Shola Lee
Pixar has been accused of 'castrating' Buzz Lightyear by casting Chris Evans instead of Tim Allen, who voiced the original Buzz in the Toy Story franchise.
While we all know that 'To infinity and beyond!' may sound a little different in the new Buzz Lightyear film, Pixar is coming under some pretty heavy (rocket) fire for it.
Pixar had to expect a little bit of criticism when tampering with the OG bromance that is Buzz and Woody, voiced by none other than Tim Allen and Tom Hanks.
Not only is Woody nowhere to be seen in the new film, but Allen wasn't re-cast as our favourite spaceman, which is especially upsetting since the actor came back in full force for Toy Story 4.
And even though this is because the new movie is based on the real Buzz Lightyear, rather than Allen's toy version, people have still expressed their disappointment.
And actor Patricia Heaton, star of The Middle, was so miffed by the news she took to Twitter to air her grievances, writing: "Saw the trailer for Buzz Lightyear and all I can say is Disney/Pixar made a HUGE mistake in not casting my pal @ofctimallen Tim Allen in the role that he originated, the role that he owns. Tim IS Buzz! Why would they completely castrate this iconic, beloved character?"
Naturally, people were quick to agree with Heaton, with one user saying: "This seems to be Disney’s business model of late. Terrible decisions that alienate fans."
While another said: "It’s a deal breaker for me. Without Tim Allen as the voice, is it even Buzz Lightyear?!"
However, before we all start knocking down Pixar's doors, others were quick to point out that the movie wasn't actually based on Andy's Buzz Lightyear toy, but rather the astronaut that inspired him.
"It's not the TOY Buzz Lightyear. The movie features the 'real' Buzz Lightyear on whom the toy (from Toystory) was based. It's a different character; hence a different voice."
While another said: "Because the movie isn't about Buzz the toy. It's about the character who in Pixar cannon the toy is based off of. Not a hard concept. Notice how none of the captain America toys are voiced by Chris Evans?"
So, the replacement makes a little more sense, but we're still disappointed not to hear Allen back in the beloved role.
Although, that's not forgetting that the newly cast Chris Evans understands he's got some big shoes to fill.
The Captain America actor said: "The first time you have to do that iconic line, ‘To Infinity and Beyond’ you kind of just do a shameless Tim Allen impression. It’s intimidating."
However, with a little help from the Pixar team, Evans found his feet, or rather space shoes, with him saying: "Eventually you feel comfortable enough to make your own tracks in the snow and find your own interpretation, while still using Tim Allen as the blueprint."
Well, love or hate the shake-up, you can catch Evans in Lightyear today, 17 June.
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