:Lightyear (film)

{{quote box

| width = 30%

| align = left

| quote = "In 1995, a boy named Andy got a Buzz Lightyear toy for his birthday. It was from his favorite movie. This is that movie."

| source = The statement that opens the film, clarifying Lightyear to be a film within a film of the Toy Story franchise.

}}

A Star Command exploration vessel filled with hypersleeping personnel changes course to investigate signs of life on the unknown world T'Kani Prime. Awakened from hibernation by the ship AI, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear and his commanding officer and best friend Alisha Hawthorne explore the planet with a new recruit in tow. They are forced to retreat to their exploration vessel after discovering that the planet hosts hostile lifeforms. While attempting to leave, Buzz accidentally damages their vessel, causing them and their many shipmates to be marooned on T'Kani Prime. After surveying the damage, they find that the fuel for the ship was destroyed. Buzz volunteers to be the test pilot for the hyperspace fuel crystal they will need to develop to power the ship home.

One year later, the crew has constructed a colony to extract resources from the planet and conduct repairs. However, after a four-minute test flight, Buzz finds that four years have passed on T'Kani Prime, due to the effects of time dilation from having traveled at relativistic speeds. Alisha gifts Buzz with Sox, a robotic feline companion, and Buzz decides to continue testing the hyperspace fuel. With every test, four more years pass on T'Kani Prime, until eventually over 66 years have passed. During this time, the colony develops, with Alisha raising a son with her wife Kiko, subsequently dying of old age, while Sox improves the fuel's composition, allowing the ship to obtain faster-than-light speeds.

Against the orders of Alisha's successor Commander Cal Burnside, Buzz, accompanied by Sox, uses the new fuel composition for a successful hyperspace test. However, he and Sox skip 22 years into the future during which T'Kani Prime has been invaded by Zyclops robots led by Zurg, the robots' commander. Buzz and Sox meet up with members of the colony's defense forces; Alisha's now-adult granddaughter Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison, a fresh, naïve recruit, and Darby Steel, an elderly paroled convict. While initially reluctant to work with them, Buzz eventually warms to them after they escape from a nest of insects and investigate a mining facility to repair their ship. Together, they plan to destroy the invading force at Zurg's mothership.

As they head back to the ship, Zurg intervenes and captures Buzz, then reveals himself to be an older version of Buzz from an alternate timeline, which split upon Buzz's return to the planet after the successful hyperspace test: without the robot army to detain them, soldiers from the colony attempted to arrest Buzz under Burnside's orders, forcing him to flee into space. This Buzz and his Sox escaped at full speed and, via time dilation, flew hundreds of years into the far future, where he encountered and stole extremely advanced technology, and eventually developed a way to travel back in time to prevent himself from stranding the Star Command crew upon the planet. Having worn out his own fuel, Zurg needs fresh fuel to travel further into the past and complete his mission, so he requests it from his younger self. Realizing this would erase Alisha and Kiko's life together, along with Izzy and the lives of all the other colonists, Buzz refuses.

Aided by Zurg's Sox, Buzz and the cadets escape Zurg's ship and set it to self-destruct. On their return to the planet via a crash landing, Zurg attacks and takes the fuel for himself. Buzz ejects to shoot the fuel, causing an explosion that seemingly kills Zurg. With the fuel gone, Buzz finally accepts T'Kani Prime as his home. Burnside arrests the group with the intention of detaining them for their actions, but relents in light of Buzz's bravery against the robot armada. Allowed to revive the Space Ranger Corps, Buzz selects Izzy, Mo, Darby, and Sox as his team. With a new fuel crystal created using the computer left behind during the mutiny, Buzz and his team embark on a new adventure.

