TheToy Storyfranchise is bigger than some might expect, and goes beyond the four main movies that Pixar has made, but one of the lesser-loved installments makes even less sense when the existence of a forgotten TV show is considered. WithToy Story 5’s release dateset for 2026, the anticipation surrounding the upcoming project proves the saga is alive and well.
That said, theToy Storymovies being almost perfect is blemished by the existence of 2022’sLightyearmovie. While technically set within the franchise’s main canon, it’s an incredibly meta project that borders on confusing. WhileToy Story1-4 are some ofPixar’s best movies,Lightyearfalls very short of that same standardand features none ofBuzz’s best moments.
Buzz Lightyear Of Star Command Should Have Been The Reason Andy Wanted A Buzz Action Figure
Toy Story’s 2D-animated Buzz show made more sense as a motivator for Andy
Lightyearopens with the declaration that the movie is what Andy watched to trigger his desire for a Buzz Lightyear action figure. Making a project that would go on to have such an interesting place inToy Storylore was always going to be a huge risk, and it didn’t pay off.
Not only was the movie a box office flop, but it didn’t feel anything like the action-packed 90s-style sci-fi adventure it was set up to be.Pixar never had to give a proper reason when it came to why Andy wanted a Buzz Lightyear, but if the studio insisted on doing so, the perfect answer already existed in the form ofBuzz Lightyear of Star Command.
Buzz was voiced byFamily Guy’s Patrick Warburton in the animated series, who is best known for voicing Joe Swanson.
The animated series produced a total of 62 episodes between 2000 and 2001, and did something similar toLightyearby presenting Buzz as a flesh-and-blood character rather than a toy made of plastic. It also felt far more like it was aimed at kids Andy’s age, so it would make sense that he would ask his mom for a Buzz Lightyear toy after watching the show.
The Biggest Reason To Make Lightyear Was Already Covered By The Toy Story Spinoff Show
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command being canonized could have saved Pixar a lot of money
Buzz Lightyear of Star Commanddebuted just afterToy Story 2, but the show was never given a canonical connection to the movies and instead served as a standalone project. With Pixar having a confusing hankering to explain Andy’s desire for a Buzz ahead ofLightyear’s production, I don’t understand why they didn’t just release a statement confirming that the animated series was to blame.
Lightyearhad potential, and the decision to make the movie could have been vindicated if it had been a hit.
Lightyearhad potential, and the decision to make the movie could have been vindicated if it had been a hit. Sadly, the movie’s financial failures and underwhelming storyline made the entire endeavor feel as pointless as the original idea always stood the chance of being. Plus,the Buzz Lightyearshow had already madeLightyearan especially unnecessary addition to theToy Storyfranchise.
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command
Cast
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command is an animated science fiction adventure comedy series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. Released in October 2000, it chronicles the adventures of space ranger Buzz Lightyear, a character introduced in Toy Story, as he embarks on missions across the galaxy.
Lightyear
Disney Pixar branches the Toy Story franchise off with Lightyear, a story that centers around a human version of the Buzz Lightyear toy and his missions with Star command. Set during an exploration mission, Lightyear and his crew are attacked during a scouting mission by alien lifeforms and find themselves stranded on an unknown planet. To help get everyone home, Lightyear volunteers on a dangerous mission to test pilot their means home. However, each test light passes time and the characters age in his absence.
