Tim Allen Breaks Silence On Lightyear Casting Controversy

The Toy Story spinoff Lightyear fell far short of expectations upon its release earlier this month. This is probably due to a variety of factors, though it could be speculated that the absence of Tim Allen contributed to the lack of ticket sales at movie theaters. Toy Story fans had spent four movies with a more familiar version of Buzz Lightyear as voiced by Allen, and for many, it may have been too difficult to accept Chris Evans in the role, even if it’s not the same incarnation of the character.

Some fans have theorized that Allen was rejected from the role by Disney due to his political beliefs. He was recently shown in a first look image for the Disney+ series The Santa Clauses, so that does not actually seem to be the case. The actor has now broken his silence on the Lightyear casting situation as well and clarifies that this isn’t because of a fractured relationship with Disney. Allen says he understands Evans’ casting because it’s not the same character he played, technically, and he wishes everyone involved well. Per Extra:

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Allen went on to further explain why the role wouldn’t be right for him anyway, as it doesn’t have a real connection to his Buzz. Perhaps with more of a direct connection, Allen would have been more interested.

Lightyear’s Director Wanted to Introduce a New Buzz

     Pixar/Disney  

Because Tim Allen’s Buzz is a toy that’s inspired by a movie character, they have some differences in personality. This is one reason why director Angus MacLane wanted to go with a new voice actor for Lightyear. While Allen’s voice is perfect for a toy version of Buzz, MacLane felt that a different voice was necessary to further establish that this was very much a different version of the character.

“Tim’s version of Buzz is a little goofier and is a little dumber, and so he is the comic relief,” MacLane said, per Vanity Fari. “In this film, Buzz is the action hero. He’s serious and ambitious and funny, but not in a goofy way that would undercut the drama. Chris Evans has the gravitas, and that movie-star quality that our character needed to separate him and the movie from Tim’s version of the toy in Toy Story.”

Lightyear is playing in movie theaters.