In a post-credits scene, Zurg is shown to have survived the explosion.{{Cite web|date=June 18, 2022 |title=Here's why 'Lightyear' has a post-credits scene. It involves a sequel and Disney+ |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-06-17/lightyear-post-credits-scene-explained |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620151934/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-06-17/lightyear-post-credits-scene-explained |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}}

{{Main|List of Toy Story characters{{!}}List of Toy Story characters}}

• Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear, a young test pilot and Space Ranger who explores the uncharted planet called T'Kani Prime.
• Keke Palmer as Izzy Hawthorne, Alisha's granddaughter who fights in the colony's defense forces with Buzz against Zurg.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Bastos |first=Margarida |date=February 8, 2022 |title='Lightyear' Full Voice Cast Includes Taika Waititi, Keke Palmer, James Brolin, and More |url=https://collider.com/lightyear-voice-cast-taika-waititi-keke-palmer-james-brolin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303215134/https://collider.com/lightyear-voice-cast-taika-waititi-keke-palmer-james-brolin/ |archive-date=March 3, 2022 |access-date=March 8, 2022 |website=Collider}} Keira Hairston as a young version of Izzy.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=April 27, 2022 |title=CinemaCon: Disney Details Pixar, 20th, Marvel Slate, 'Avatar' Sequel |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/events/cinemacon-disney-details-pixar-20th-marvel-slate-avatar-sequel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427212721/https://www.animationmagazine.net/events/cinemacon-disney-details-pixar-20th-marvel-slate-avatar-sequel/ |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=April 30, 2022 |website=Animation Magazine}}
• Peter Sohn as Sox, a robotic cat who acts as Buzz's companion. Sohn also voices an older, worn-out version of Sox used by Zurg.
• Taika Waititi as Mo Morrison, a fresh, naive recruit in the colonial defense forces.
• Dale Soules as Darby Steel, an elderly woman and recruit for the colonial defense forces who is currently on parole for shipjacking.
• James Brolin as Buzz Lightyear / Zurg, the commander of the invading robotic army who is later revealed to be an elderly, nihilistic version of himself from an alternate timeline.
• Uzo Aduba as Alisha Hawthorne, Buzz's best friend, commanding officer and Kiko's wife, who is one of Izzy's grandmothers.
• Mary McDonald-Lewis as I.V.A.N., a voice-activated virtual assistant and auto-pilot.
• Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Calvin "Cal" Burnside, the officer who succeeds Alisha Hawthorne after she dies of old age.
• Angus MacLane as:
• ERIC
• DERIC, a robot that works with Izzy.
• Zyclops, the robotic foot soldiers of Zurg.
• Bill Hader as Benny Featheringhamstan / The Rookie, a new recruit partnered with Buzz and Alisha.
• Efren Ramirez as Airman Diaz, an acquaintance of Buzz.

Additionally, Tim Peake appears in an uncredited cameo as a worker at the mission control center.{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Lightyear: Tim Peake As 'Tim From Launch Control' Cameo! (UK Featurette) |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/lightyear-tim-peake-tim-launch-210146182.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506214638/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/lightyear-tim-peake-tim-launch-210146182.html |archive-date=May 6, 2022 |access-date=May 6, 2022 |website=Yahoo}}

File:Angus-maclane Buscando a Dory premiere.jpg]]

Development of Lightyear began following the production of Finding Dory in 2016. After co-directing Finding Dory with Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane was allowed to pitch the idea of making a Buzz Lightyear film, having always wondered what movie Andy Davis saw in the original Toy Story (1995) to get interested in a Buzz Lightyear action figure. MacLane, a science fiction fan, had felt attracted to the character of Buzz since he started working at Pixar, feeling that the film's story was very "personal" for him, whose favorite movie since childhood had been Star Wars (1977).{{#invoke:cite|web|date=October 27, 2021 |title=DIRECTOR ANGUS MACLANE CALLS CHRIS EVANS 'SUCH A JOY' AS BUZZ IN 'LIGHTYEAR,' PIXAR'S LOVE LETTER TO SCI-FI ADVENTURE MOVIES |url=https://www.fandango.com/movie-news/director-angus-maclane-calls-chris-evans-such-a-joy-as-buzz-in-lightyear-pixars-love-letter-to-sci-fi-adventure-movies-754435 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028003502/https://www.fandango.com/movie-news/director-angus-maclane-calls-chris-evans-such-a-joy-as-buzz-in-lightyear-pixars-love-letter-to-sci-fi-adventure-movies-754435 |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 28, 2021 |website=Fandango Media}} An aspect present in the Toy Story films that Lightyear explores is Buzz's disagreement over the nature of reality, which, coupled with his heroic ideals, made an amalgam of sci-fi clichés that MacLane intended to make more than just a punchline.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Seibold |first=Witney |date=June 13, 2022 |title=Lightyear Director Angus MacLane And Producer Galyn Susman On Metanarrative And More [Interview] |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/894193/lightyear-director-angus-maclane-and-producer-galyn-susman-on-metanarrative-and-more-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615143530/https://www.slashfilm.com/894193/lightyear-director-angus-maclane-and-producer-galyn-susman-on-metanarrative-and-more-interview/ |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=SlashFilm.com}}

