Disney and Pixar’s spinoff of the iconic ‘Toy Story’ franchise follows Buzz Lightyear’s origin story, with Chris Evans voicing the legendary Space Ranger, joined by Keke Palmer, Dale Soules and Taika Waititi; the movie blasts off June 17, 2022.
Walt Disney Studios has just released a trailer, poster and key art for Disney and Pixar’s original sci-fi action-adventure, Lightyear. Buzz Lightyear’s origin story follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure. The highly anticipated spinoff of the iconic Toy Story franchise is set to release June 17, 2022
“Buzz’s world was always something I was excited about,” shared director Angus MacLane. “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.”
Joining the previously announced Chris Evans, who voices Buzz, are Keke Palmer, Dale Soules, and Taika Waititi as a group of ambitious recruits. Peter Sohn voices Buzz’s robot companion, Sox; the cast also includes the voices of Uzo Aduba, James Brolin, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Efren Ramirez, and Isiah Whitlock Jr.
"The cast for Lightyear is truly a dream team,” added MacLane. “Each of the performers immediately inhabited their character, which gave us the opportunity to play a bit during recording sessions. This resulted in a level of specificity that elevated the material and brought additional depth to the characters’ relationships. It has been a privilege to work with such a talented and generous cast."
Also revealed, award-winning composer Michael Giacchino, who’s behind the scores for the upcoming film The Batman, as well as smash hit Spider-Man: No Way Home, will score Lightyear. Giacchino has a long history with Pixar, having won an Oscar, Golden Globe and GRAMMY for the original score in Up. His other Pixar credits include The Incredibles; Ratatouille; Cars 2; Inside Out; Coco; and Incredibles 2. The Lightyear Original Motion Picture Soundtrack from Walt Disney Records will be available on June 17, 2022.
Lightyear is produced by Galyn Susman (Toy Story That Time Forgot).
Source: Walt Disney Studios
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
