Aurora Starchild
Chris Evans is the new voice of Buzz Lightyear in Pixar’s upcoming film, Lightyear. But it’s not easy following in the footsteps of a legend such as Tim Allen. In a recent interview with Variety, Evans opens up about how intimidating it was to be the new voice of a long-loved character.
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The first Toy Story film came out in 1995 and four were made in total. So, Allen’s voice and the character work that goes with it has become absolutely synonymous with the franchise.
“Sure, it’s tough…” Evans says. “The first time you have to do that iconic line, ‘To Infinity and Beyond…,’ you kind of just do a shameless Tim Allen impression, because it’s intimidating. But Angus and everyone at Pixar was so collaborative and you kind of let them guide you and eventually you feel comfortable enough to try and make your own tracks in the snow and find your own interpretation while still using Tim Allen as the blueprint.”
When asked what Toy Story toy he’d like to see get the next star treatment, Chris Evans says he’s a big Woody fan. He wasn’t sure who he’d pick to do the voice, though.
Lightyear is the origin story about the 80’s Buzz Lightyear toy. The IMDB description goes:
“While spending years attempting to return home, marooned Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear encounters an army of ruthless robots commanded by Zurg who are attempting to steal his fuel source.”
Sounds pretty cool
The screenplay is by Angus MacLane and Jason Headley. Voice co-stars alongside Chris Evans include Keke Palmer (Izzy Hawthorne), Dale Soules (Darby Steel), Uzo Aduba (Alisha Hawthorne), James Brolin (Emperor Zurga), and Taikia Waitit (Mo Morrison).
Variety reports that Keke Palmer thinks Chris Evans’ version of Buzz Lightyear is pretty darn good, too.
“There’s no replacing, but there is some evolution, and Chris nailed it,” she said.
Lightyear is set to release June 17.
