To infinity…and beyond! A phrase that has resonated with so many of us since the mid-90s, and one that has come back into our lives this year courtesy of Chris Evans. I know, it’s weird to think of Evans saying this famous dialogue when we’re so used to hearing it from Tim Allen. Admittedly, the new movie Lightyear, which is a film about the guy who inspired the toy that Tim Allen played in Toy Story, doesn’t interest me much. Box office returns haven’t been outstanding, so maybe others felt the same way.
Amongst those reluctant to embrace the movie is Tim Allen himself. He recently spoke to Extra about Lightyear and his feelings are about this new version of the character he played for so long. Let’s just say he wasn’t all that enthusiastic…
Tim Allen has thoughts about the new Lightyear movie
According to Allen, back in the day, he would have discussions with the then-Toy Story team about a standalone Buzz Lightyear film. But there’s “a whole new team” of folks at Pixar now, so those discussions probably didn’t have any effect on the current movie. As far as any involvement with Lightyear goes, Tim Allen said that he has “stayed out of this” simply because it can’t compare to the experience he had with the Toy Story films.
I love that during the interview Allen was trying to appear as neutral as possible. I don’t think he wants to ruffle any feathers or come across as bitter in any way. His diplomatic behavior is to be noted; we see you, sir! But even though he’s been as neutral as possible about having no involvement whatsoever in Lightyear, he did have a couple of comments.
“It’s a wonderful story. It just doesn’t seem to have any connection to the toy,” Allen said. “It’s a little…I dunno. It has no relationship to Buzz. It’s just no connection. I wish there was a better connection to it.”
As a huge Toy Story fan, I absolutely understand that sentiment. This new movie could be absolutely amazing but it’s just not the same. I mean, I don’t think I can really appreciate a movie like this without the duo of Buzz Lightyear and Woody. It just doesn’t feel right!
With all that said, I do understand that the purpose of the new movie was to distance itself from the story about the toy that was inspired by it. They needed to separate themselves from it while paying homage to the original films.
I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt that they did their best, and that whatever they’ve created is something worth watching!
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h/t Syfy Wire