Lightyear director Angus MacLane has explained why Captain America actor Chris Evans was his top choice to voice the titular Space Ranger.
While Tim Allen is known for voicing Buzz Lightyear the toy in Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story movies, Lightyear is an origin story that sees Evans voicing the human hero who inspired the toy. Disney’s D23 website noted that Evans’ ability to “find the humor amid moments of gravitas” landed him the role of the young test pilot who would become the legendary Space Ranger. “That’s what he does as Captain America really well,” MacLane said. “This is not the same character, but that proved he could do it.
“He’s a really good comedic actor, he’s a really good dramatic actor, and he’s really good at action,” MacLane continued. “When we pitched it to him, we saw how easy he was to work with and how excited he was for the project. Once he agreed to do it, we started recording, and it was a really natural fit; it couldn’t have gone better. It’s such a breeze every time we work together. Chris is such a great partner for the film, creatively and spiritually. He’s just so excited and just really positive about it. He’s exactly who you think he is. He’s awesome!”
Meanwhile, Evans said getting to voice Buzz Lightyear is “a dream come true,” adding, “Anyone who knows me knows that my love for animated films runs deep. 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. Watching them work is nothing short of magic. I pinch myself every day.”
Disney just released the first teaser trailer for Lightyear. Set to David Bowie’s “Starman,” the action-packed teaser sees Buzz heading off into infinity and beyond for a mission filled with alien planets and strange creatures. The animated blockbuster is inspired by the sci-fi classics of the late ’70s and early ’80s, appearing to have more in common with Star Wars than Toy Story. Along with the trailer, Disney unveiled additional high-res images highlighting Buzz’s iconic ship and green-and-white spacesuit.
MacLane, a longtime Pixar employee, is no stranger to the Toy Story franchise. He previously helmed the shorts Toy Story Toons: Small Fry and Toy Story of Terror, and also worked as an animator and story board artist on Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3. Lightyear marks MacLane’s second full-length feature after co-directing 2016’s Finding Dory.
Lightyear launches into theaters June 17, 2022.
Source: D23
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