Yesterday, we were treated to a new trailer for the upcoming Pixar film Lightyear, a spin-off of the Toy Story series that focuses on the origin story of Buzz Lightyear. Based on the footage that we've seen so far, it looks like it's going to be an epic science-fiction story and has a feel similar to the films in the genre back in the 70s and 80s.
Per Screen Rant, during the Lightyear press junket, director Angus MacLane revealed that Star Wars was a huge inspiration for the upcoming film. He shared a story regarding how the iconic film changed his life and recalled the time when he first saw Toy Story where he wondered what movie Buzz Lightyear came from which would eventually inspire him to make the film.
"One day after eating corn on the cob of my father, I saw a movie that changed my life: Star Wars," MacLane said. "And after I saw Star Wars, all I wanted to play was Star Wars. All I wanted draw was Star Wars. Star Wars was my religion. And it lasted for years. But Star Wars is only the beginning of a string of sci-fi classics that defined my childhood. It seemed like every year there was another genre-defining classic."
He continued, "And then, in 1995, I saw another film that changed my life: Toy Story. Now you remember in Toy Story, Andy had a birthday party, his favorite gift was a character that he loved, Buzz Lightyear the Space Ranger, it was a toy that would redefine playtime for Andy. I've always wondered what movie was Buzz from, why couldn't we just make that movie? So that's what we did presenting Lightyear, the movie that Andy saw that changed his life, Andy's Star Wars."
It's not surprising to hear the Star Wars influence on Lightyear just based on the trailers alone where it looks like there's going to be a lot of space battles and designs that are reminiscent of the original trilogy. There is also a moment that we saw in the trailer when Buzz arrived at a planet that is similar to Dagobah in The Empire Strikes Back.
It is interesting to see what the overall results of the film look like and how much influence the iconic film has. Of course, it's still going to stand on its own and we can definitely bet that it is going to be yet again another unique entry into the Pixar hall of fame.
The film's logline 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."
The voice cast includes Evans, Uzo Aduba, Peter Sohn, Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi, Dale Soules, James Brolin, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Efren Ramirez, and Keira Hairston. The film is directed by Angus MacLane, produced by Galyn Susman, and features a score by Michael Giacchino.
Also Read: Lightyear Reinserts Cut Same-Sex Kiss Following Disney’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Controversy
Lightyear is set to be released in theaters on June 17.
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