Lightyear released in theaters this weekend, allowing audiences to finally learn the backstory of a character they've loved since 1995's Toy Story: Buzz. But while the toy version of the fearless space explorer has been voiced by Tim Allen in the movies for over two decades, it is Chris Evans who brings his human counterpart to life in the space opera meant to serve as Andy's favorite movie.
Despite recasting a few roles such as Buzz and Zurg (now voiced by James Brolin), Lightyear is also full of new characters joining the iconic Pixar franchise. The stellar voice cast including Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn, Taika Waititi, Dale Soules, and Uzo Aduba. Azuba plays Alisha Hawthorne, Buzz's commander and best friend, while Palmer plays her high-spirited granddaughter Izzy.
Screen Rant spoke to Palmer and Aduba about their Toy Story memories and the significance of their characters in Buzz's journey to infinity and beyond.
Screen Rant: I have been told that this is the room.
Uzo Aduba: Who's going around telling people?
Keke Palmer: I love that!
You win best room out of the superlatives.
Uzo Aduba: That's gonna be in the yearbook. #GetIntoIt.
Do you remember your first time seeing Toy Story, what it felt like and the effect that it had on you?
Keke Palmer: I don't remember the first time I watched it. Because I feel like it like came in my life when I was a baby, and I'm like, "That's the movie!" So, I've always known it and loved it.
Uzo Aduba: I do remember, because I just started babysitting when it came out. I remember babysitting kids who had it and were obsessed with watching it. They're like, "Toy Story!" [Laughs] I was like, "Okay..." We put it in, and I thought it was gonna be a movie that I was not going to be tuned into. But instead, I was like, "Wait, move over. Tell me again, what's going on?" I was into it.
Keke Palmer: That's so cute.
Although this movie made me think for the rest of my life that my toys were getting up and doing things while I'm gone.
Uzo Aduba: Yeah, exactly.
Keke Palmer: Of course. That's the thing. I kept turning off the lights and turning on the lights, like I'm gonna catch 'em this time. [Laughs]
Tell me about these characters, and what they mean to you. Because I brought the tissues with this movie, for sure. They Up-ped us. I didn't think they were gonna do that.
Uzo Aduba: Yeah. They know how to do it, Disney Pixar. They know how to get you in the most unexpected ways.
To be a part of this film was so exciting and so great. It's just such a gift. This is an incredible cast, and I get to work with Keke, who I love and is just amazing. Everybody in the movie is just incredible as well. And to be a piece of the story, a piece of this world we've come to know for over 20 years, is a treat.
Keke Palmer: Yeah, same. I love Izzy as a character, because I think she represents all the qualities that we should champion more in leaders and leadership. It's sometimes about giving the floor to others and encouraging your team; seeing something in someone else and not being afraid to pivot. It doesn't mean that everything's gonna be perfect.
And then also the legacy piece. There are a lot of themes in Lightyear, but the legacy piece between she and her grandmother Alisha, who Uzo played, is incredible. Because we all wanna make our parents and our family proud, and learning how to channel that into something that also feels very much like us is the journey.
Incredible answer. What was it also like to mutter the phrase "To infinity...?"
Uzo Aduba: "And beyond!" It was beyond.
Keke Palmer: It was to infinity and beyond, yes. And me and my grandma helped make that up.
Uzo Aduba: Yes, exactly. That's ours.
But totally, it was so cool. You hear that phrase in the original stories and you think you know it one way, but then to learn that it's a pact? To learn that there's a promise there; that's actually what that means? It was just so cool. And saying it for the first time, I lost my mind. I walked out of the room. I came back eventually, but I was just so excited. It was the coolest. Hands down, the coolest day.
Lightyear Synopsis
Legendary space ranger Buzz Lightyear embarks on an intergalactic adventure alongside ambitious recruits Izzy, Mo, Darby, and his robot companion, Sox. As this motley crew tackles their toughest mission yet, they must learn to work together as a team to escape the evil Zurg and his dutiful robot army that are never far behind.
Check out our interview with Lightyear stars Chris Evans, James Brolin and Taika Waititi, as well as composer Michael Giacchino and director-producer duo Angus MacLane & Galyn Susman.
Lightyear is currently out in theaters.