In February 2019, Tim Allen, who voiced Buzz in the films, expressed interest in doing another film as he did not "see any reason why they wouldn't do it",{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Libbey |first=Dirk |date=February 7, 2019 |title=Toy Story 5? Here's What Tim Allen Says |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2466578/toy-story-5-heres-what-tim-allen-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202083653/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2466578/toy-story-5-heres-what-tim-allen-says |archive-date=December 2, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=CinemaBlend}} while in that May, on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Tom Hanks, who voiced Woody, said that Toy Story 4 (2019) would be the final installment in the franchise,{{Cite magazine |last=Kinane |first=Ruth |date=May 22, 2019 |title=Tim Allen warned Tom Hanks about the emotional ending to Toy Story 4 before he read it |url=https://ew.com/movies/2019/05/22/tim-allen-warned-tom-hanks-toy-story-4-ending/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211029221858/https://ew.com/movies/tom-hanks-crashes-wedding-video/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=October 29, 2021}} but producer Mark Nielsen disclosed a possibility of a fifth film, as Pixar was not ruling out that possibility.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Bonomolo |first=Cameron |date=May 26, 2019 |title=Pixar Not Ruling Out Toy Story 5 |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/2019/05/26/toy-story-4-end-disney-pixar-not-ruling-out-toy-story-5/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603231638/https://comicbook.com/movies/2019/05/26/toy-story-4-end-disney-pixar-not-ruling-out-toy-story-5/ |archive-date=June 3, 2019 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |website=ComicBook.com}} In December 2020 at a Disney Investor Day meeting, Lightyear was announced as a spin-off film depicting the in-universe origin of the human Buzz Lightyear character, with Chris Evans providing the character's voice.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Jackson |first=Angelique |date=December 10, 2020 |title=Chris Evans to Voice Buzz Lightyear in Pixar's 'Lightyear,' Disney Announces 'Encanto' With Music by Lin-Manuel Miranda |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/chris-evans-buzz-lightyear-toy-story-pixar-1234851296/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217154135/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/chris-evans-buzz-lightyear-toy-story-pixar-1234851296/ |archive-date=December 17, 2020 |access-date=December 11, 2020 |website=Variety}}

When asked about the relationship between Lightyear and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, a Toy Story spin-off series that also serves as an in-universe production starring the Buzz character, MacLane, who directed the CG opening sequence for Star Command,{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Angus MacLane on Twitter: "That is correct and also another argument that I keep doing the same thing over and over again. LOL… " |url=https://www.twitter.com/AngusMacLane/status/1535757014411771904 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611225322/https://twitter.com/AngusMacLane/status/1535757014411771904 |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022}} said that he did not have it in mind while working on the film, but always pictured the series being developed in-universe after a trilogy of Lightyear films.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Hermanns |first=Grant |date=April 21, 2022 |title=Angus MacLane & Galyn Susman Interview: Lightyear |url=https://screenrant.com/lightyear-angus-maclane-galyn-susman-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421175240/https://screenrant.com/lightyear-angus-maclane-galyn-susman-interview/ |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |access-date=April 21, 2022 |website=Screen Rant}}{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Lussier |first=Germain |date=April 21, 2022 |title=Lightyear Explained: The Story Behind Pixar's New Toy Story Film |url=https://gizmodo.com/lightyear-disney-pixar-interview-trailer-chris-evans-1848799721 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422113204/https://gizmodo.com/lightyear-disney-pixar-interview-trailer-chris-evans-1848799721 |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |access-date=April 21, 2022 |website=Gizmodo}} He later explained that Lightyear serves as a "live-action" film within the Toy Story universe, whereas Star Command serves as a hand-drawn animated series based on the film, from which the toy versions of Buzz and Zurg derive.{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Twitter / ? |url=https://www.twitter.com/AngusMacLane/status/1535762598146109441 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615143531/https://twitter.com/AngusMacLane/status/1535762598146109441 |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022}}{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Archived copy |url=https://www.twitter.com/AngusMacLane/status/1518073800864149505 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428005108/https://twitter.com/AngusMacLane/status/1518073800864149505 |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022}} On May 4, 2022, production of Lightyear was completed after spending five and a half years in development.{{Cite tweet|number=1522025694217134080|user=AngusMacLane|title="Buzz Lightyear mission log, stardate: 05.04.2022. After a 5 1/2 year mission, LIGHTYEAR is finally finished." My sincerest thanks to the cast and crew. I couldn't be more proud of the work we've done. #Lightyear|date=May 4, 2022|access-date=November 24, 2022}} The budget was approximately $200 million.

