Chris Evans Is Buzz Lightyear In Upcoming Pixar Movie That's A Departure From Toy Story

While both Marvel and Star Wars took most of the spotlight from Disney Investor Day on December 10, Pixar made waves by announcing two new movies. While fans of the Pixar short Bao were excited for director Domee Shi's first feature with the company, Turning Red, the most surprising news was that Buzz Lightyear was getting his own movie, and Chris Evans would be taking over the role.

Originally voiced by Tim Allen in Toy Story 1-4, Evans will portray the Space Ranger that inspired the toy in Lightyear. This will be a sci-fi film, and a huge departure from the Toy Story franchise. Coming to theaters on June 17, 2022, Pixar revealed a video featuring the title, which you can check out for yourself below.

CCO of Pixar Pete Docter spoke about what we can expect from Lightyear. "At first glance, you might think this is a Toy Story film, well not so fast," Docter explained. "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. Directed by Pixar vet Angus MaClane--co-director of Finding Dory--Lightyear is the definitive origin story of the original Buzz Lightyear, and it reveals how this young test pilot became the Space Ranger we all know him to be today, and we're excited to announce this new Buzz Lightyear will be voiced by none other than Chris Evans. You don't get much more traditional Pixar than Buzz, and we're excited to have Chris's help in bringing a new twist to this iconic character. We can't wait to take audiences to infinity and beyond."

Additionally, Docter revealed another upcoming Pixar movie called Turning Red, arriving to theaters on March 11, 2022. Directed by Shi, the film follows Mei, a 13-year-old going through the typical trials and tribulations a normal teenager would, except with one caveat.

"Whenever she gets too excited, which for a 13 year old is like always, she uncontrollably poufs into a giant red panda," Docter said. "Kinda like the Incredible Hulk but cuter. Turning Red is an original take on the great tradition of coming-of-age comedies, albeit one with an emotional and furry twist."

These Pixar announcements weren't the only things of note from the Disney Investor Day. Lando Calrissian is getting his own TV show on Disney+, we got a first look at Falcon and Winter Soldier, and we learned about every Star Wars movie and TV show coming in the future.