Why Was Tim Allen Recast as Buzz Lightyear for ‘Lightyear’?

It is safe to say that fans are brewing at the seams to see once again their beloved childhood character, Buzz Lightyear, in the latest Disney-Pixar-produced animation, ‘Lightyear.” But unfortunately, some changes made might lead to the absence of the original voice actor, Tim Allen. 

Star comedian Patricia Heaton doubled down on the latest updates from the upcoming “Lightyear” animation set to hit the theaters in a few days. Heaton brought attention to changes made in the new installation.

The star shared a Tweet on Wednesday, June 14, addressing the absence of her friend and fellow actor Tim Allen in the new movie. Heaton referred to Allen as the originator of the much-loved Buzz Lightyear character and did not think it was fair to have him replaced. 

Tim Allen during the world premiere of Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

The “Everybody Loves Raymond” actress called out the production companies, stating that Allen owned the role. She concluded her tweet by asking why the movie makers would “completely castrate this beloved iconic character.” 

WHY TIM ALLEN ISN’T VOICING BUZZ LIGHTYEAR IN “LIGHTYEAR”

Tidbits about the 2022 movie that tells the origin story of Buzz Lightyear have been shared online, and it is clear that Allen will not be back to reprise the role. In his place, “Captain America” star Chris Evans will bring the Lightyear story to life. 

Since the news got out, many fans of the “Toy Story” franchise have weighed in on the situation. Many suggested that it did not seem right to replace Allen, who had held the role down since 1995. 

Actor Tim Allen at Petersen Automotive Museum on October 22, 2016 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

One Twitter user opined that Allen would “always be Buzz Lightyear,” adding the sentiment that Disney has tampered with the character. While fans chimed in their agreement in the comment section, other Twitter users seemed to have a different opinion,

Someone tweeted that the plot with which Allen portrayed Buzz Lightyear differed from what could be obtainable in Evans’ casting. They felt the origin story was different from “Toy Story’s” plot. 

Tim Allen attends the Petersen Automotive Museum Gala at The Petersen Automotive Museum on October 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

More tweets seemed to tilt to the latter opinion as many fans agreed that the new animation could veer into a whole different story isolated from Andy’s famous toys. 

According to “Lightyear” director Angus MacLane, Allen was not replaced with Evans, but the latter had been his choice for the movie from the onset. In addition, Lightyear being a spinoff rather than a continuation or prequel of “Toy Story” means the director could craft the character in a new light. 

MacLane revealed that his choice to cast Evans was a consideration of him being able to play the role in a live-action. The movie’s producer, Galyn Susman, stated that Allen was the toy version of Buzz.

He added for emphasis that the new Lightyear was not the toy world. MacLane stated that it was made to be a stand-alone movie, not an entity closely tied to “Toy Story.” 

“LIGHTYEAR” RELEASE DATE, TRAILER, CAST: ALL WE KNOW ABOUT THE NEW “TOY STORY” SPINOFF

Buzz Lightyear was introduced to Disney and Pixar fans as one of Andy’s toys in “Toy Story.” According to the plot, Buzz Lightyear was made as a toy honoring the real space cadet. 

Presently, the 1995 storyline is set to morph into a full-length feature animation centering on the space hero. The first look was released in October 2021, and fans are gearing for its release on June 17, 2022. 

Evans will star in the titular role of Buzz Lightyear, alongside stars like Keke Palmer, Uzo Aduba, Taika Watiti, James Brolin, Peter Sohn, and Dale Soules, among others. 

The plot revolves around Buzz Lighyer’s first launch to space which goes south as soon as he lands on a hostile planet. The mishap sets him 4.2 million lightyears from Earth, but as Buzz is determined to make his way back home, he faces his arch enemy, Zurg.

Anomama