'Lightyear': Cast, date, plot and all the latest buzz around 'Toy Story' spinoff
"To infinity and beyond!" This iconic line was heard for the first time in the 1995 Pixar flick 'Toy Story.' With a voice cast that included Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Don Rickles, among others, 'Toy Story' was a commercial success, spawning 3 sequels.
This time around, Disney and Pixar have decided to work on an origin film of one of the key characters, and boy are we excited about this one! Titled 'Lightyear,' the upcoming animated film focuses on Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy voiced by Tim Allen in the 'Toy Story' films. However, this isn't the first time Disney is putting out an origin story as it has already churned out films such as 'Cruella,' 'Maleficent,' 'Monsters University,' 'Finding Dory,' and 'Frozen 2.' Read on to know about the cast, date, plot, and all the latest buzz around the 'Toy Story' spinoff!
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When does Chris Evans' 'Lightyear' release on Disney+?
When does 'Lightyear' release and where can you watch it?
'Lightyear' is slated to release in theatres on June 17, 2022. The 'Toy Story' spinoff will be available in RealD 3D, 3D, 4DX, Dolby Cinema, and IMAX formats. It happens to be Disney's first theatrical release since 'Onward' in 2020.
What is 'Lightyear' all about?
The official synopsis reads, "The definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, Lightyear follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda."
Who stars in 'Lightyear'?
Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear
Known best for playing Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe from 2011, Evans is an American actor who began his career with roles in TV shows such as 'Opposite Sex.' Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1981, Evans is the son of Lisa, an artistic director, and Bob, a dentist. He has 3 siblings - 2 sisters and a brother. He was bitten by the acting bug as a child and he spent the summer before his senior year in New York City, taking classes at the Lee Strasberg Film Institute.
Before donning the Captain America suit, Evans had played The Human Torch in 'Fantastic Four' and 'Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.' He also appeared in live-action adaptations of 'The Loser' and 'Scott Pilgrim vs The World.' Chris Evans signed a multi-film deal with Marvel Studios in 2010, playing Cap Am in 'Captain America: The First Avenger,' 'The Avengers,' 'Thor: The Dark World,' 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier,' 'Avengers: Age of Ultron,' 'Ant-Man,' 'Captain America: Civil War,' 'Spider-Man: Homecoming,' 'Avengers: Infinity War,' 'Captain Marvel,' and 'Avengers: Endgame.' Chris Evans has voiced Buzz Lightyear and soon will be seen as Lloyd Hansen in the Russo Brothers' 'The Gray Man.'
Other actors who are a part of 'Lightyear' are Keke Palmer as Izzy Hawthorne, Peter Sohn, James Brolin, Taika Waititi, Dale Soules, Uzo Aduba, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Efren Ramirez, Isiah Whitlock Jr, and Tim Peake.
Creators
'Lightyear' is directed by Angus MacLane, who is the co-director of 'Finding Dory.' MacLane has penned the screenplay along with Jason Headley on a story that the duo created with Matthew Aldrich. The animated film is produced by Galyn Susman for Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios.
Latest News
'Lightyear' has been banned in 14 countries (Asian and Middle Eastern) ahead of its release owing to a scene in which a same-sex couple shares a kiss for a brief moment. While China asked for the scene to be removed, the United Arab Emirates outright banned the film as homosexuality is a crime in many Middle Eastern countries.
The UAE commented on the ban, stating that same-sex relationship was a violation of its media content standards. Representatives of countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Lebanon, where 'Lightyear' is banned, are yet to respond to requests for comment. It is still unclear whether the film will be released in China as Disney refused to remove the scene. However, a 'Lightyear' producer who declined China's demands stated that she assumes that it won't be allowed to be released there as well.
Trailer