File:Mark Kassen, Tony Cárdenas and Chris Evans (cropped).jpg voices Buzz Lightyear in the film.]]

Producer Galyn Susman said that the creative team did not discuss bringing back the original voice actor for Buzz Lightyear, Tim Allen, in any capacity for this film because they believed that his voice would have tied the film too closely to Toy Story when the film aims to be its own stand-alone story while also saying: "Tim really is the embodiment of the toy Buzz, and this isn't the toy world, so it really doesn't make sense. There's not really a role. It would just cause more confusion for audiences instead of helping them understand the movie we're trying to tell."{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Chuba |first=Kristen |date=June 9, 2022 |title=Chris Evans on Channeling Captain America, Taking Over for Tim Allen in 'Lightyear' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/chris-evans-captain-america-buzz-lightyear-premiere-1235162014/ |access-date=June 27, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627164640/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/chris-evans-captain-america-buzz-lightyear-premiere-1235162014/ |url-status=live }}

Chris Evans was announced as the voice of the human Buzz Lightyear along with the project's announcement in December 2020. Evans was the first and only choice MacLane had for Buzz;{{#invoke:cite|web|date=October 27, 2021 |title='Lightyear' Director Angus MacLane on Making the Action Sci-Fi Movie That Buzz Lightyear Is Based On |url=https://collider.com/lightyear-director-angus-maclane-pixar-interview-buzz-lightyear/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030054510/https://collider.com/lightyear-director-angus-maclane-pixar-interview-buzz-lightyear/ |archive-date=October 30, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |website=Collider}} MacLane defended the recasting as "Tim's version of Buzz [Lightyear] is a little goofier and is a little dumber, and so he is the comic relief. In this film, Buzz is the action hero. He's serious and ambitious and funny, but not in a goofy way that would undercut the drama [...] Chris Evans has the gravitas and that movie-star quality that our character needed to separate him and the movie from Tim's version of the toy in Toy Story."

Evans visited Pixar's offices one day and they pitched him the project during a visit; he accepted the offer immediately, given his love for animation. Evans credited Allen as his guideline and also wanted to "create his own understanding of the character, and try to make some fresh tracks in the snow while paying homage to his work in the film".{{Cite magazine |date=June 9, 2022 |title=Chris Evans on Lightyear's Same-Sex Kiss and Trying to Sound Like Tim Allen |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/06/chris-evans-buzz-lightyear-movie |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615143531/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/06/chris-evans-buzz-lightyear-movie |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |magazine=Vanity Fair}} He eventually felt comfortable with his own interpretation and had to lower his voice for the role.

Keke Palmer, Dale Soules, Uzo Aduba, James Brolin, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Efren Ramirez and Isiah Whitlock Jr. were reported to have been cast in supporting roles in February 2022, following the release of the official trailer.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Bastos |first=Margarida |date=November 11, 2021 |title='Lightyear' Full Voice Cast Includes Taika Waititi, Keke Palmer, James Brolin, and More |url=https://collider.com/lightyear-voice-cast-taika-waititi-keke-palmer-james-brolin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208160431/https://collider.com/lightyear-voice-cast-taika-waititi-keke-palmer-james-brolin/ |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=Collider}} On May 6, 2022, European Space Agency astronaut Tim Peake was revealed to have a cameo as "Tim from Mission Control". On May 25, it was revealed that Formula One drivers Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc would cameo in the film; both playing the same undisclosed character for the Spanish and Italian dubs of the film, respectively.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=May 25, 2022 |title=Ferrari F1's Leclerc, Sainz to voice roles in Toy Story film Lightyear |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-leclerc-sainz-voice-toy-story-lightyear/10310488/?_kx=3kzuwc666qUmS6mkMpfLX_OJHA9ZXYxypdKHg1eEm69dyvfT8EytRDvmp6YnyoAb.WA7V6T |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525160344/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-leclerc-sainz-voice-toy-story-lightyear/10310488/?_kx=3kzuwc666qUmS6mkMpfLX_OJHA9ZXYxypdKHg1eEm69dyvfT8EytRDvmp6YnyoAb.WA7V6T |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |access-date=May 25, 2022 |website=Motorsport.com |language=en}}

