Pixar’s origin story ‘Lightyear’ stars Chris Evans as real-life astronaut Buzz
Chris Evans is stepping into the shoes of Buzz Lightyear as he goes to infinity and beyond in 2022.
The Captain America star is voicing the Space Ranger that inspired Woody’s action figure pal in the popular Toy Story franchise in Pixar’s upcoming origin story, titled Lightyear.
Pixar released the first trailer for the animated, family-friendly, sci-fi film on Wednesday (Oct. 27), along with a new poster.
Lightyear will not be following the toy version of Buzz famously voiced by Tim Allen in the Toy Story franchise across four movies, from the original 1995 hit film to Toy Story 4 in 2019.
The 2022 film introduces the “real-life” human astronaut in Andy’s world whose adventures inspired the toy line seen in the Toy Story films.
Prepare for ignition. ??? Check out the new poster for #Lightyear pic.twitter.com/JMwcDOJA2j
— Pixar (@Pixar) October 27, 2021
In the trailer, we see the real-life astronaut suit up for what looks like a dangerous and daring space mission. He boards a space shuttle, with a ground control crew watching, as it blasts off into space.
Set to the tune of David Bowie’s “Starman,” Buzz Lightyear explores alien planets, learns about space travel from a robot cat companion, and suits up in the iconic green-and-white space suit.
Lightyear, first announced nearly a year ago at the 2020 Disney Investor Day, has Chris Evans taking over the voice of the human character, jumping from the Marvel Cinematic Universe right into the Pixar headquarters.
"Animated movie [sic] were an enormous part of my childhood. They were my escape. My adventures. My dreams," Evans posted on Twitter Wednesday following the trailer's release.
"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. Whatchign them work is nothing short of magic. I pinch myself everyday."
Animated movie were an enormous part of my childhood. They were my escape. My adventures. My dreams.
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) October 27, 2021
They were my first window into the magic of storytelling and performing.
To @pixar and @AngusMacLane:
‘Thank you’ doesn’t even come close❤️#Lightyear pic.twitter.com/DD1N7aYhKT
Aside from Lightyear, the Captain America star has a number of projects in the pipeline including spy adventure The Gray Man, which reunites him with Avengers directors Joe and Anthony Russo, and Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence.
Check out the teaser trailer below.
Lightyear is scheduled to blast into theaters on June 17, 2022.