LOS ANGELES: ‘Captain America’ actor Chris Evans is set to voice the iconic action figure Buzz Lightyear in an all-new animated film titled ‘Lightyear’.
Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter announced during Disney Investor Day. Evans took to Twitter to share his excitement about the new film shortly after the announcement
“I don’t even have the words.” He added: “And just to be clear, this isn’t Buzz Lightyear the toy. This is the origin story of the human Buzz Lightyear that the toy is based on.”
The animated film is due in cinemas June 17, 2022 and is billed as the “definitive story of the original Buzz Lightyear” — the hero who inspired the toy, voiced by Tim Allen in four “Toy Story” films, from 1995 to 2019.
READ MORE: Chadwick Boseman’s role in ‘Black Panther’ will not be recast for sequel
Evans retired his own iconic role in 2019, hanging up his shield as Captain America after “Avengers: Endgame” after eight years. Pixar chief referenced Evans’ long history with Disney during the presentation, joking about luring the actor from Marvel Studios to Pixar.
He also announced another upcoming film titled ‘Turning Red.’ The film, from Oscar-winning director Domee Shi is about a girl named Mei who turns into a giant red panda when she gets too excited.
During Walt Disney Animation Studios’ presentation, Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee announced the studio’s 60th animated film ‘Encanto.’ The film and features music written by ‘Hamilton’ creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.
‘Encanto’ will be released in November 2021, following ‘Raya and the Last Dragon,’ which will debut simultaneously on Disney+ Premiere Access and in theaters in March 2021.
And just to be clear, this isn’t Buzz Lightyear the toy. This is the origin story of the human Buzz Lightyear that the toy is based on
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) December 11, 2020