The animators wanted the film to look "cinematic" and "chunky" in order to evoke the feeling of the science fiction films MacLane grew up with. In order to achieve this, they asked a former Industrial Light & Magic employee to build a spaceship model for them, from which the animators drew inspiration; this technique was inspired by designers for early science fiction films using models as inspiration for their sets and props. MacLane said the animation took several "visual lessons" from early science fiction and space opera films such as those of the Star Wars franchise, though without intentionally imitating such films.{{Cite magazine |title=Chris Evans goes to infinity and beyond in Pixar's first Lightyear teaser trailer |url=https://ew.com/movies/chris-evans-pixar-lightyear-trailer/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407140706/https://ew.com/movies/chris-evans-pixar-lightyear-trailer/ |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |access-date=March 28, 2022}} The visual effects studio Perception helped with the opening and end credits of the film.{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Perception Helps Pixar Start and Finish with 'Lightyear' Titles |url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/perception-helps-pixar-start-and-finish-lightyear-titles |access-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005212309/https://www.awn.com/animationworld/perception-helps-pixar-start-and-finish-lightyear-titles |url-status=live }} To design the vehicles of the film, MacLane used Lego pieces to build various ships and pitch them to the designers and artists.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Spry |first=Jeff |date=August 4, 2022 |title=How 'Lightyear' director Angus MacLane used Lego to inspire the movie |url=https://www.space.com/lightyear-exclusive-clip-angus-maclane-lego |access-date=2022-08-13 |publisher=Space |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812214108/https://www.space.com/lightyear-exclusive-clip-angus-maclane-lego |url-status=live }} Zurg was redesigned for the film, influenced by anime robots, to look more grounded and menacing than his previous appearances which MacLane believed were too comical.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Radesi |first=Hunter |date=12 June 2022 |title=EXCLUSIVE: 'Lightyear' Director Reveals Reason Behind Zurg's New Look |url=https://www.murphysmultiverse.com/exclusive-lightyear-director-reveals-reason-behind-zurgs-new-look/ |access-date=5 January 2023 |website=Murphy's Multiverse |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105053929/https://www.murphysmultiverse.com/exclusive-lightyear-director-reveals-reason-behind-zurgs-new-look/ |url-status=live }}

Korean animators Chun Sung-uk and Lee Chae-yeon worked on the animation process in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. They said that it is "overwhelming to see the full scale of what computer animation can do on the big screen".{{#invoke:cite|web|date=June 12, 2022 |title=[INTERVIEW] Korean animators discuss bringing 'Toy Story' spin-off 'Lightyear' to life |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2022/06/689_330863.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612090833/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2022/06/689_330863.html |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=koreatimes |language=en}} The animation team went to NASA to research about spaceships, space suits and overall set pieces as they wanted "everything to look like a live-action film rather than an animation". According to Lee, a 3D animator, who also worked on Toy Story 2 and 3, said "The director wanted to make a film that felt true so he asked for a much more toned-down version of Buzz's personality. Being part of the team required an enormous amount of responsibility, but it was really exciting for me professionally".

{{Quote box

| quote = "If you're watching the film in a regular theater, you may not notice. But when you see the film in IMAX, those shots are actually shot "in IMAX," for lack of a better word [...] all of that stuff started back on WALL-E, and each film has kind of had its own version. Like, how do we want to shoot this film? What's the aspect ratio? What do we want the feel of it to be from the lens? And it all sounds like kind of small, little things. But they all add up.

