Pixar’s Lightyear Is Finally Coming To Disney+

Buzz Lightyear has gotten his origin movie in Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear. Buzz first made his big screen debut in 1995’s Toy Story with his iconic space suit and chin dimple. Now, with Lightyear, fans get to learn even more about the beloved Disney character. And lucky us, the movie is finally heading to Disney+ in the very near future. Here’s everything you need to know about Lightyear.

What is Lightyear about?

This sci-fi film “presents the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear — the hero who inspired the toy — introducing the legendary Space Ranger who would win a generation of fans,” according to Pixar. So, Lightyear doesn’t focus on the toy, but the person named Buzz Lightyear who inspired the toy.

Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, explained that Lightyear isn’t really a Toy Story film. “At first glance you might think, ‘Well this is a Toy Story film.’ Well, not so fast,” Docter said. “See, back when we created the very first Toy Story, we designed Buzz Lightyear with the idea that he was a toy based on some really cool character from an epic, blockbuster film. Well, all these years later, we decided it’s time to make that film.”

Is Lightyear coming to Disney+?

After enjoying a popular run at movie theaters across the country, Lightyear has gotten a Disney+ release date. The Buzz Lightyear origin story will be available to stream on the service on Aug. 3, which will give millions more people the chance to see it for themselves on the small screen.

Chris Evans stars as Buzz.

In addition to getting a bit of an updated look, Buzz is getting some updates to his voice, too. Captain America star Chris Evans will be voicing Buzz Lightyear for the first time, replacing Tim Allen who lent his voice to the action figure in all four of the Toy Story films.

Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law reportedly had an impact on LGBTQ+ representation in Lightyear.

Disney has come under fire recently for having financially supported lawmakers who promoted HB 1557, better known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. When pressured to make a statement, Disney CEO Bob Chapek released a company-wide memo, stating that the company’s “biggest impact” lies in “creating a more inclusive world is through the inspiring content we produce.”

But LGBTQIA+ Pixar employees issued their own letter to Disney, alleging that “nearly every moment of overtly gay affection is cut at Disney’s behest, regardless of when there is protest from both the creative teams and executive leadership at Pixar.” The letter continued, “Even if creating LGBTQIA+ content was the answer to fixing the discriminatory legislation in the world, we are being barred from creating it.”

As a result, Variety has reported that a scene in Lightyear featuring a same-sex kiss between a significant character, Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba), and her partner was reinstated after having been previously cut.

You can stream the Toy Story Collection on Disney+ now.

While you wait for Lightyear to make its way to Disney+, you can catch up with Buzz and all of his catch phrases by streaming all four Toy Story films on Disney+. But if you want to get more buzz about Buzz, you can watch the extensive collection of Toy Story Toons and Toy Story short films.