| Buzz Lightyear | |
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| Toy Story character | |
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| First appearance | Toy Story (1995) |
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Buzz Lightyear is a fictional character in the Disney–Pixar Toy Story franchise. He is a superhero action figure from an in-universe media franchise. Buzz is recognizable by his lime green, purple, and white space suit. Originating as a one-man band toy named Tinny, he evolved into a space ranger action figure during the development of Toy Story, a decision made by director John Lasseter. He is named after American astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the Moon. Buzz Lightyear is a recurring character in all of the Toy Story franchise's animated feature films, including spin-offs. In the Toy Story films he is voiced by Tim Allen.
Although Woody serves as the protagonist in the Toy Story filmography, Buzz is a prominent character, with their rivalry and friendship being a fundamental aspect of the story. In Toy Story (1995), unlike most of the other toys, Buzz initially believes himself to be the "real" Buzz Lightyear and comes to terms with being just a toy. In Toy Story 2 (1999), he encounters other Buzz Lightyear action figures from the toyline who similarly believe themselves to be "real", including his in-universe archenemy and father Emperor Zurg. In Toy Story 3 (2010), Buzz explores a romance with cowgirl figure Jessie, while uncovering his Spanish mode. In Toy Story 4 (2019), he finds his inner voice and bids farewell to Woody, who leaves to be with Bo Peep.
The fictional character on which the toy Buzz is based also appears in the 2000 direct-to-video film Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins and its subsequent spin-off television series, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command. In these productions, he is voiced by Tim Allen and Patrick Warburton, respectively. Chris Evans voiced a version of the character in the 2022 spin-off film Lightyear, an in-universe film exploring his origin story, with James Brolin additionally voicing Zurg, an elderly, nihilistic version of Buzz from an alternate future.
Buzz received a positive reception on the release of Toy Story. Critics have described him as a pop culture icon and the greatest or most iconic Pixar character. He was named as one of the most influential toys of the 1990s by Time. His catchphrase "To infinity and beyond" has been described as one of the greatest film quotes of all time and he has been referenced in popular culture, including song lyrics by Beyoncé and Justin Bieber. He was named the "longest-serving astronaut in space" by NASA after a Buzz Lightyear action figure spent 15 months on board the International Space Station from May 2008 to September 2009.
- ^ Price, David A. (June 22, 2008). "The Pixar Touch". The New York Times. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ "Trick or "Treats": Remembering when "Toy Story" invaded ABC Saturday Mornings". October 16, 2013.
- ^ Brently, Heilborn (May 26, 2017). "Six comedy shows that will have you in stitches in June". Statesman. Retrieved June 14, 2020.