| source = Jeremy Lasky, about the shooting of Lightyear in IMAX format.{{#invoke:cite|web|date=2022-05-10 |title=The filmmakers of Lightyear on CGI: the sky's not really the limit |url=https://www.avclub.com/lightyear-interview-angus-maclane-galyn-susman-jeremy-1848903156 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512003257/https://www.avclub.com/lightyear-interview-angus-maclane-galyn-susman-jeremy-1848903156 |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=The A.V. Club}}

| align = right

| width = 25%

}}

For the IMAX release, Lightyear is the first ever animated feature film to have its aspect ratio opened up from 2.39:1 to 1.43:1 for select sequences of the film.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Har-Even |first=Benny |date=March 29, 2022 |title=Lightyear In IMAX Will Feature 1.43:1 Aspect Ratio Scenes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bennyhareven/2022/02/28/lightyear-in-imax-will-feature-1431-aspect-ratio-scenes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314220241/https://www.forbes.com/sites/bennyhareven/2022/02/28/lightyear-in-imax-will-feature-1431-aspect-ratio-scenes/ |archive-date=March 14, 2022 |access-date=March 29, 2022 |website=Forbes}} Jane Yen, who served as the film's visual effects supervisor, spoke to /Film stating that the team had developed virtual IMAX cameras to shoot the sequences in 1.43:1 and then would be cropped to standard-definition.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Dutta |first=Debopriyaa |date=April 21, 2022 |title=Pixar Developed New Technology To Make Lightyear For IMAX |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/835154/pixar-developed-new-technology-to-make-lightyear-for-imax/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606165442/https://www.slashfilm.com/835154/pixar-developed-new-technology-to-make-lightyear-for-imax/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=SlashFilm.com}}{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Pixar Created a Fully Virtual IMAX Camera to Shoot Lightyear |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/lightyear-imax-camera-pixar-toy-story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531050829/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/lightyear-imax-camera-pixar-toy-story/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=ComicBook.com |date=April 21, 2022 |language=en}} The film includes 30 minutes of IMAX animation.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Desowitz |first=Bill |date=2022-06-17 |title=How 'Lightyear' Took Pixar Into the Uncharted Space of IMAX |url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/lightyear-pixar-imax-1234734376/ |access-date=2023-06-25 |website=IndieWire |language=en-US}} The team shot this footage using two different virtual cameras, a regular camera with a 35mm equivalent sensor and a 65mm equivalent sensor, which was earlier initiated by Pixar in WALL-E (2008).

{{Main|Lightyear (soundtrack){{!}}Lightyear (soundtrack)}}

Recurrent Pixar composer Michael Giacchino was announced to compose the score for the film, marking his eighth collaboration with the studio and the second time he would score an installment to a film franchise from Pixar that is traditionally scored by Randy Newman, after Cars 2 (2011).{{#invoke:cite|web|date=January 25, 2022 |title=Michael Giacchino Scoring Pixar's Lightyear |url=https://filmmusicreporter.com/2022/01/25/michael-giacchino-scoring-pixars-lightyear/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125204649/https://filmmusicreporter.com/2022/01/25/michael-giacchino-scoring-pixars-lightyear/ |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=January 25, 2022 |website=Film Music Reporter}} He earlier scored for the Toy Story television specials: Toy Story of Terror! (2013) and Toy Story That Time Forgot (2014), the former was written and directed by MacLane.

