Add visiting space to your Summer 2022 bucket list because that’s when Lightyear, starring Chris Evans in the titular role, will land in theaters. Even the most casual Chris Evans fans know this is a dream come true for him. Now that we know more about Lightyear, we can’t wait to see it!
Originally announced at Disney’s Investor Day 2020, the film was presented as an origin story for the toy we know and love from the Toy Story franchise. Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, spoke very highly of the idea, its leading man, and the director Angus MacLane.
First, Docter shared, “Back when we [Pixar] created the very first Toy Story, we designed Buzz Lightyear with the idea that he was a toy based on some really cool character from an epic, blockbuster film.”
Now, we have made it to that film that will fill in the blanks and let us get to know the man behind the helmet. Don’t expect to see or hear things that are exactly like Tim Allen‘s Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story films.
MacLane clarified the premise of Lightyear in a conversation with Entertainment Weekly. MacLane said: “This is its own thing… This is standalone. It’s the Buzz Lightyear movie. It’s that character but as the space ranger, not as the toy.”
Docter said last year, “Lightyear is the definitive origin story of the original Buzz Lightyear, and it reveals how this young test pilot became the space ranger we all know him to be today.”
The first teaser takes us into that story with beautiful animation. Plus, it’s perfectly set to the iconic “Starman” by David Bowie. We get glimpses at big moments for Buzz, like when he sees his space suit for the first time. That space suit should look uncannily familiar to Toy Story fans.
The trailer ends on a bittersweet note that will keep us waiting until July 2022 (or at least until a full-length trailer comes out). Unfortunately, we don’t hear Evans’ Buzz Lightyear complete the phrase “To infinity and beyond.” It’s a given that we all finished it for him.
It’s such a well-known phrase at this point that it’s instinctual. Not to mention, this moment is similar to how Steve Rogers didn’t complete the phrase “Avengers assemble” until Evans’ tenure with the MCU ended in Avengers: Endgame. We love a good parallel!
Chris Evans took to Twitter to celebrate the teaser trailer’s release with a few heartfelt messages. Evans has been speaking highly of this role and this project since it was announced last year. So it’s only fitting that something so personal would release the same month as his birthday. It’s fate!
Watch the trailer below:
Are you excited about Lightyear? Let us know in the comments below!
