In the current age of Hollywood, intellectual property (I.P.) is king, and I.P. is so lucrative, it always has to churn, never allowed to stay idle. So in the world of Pixar, which has been generally dedicated to original films, that means, as far as Disney is concerned, turning those original stories into money-making brands. Thus, we’re soon going to get “Lightyear,” a prequel film to the beloved Buzz Lightyear character featured in the “Toy Story” movies.
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But this isn’t a vehicle for Tim Allen; in this version, the new (original) character is played (voiced) by Chris Evans. Not exactly: Evans plays the hero that inspired the toy
Announced last year as part of Disney’s big Walt Disney’s Investors Day announcements, today, Disney and Pixar have unveiled the action-packed trailer, poster, and image for “Lightyear,” an original feature film opening in theaters on June 17, 2022. The sci-fi action-adventure presents the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear—the hero who inspired the toy—introducing the legendary Space Ranger who would win generations of fans.
Chris Evans (“Knives Out,” “Avengers: Endgame”) lends his voice to Buzz. “The phrase ‘a dream come true’ gets thrown around a lot, but I’ve never meant it more in my life,” says Evans. “Anyone who knows me knows that my love for animated films runs deep. I can’t believe that I get to be a part of the Pixar family and work with these truly brilliant artists who tell stories unlike anyone else. Watching them work is nothing short of magic. I pinch myself every day.”
Annie Award-winning director and veteran Pixar animator Angus MacLane, who co-directed 2016’s “Finding Dory,” helms “Lightyear.” Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot” short) produces. Watch the first teaser trailer below and get ready for next summer.
