Pixar and Disney are returning to the extremely popular Toy Story franchise to offer fans a look at the backstory of one of their favorite characters. Lightyear will narrate the story of the fictional space ranger, portrayed by Chris Evans, who inspired the production of Buzz Lightyear, one of the protagonist toys that first appeared in 1995's Toy Story. The first teaser trailer for Lightyear has just been released and is bound to induce some nostalgia among the fans of the original franchise.
The Lightyear trailer shared by Pixar introduces fans to the astronaut, who has an uncanny resemblance to the toy that went viral in the '90s. His oversized chin, large shoulders, and quirky personality will remind viewers of the Buzz Lightyear action figure from the Toy Story films. It seems like the film will explain what drove toy manufacturers to turn Lightyear into a toy.
The trailer begins with Lightyear getting into a futuristic spaceship and being launched into space, speeding towards the sun, before changing course to travel elsewhere. The remaining video offers snippets from the upcoming film, including a hilarious interaction between Lightyear and a robotic cat. Several androids make an appearance, which hints at a modern timeline. Accompanying the stunning visuals is David Bowie's classic song "Starman."
Based on the short teaser trailer, Lightyear promises to be a visual treat for viewers, with several visually fantastic shots of the astronaut either in space or at a modern facility, often joined by other officers. Just as the trailer is about to end, the most popular Buzz Lightyear catchphrase is dropped by a character, “to infinity and...” Unfortunately, the trailer ends before Evans can add “beyond,” working as the perfect tease to attract fans of the original Toy Story series. At this point, fans also get to see Lightyear in the iconic spacesuit from the Toy Story films.
The origin story film Lightyear was first announced during Disney Investor Day back in December 2020. When the news broke, Evans had shared an image of Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story on his Instagram account and confirmed that he was excited to voice the character. He had revealed that working with Pixar was a “dream come true,” and that he couldn’t put his excitement into words. “I smile every time I think about it,” he wrote at the time.
Lightyear premieres in theaters on June 17th, 2022.
Source: Pixar/YouTube