‘Lightyear’: Here's how the restored kissing scene plays a major part in film's plot
The ‘Toy Story’ universe films have been a major part of every fan’s childhood whilst growing up. Disney’s highly anticipated animated fantasy film ‘Lightyear’ is being awaited by all avid fans across the globe. The film is releasing globally on June 17, 2022, in theatres.
‘Lightyear’ is one of the biggest ever Disney films of this year which has been made on a lavish scale of over $200 million. The film tells the origin story of Buzz Lightyear who is more human and tends to be a loner at times. The plot of the film revolves around the young astronaut Buzz Lightyear who after getting stranded on a hostile planet with his commander and the entire crew tries to find his way back home by gallivanting through space and time whilst also tackling a threat related to Universe’s safety. Before the film ‘Lightyear’ hits theatres in a few days, fans can also watch these animation fantasy films like ‘Tokyo Godfathers’, ‘Soul’ and ‘Animal Crackers’ to satiate themselves creatively.
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Previously, Disney had cut the same-sex kiss scene from the film but then had to face wrath from Pixar employees who threatened them to take action after the awful ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill controversy which is why after their open public letter to the company about the same, the lesbian kissing scene got restored back within the film ‘Lightyear’. Very few people know about this but it is the first time ever that Disney / Pixar has actually allowed a proper lesbian kissing scene in their film feeling it to be an integral part of the storyline as the producer Galyn Susman explained in her interview.
Opening up on how the now restored kissing scene is actually a major part of the film’s plot and why was it so important to the film, in a recent press screening Q&A as per /Film, film producer Galyn Susman said, “We've always had the lesbian couple. They've always been a part of the film. Being able to put back the kiss was important to us -- it's a touching moment. It helps Buzz to see what it is that he's missing. It's the life that's being lived in front of him by his best friend that he's not having. He doesn't have those kinds of relationships. He doesn't have a child. He doesn't have what she has. And so it was important for us to get that back in there. And we're really excited about that”.
In another interview, opening up in more depth about the beautiful moment between Alisha Hawthorne and her partner which is seen during that kiss scene in the film, producer Galyn Susman also shared, “Alisha, Buzz's best friend, Buzz's commander, is the heart of act one. She represents everything that Buzz doesn't have, everything that Buzz gives up in his singular pursuit of fixing his mistake. It was really important for us that we had a relationship — that we showed a life, a full life, well-lived. And so, the kiss is a poignant moment within a whole montage of showing all that Buzz didn't have by being so singularly focused. We think it's really beautiful and hope that everybody enjoys it”.
In a new recent interview with Variety, Chris Evans opened up on his reaction to the restored kissing scene in ‘Lightyear’ and said, “I mean, it’s great. As great as it is — and you know, I’ve been asked the question a few times — it’s nice, and it’s wonderful, it makes me happy. It’s tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion. That it is this kind of “news”. The goal is that we can get to a point where it is the norm, and that this doesn’t have to be some uncharted waters, that eventually this is just the way it is. That representation across the board is how we make films. Look, it’s an honor to be a part of something that is taking those steps, but the goal is to look back on this time and just be shocked that it took us this long to get there”.
‘Lightyear’ has been helmed by Angus McLane. The screenplay of the film has been written by Angus McLane and Jason Headley. The film has been backed by production companies Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios. The film has been produced by Galyn Susman.
The cast of ‘Lightyear’ includes Chris Evans who will be voicing the main protagonist Buzz Lightyear, Keke Palmer who would be the voice of Izzy Hawthorne, Keira Hairston voicing the animated character of young Izzy, Uzo Aduba as the voice of Alisha Hawthorne who is Buzz’s best friend and also one of Izzy’s grandmothers.