10 Facts About “Lightyear,” Pixar’s New Animated Film That Took Us to Infinity and Beyond

Toy Story was released in 1995, and it was one of the first movies of its kind to use computer animation. Its impact was such that it revolutionized the industry and became one of the most beloved sagas by fans worldwide. Now, 27 years later, the movie that shows us the origins of Buzz Lightyear has been released.

Bright Side compiled some important facts to help you prepare for Pixar’s new adventure.

1. Lightyear is the story that inspired Buzz’s toy in Toy Story.

Angus MacLane, the film’s director and writer said the inspiration for telling the astronaut story came from the question, “What movie did Andy see in Toy Story? Why don’t we make that movie? Let’s make a simple, fun, action-adventure movie starring Buzz Lightyear.” And the producers said, “Yeah, sure, that sounds like a good idea. Let’s make that movie”.

2. The masterminds behind Pixar’s latest hits were brought together to make Lightyear.

A super-creative team was brought together to make this film: director Angus MacLane co-directed Finding Dory and was behind the animation team on Toy Story 3, Up, and WALL-E. The producer is Galyn Susman from Toy Story 4. And finally, co-writer Jason Headley is the story’s creator and the screenwriter of Onward.

3. NASA helped them design the spacecraft.

NASA helped Pixar design the ships that appear in the movie. The entire team was invited to a multi-day visit to the Space Center Houston. That’s why many of the film’s scenarios resemble what NASA looks like. In addition, NASA had already sent Buzz into space: in 2008, a toy of the space cadet made a round trip on the shuttle Discovery.

4. Actor Chris Evans voices Buzz.

Actor Chris Evans, famous for playing Captain America, voices the main character. Although traditionally, Buzz was played by Tim Allen, producers decided to have Chris’ voice, because “Tim’s version of Buzz is a little goofier and is a little dumber, and so he is the comic relief. In this film, Buzz is the action hero. He’s serious and ambitious and funny, but not in a goofy way. Chris Evans has the gravitas and that movie star quality that our character needed to separate him and the movie from Tim’s version of the toy in Toy Story.” the director said.

5. James Brolin plays Zorg.

If you want the villain of your movie to sound authentic and determined, you need James Brolin’s voice, that’s clear. “[Brolin’s voice] has a natural, commanding nature and a lot of texture. I didn’t want the character to be a mustache-twisting bad guy. I wanted him to have some warmth and humanity.” James also revealed that he was inspired by his son Josh Brolin, who played Thanos in the Marvel movies.

6. Time will be very important in this new mission.

Within the film’s story, Buzz will attempt to leave an unknown planet named T’Kami Prime. The problem is that he experiences a time dilation in each escape attempt. On his first test flight, only four minutes pass for Buzz, but on this planet, four years elapse; and with each new attempt, this intensifies. The theme of time travel will be very important in the plot, appealing to young and old alike.

7. Michael Giaccino was in charge of the OST.

Lightyear’s soundtrack comes with Michael Giacchino’s guarantee of quality. He is a known collaborator of Pixar. Giacchino won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy Award for the original music of the film Up. He is also responsible for the soundtracks of other Pixar films.

8. You’ll meet new characters that help Buzz.

Buzz and Zorg are the only characters we have already seen in previous Pixar films. To connect with the new generations, three new characters are introduced. Together with Buz, they make up the Zap patrol: Izzy (Keke Palmer), Mo (Taika Waititi), and Darby (Darle Soules), a group of recruits who join forces with the space guardian much to their chagrin.

9. Sox, the robot cat, won over the audience.

Sox, a cat that doubles as a reminder, alarm, and personal companion robot, accompanies Buzz in all his adventures. According to the director, the audience loved the kitty. But he also plays an important role in the story: “Sox is the true contrast to the other elements of the film, both in design and in motion, making him stick out in a good way. And although he has limited movements, Sox is by no means helpless, as you saw.”

10. To infinity and beyond!

Lightyear is Pixar’s bid to win over audiences and bring the family back to theaters. In addition, its expected success will be the gateway to Toy Story 5 and a film based on Woody’s character. Whatever the outcome, Lightyear was praised by critics, who saw it as a return to the emotional roots that made Toy Story so endearing.

What is your favorite moment from the Toy Story movies? Tell us in the comments.