‘Lightyear’ Trailer: Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi & More Lend Their Voices For Pixar’s ‘Toy Story’ Spinoff

The “Toy Story” franchise holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people. So, you can’t blame Disney for wanting to keep that series going. However, for its latest “Toy Story” film, “Lightyear,” the studio has decided to go in a different direction. 

Instead of a new adventure with Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and the rest of the toy gang, “Lightyear” is a spinoff telling the story of the person who inspired the Buzz Lightyear toy. As the new trailer shows, Angus MacLane’s animated film feels like a mix of Marvel and “Star Wars,” delivering a family-friendly space adventure with one of the most recognizable heroes in film. 

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“Buzz’s world was always something I was excited about,” said director MacLane. “In ‘Toy Story,’ there seemed to be this incredible backstory to him being a Space Ranger that’s only touched upon, and I always wanted to explore that world further. So my ‘Lighytear’ pitch was, ‘What was the movie that Andy saw that made him want a Buzz Lightyear toy?’ I wanted to see that movie. And now I’m lucky enough to get to make it.”

As is obvious when you hear him speak, Buzz Lightyear is voiced by Chris Evans, who has already made a career out of voicing team leaders and heroes as Captain America in the MCU. Joining Evans in the cast are Keke Palmer, Dale Soules, Taika Waititi, Peter Sohn, Uzo Aduba, James Brolin, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Efren Ramirez, and Isiah Whitlock Jr.

“Lightyear” is expected to arrive in theaters on June 17. That is, as long as Disney allows it to, as the last several Pixar films, including next month’s “Turning Red,” have been sent directly to Disney+. However, with the “Toy Story” franchise being one of the most beloved animated film series of all time, it would seem silly not to give “Lightyear” a full theatrical release.

You can watch the new trailer below: