very beginning,” Evans said on Instagram, adding that his team “could barely contain their excitement when they told me that Pixar had a pitch for me.”
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Fans across social media met the news with mixed emotions, many thrilled to hear of a new movie and to learn about the story behind Buzz and others upset to see Tim Allen no longer carry the role.
https://twitter.com/ewt_92/status/1337201863381422082?s=20
You cannot make a #BuzzLightyear film without #TimAllen voicing Buzz. I'm sorry, you just can't. pic.twitter.com/Hs15qcctMF
— Jack and Luke's Absolute Podcast (@PodcastAbsolute) December 11, 2020
There's a new buzzlightyear movie coming with Chris Evans as the voice of buzz!! IM SCREAMINGGGGG
This movie will be about the person who inspired buzzlightyear not the actual toy itself! pic.twitter.com/qGaRLzvodX
— 🎨 Art Community!🎨 (@ArtShareHub) December 11, 2020
Check out Tim Allen’s funny story about his use of Buzz Lightyear’s voice outside of the films below and let us know what you think of the change.