WATCH: ‘Lightyear’ trailer with Chris Evans as real-life Space Ranger Buzz
Pixar has released the first full trailer for Lightyear, an origin story of the real-life Space Ranger who inspired the Buzz Lightyear character in the hit Toy Story franchise.
The animated sci-fi action movie stars Chris Evans in the titular voice role of the human astronaut Buzz, who eventually inspired the toy version in Andy’s world voiced by Tim Allen in previous Toy Story films and spinoffs.
To infinity…?? https://t.co/xpVkdrOaFk
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 8, 2022
While Toy Story 4 wrapped up the decades-long adventure of Woody and the rest of the gang of toys back in 2019, the animated prequel Lightyear is expected to bring new depth to the character behind the beloved Space Ranger of Star Command in his younger years.
Along with the trailer, Disney and Pixar also unveiled a brand-new poster for the film coming slated for a June 2022 release.
Ready for take-off ?Check out the brand-new poster for Disney and Pixar’s #Lightyear ?? pic.twitter.com/eKWMhhIm5Y
— Pixar (@Pixar) February 8, 2022
Set to David Bowie’s Starman, the Lightyear trailer released Tuesday (Feb. 8) follows the titular hero as he takes a first test flight “after a full year of being marooned on this planet.”
The trailer introduces the rest of the cast in the intergalactic journey, including the robot cat Sox, voiced by Peter Sohn and space ranger companions, voiced by Keke Palmer, Dale Soules, and Taika Waititi. The voice cast also includes Uzo Aduba, James Brolin, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Efren Ramirez and Isiah Whitlock Jr.
A familiar looking massive robot resembling Emperor Zurg also makes his first appearance in the trailer delighting veteran fans of the Toy Story franchise.
The animated film, which was first teased during Disney's Investor Day 2020, was written by Pete Docter, the Pixar veteran and three-time Oscar winner for Animated Feature (Soul, Inside Out and Up) who also shared an Original Screenplay Oscar nom for the original Toy Story.
“Buzz’s world was always something I was excited about,” said director Angus MacLane in a previous statement.
“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.”
Evans previously stated that animated movies were an enormous part of his childhood, and provided an escape and adventure, following the film's initial teaser 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. Whatching them work is nothing short of magic. I pinch myself everyday."
Watch the official trailer below.
Lightyear is set for a theatrical release on June 17, 2022.