How 'Toy Story' Fans Feel About Tim Allen Being Replaced by Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear

Toy Story fans got their first look at the new spinoff film Lightyear a few weeks ago, and many are still preoccupied with the titular character's voice. Buzz Lightyear has been played by Tim Allen in all the main franchise films up until now, but in this version he will be voiced by Chris Evans. The change caused a surprising amount of confusion about the canon, and debates about casting among fans.

Lightyear tells the story of Buzz Lightyear the Space Ranger, as opposed to Buzz Lightyear the toy. It's a straightforward sci-fi film about a future where space travel is more common, and is presumably the version of Buzz on whom Andy's action figure will later be based. According to Pixar, the movie "presents the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear – the hero who inspired the toy – introducing the legendary Space Ranger who would win generations of fans." The term "origin story" may be the greatest point of confusion here, as fans seem to think Evans will be playing the same character that Allen has played up until now.

Either way, anticipation is high for this movie. Lightyear is directed by Angus MacLane, who told Entertainment Weekly that this movie is "its own thing" and a "standalone" story outside of the Toy Story continuity. Other cast members for the movie have not yet been announced, but it premieres on June 17, 2022. Here is a look at what fans had to say about the first teaser.