Tim Allen will be returning to The Santa Clause movies, and here's why it'll be better than voicing Buzz in Disney's Lightyear. Disney revealed that a new limited series on the modern Christmas classic will be set to start production in March, following Scott Calvin as he tries to find a suitable replacement to be the next Santa. The original film involved Scott taking on the role after the original fell from his roof during his present delivery, which then went on to produce two more films showcasing his arc from apprehensive non-believer to the true embodiment of Santa Clause.
The 1994 film was released just one year before another iconic Allen character hit theater screens; Buzz Lightyear. Disney's upcoming film focuses on the hero who inspired the toy, recasting Allen and introducing Chris Evans. Whilst Allen's role as Buzz is legendary, here's why his return should be as Scott Calvin and not Buzz in Lightyear.
The idea for Lightyear as a film within a film allows for Chris Evans to move forward with the beloved franchise without making yet another Toy Story film, and without replacing Tim Allen. Allen's work as Buzz is not undermined but simply expanded upon. Further, The Santa Clause movies are modern Christmas classics that are revisited every year. Whilst the movies are cherished, its final film The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, perhaps could be improved with the addition of the new limited series, giving the franchise, and Allen's character, a better farewell.
Pixar hasn't let Toy Story die, with sequels being nearly ever-present in cinema since the first film's release, making audiences well aware of Tim Allen's work behind the voice of Buzz. Thus, the unique premise for Lightyear ensures that the movie will be respectful to Allen's legacy, as well as providing a great way to delve deeper into one of the most iconic animated characters of all time. Contrastingly, the last The Santa Clause film was released over 15 years ago, with the franchise going virtually untouched since. It's great that Allen is up to the task and enthusiastic about bringing it back, as the films deserve more than their last movie.
Tim Allen having both the roles of Buzz Lightyear and Santa Clause listed in his filmography is a true testament to his legacy as an actor. His work on Toy Story may be done for now (unless Pixar green-lights a Toy Story 5) and so it seems the right time to bring some focus onto another favorite character of his. The Santa Clause limited series seems already lined up as a Christmas classic, as is better for fans of Tim Allen than his return in Lightyear.