Following the announcement of the film, a first look was shown at the Disney Investor Day on December 10, 2020.{{#invoke:cite|web|title=THE 2020 INVESTOR DAY PROGRAMMING FACT SHEET |url=https://lumiere-a.akamaihd.net/v1/documents/twdc_investor_day_programming_fact_sheet_ecbccd9a.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421153022/https://lumiere-a.akamaihd.net/v1/documents/twdc_investor_day_programming_fact_sheet_ecbccd9a.pdf |archive-date=April 21, 2021 |access-date=March 16, 2022}}{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Lattanzio |first=Ryan |date=December 11, 2020 |title=Pixar Announces Buzz Lightyear Movie with the Voice of Chris Evans |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2020/12/new-pixar-movies-revealed-disney-investor-day-1234603833/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211003918/https://www.indiewire.com/2020/12/new-pixar-movies-revealed-disney-investor-day-1234603833/ |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=IndieWire |language=en}} The marketing campaign for Lightyear began on October 27, 2021, with the release of a teaser trailer, set to David Bowie's "Starman", that received 83 million views in its first 24 hours.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Sharf |first=Zack |date=October 27, 2021 |title='Lightyear' Trailer: Chris Evans Is the New Buzz Lightyear in Action-Packed Pixar Origin Story |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2021/10/lightyear-trailer-chris-evans-pixar-1234674754/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605032111/https://www.indiewire.com/2021/10/lightyear-trailer-chris-evans-pixar-1234674754/ |archive-date=June 5, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=IndieWire |language=en}} Compared to other Pixar films, the teaser's viewership ranks second behind a teaser for Incredibles 2 (114 million).{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Complex |first=Valerie |date=October 27, 2021 |title='Lightyear' Teaser Trailer Shows Why A Buzz Lightyear Action Figure Exists In The 'Toy Story' Universe |url=https://deadline.com/video/lightyear-teaser-trailer-toy-story-universe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029065224/https://deadline.com/video/lightyear-teaser-trailer-toy-story-universe/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=November 2, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{#invoke:cite|web|last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=October 29, 2021 |title='Lightyear' Teaser Rockets To 83 Million Views In First 24 Hours, Ahead Of 'Eternals' & Second Best Ever For Pixar Movie |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/lightyear-trailer-traffic-record-eternals-box-office-1234864920/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029162744/https://deadline.com/2021/10/lightyear-trailer-traffic-record-eternals-box-office-1234864920/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=October 29, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} It was positively reviewed by commentators, with CNN-based editor Leah Asmelash writing, "the trailer filled many millennials with sentimentality".{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Leah Asmelash |title=Buzz Lightyear's origin story is teased in a new trailer from Pixar |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/27/entertainment/lightyear-trailer-pixar-cec/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408231302/https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/27/entertainment/lightyear-trailer-pixar-cec/index.html |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=CNN}} The first trailer was released online on February 8, 2022,{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Perine |first=Aaron |date=February 8, 2022 |title=Disney Releases New Lightyear Trailer |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/disney-lightyear-trailer-new-release/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505044535/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/disney-lightyear-trailer-new-release/ |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=April 21, 2022 |website=Comicbook |language=en}}{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=Grantham-Philips |first1=Wyatte |last2=Grantham-Philips |first2=Wyatte |date=February 8, 2022 |title=Chris Evans Goes to Infinity and Beyond in Pixar's 'Lightyear' Trailer |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/lightyear-trailer-chris-evans-toy-story-1235171889/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504124541/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/lightyear-trailer-chris-evans-toy-story-1235171889/ |archive-date=May 4, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=Variety}} and was then aired at Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Zogbi |first=Emily |date=February 4, 2022 |title=Moon Knight, Doctor Strange 2, Lightyear Trailers May Drop During Super Bowl |url=https://www.cbr.com/moon-knight-doctor-strange-2-lightyear-super-bowl-trailers-report/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208081334/https://www.cbr.com/moon-knight-doctor-strange-2-lightyear-super-bowl-trailers-report/ |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=CBR}}{{#invoke:cite|web|date=February 7, 2022 |title=Super Bowl LVI: Every Trailer To Expect At 2022's Big Game |url=https://screenrant.com/superbowl-2022-lvi-movie-tv-trailers-prediction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226051524/https://screenrant.com/superbowl-2022-lvi-movie-tv-trailers-prediction/ |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=Screen Rant}} ComicBook.com's Aaron Perine opined that "the animated movie will be as comedic as expected of these family movies" and further stated "Chris Evans' version of the Space Ranger takes shape as he gets used to some alien surroundings. Also of note would be Lightyear's new companion, a robot cat that will also end up being comedic relief played by Peter Sohn." Aaron Couch of The Hollywood Reporter had stated "The Lightyear trailer reveals that Buzz is sent on a rescue flight after he and a group of people are stranded on a planet. After a year of hard work, they've managed to send Buzz off world for help."{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Couch |first=Aaron |date=February 8, 2022 |title='Lightyear' Trailer Sends Chris Evans on a Rescue Mission |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lightyear-trailer-chris-evans-1235088556/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309061848/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lightyear-trailer-chris-evans-1235088556/ |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

On April 27, 2022, the first 30 minutes of the film was premiered at CinemaCon along with the second trailer,{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=Goldsmith |first1=Jill |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |date=April 27, 2022 |title='Lightyear' Blasts Off With 30-Minute Preview At CinemaCon |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/lightyear-footage-1235010953/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604190259/https://deadline.com/2022/04/lightyear-footage-1235010953/ |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Deadline}}{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Venable |first=Heidi |date=April 28, 2022 |title=People Have Seen The First 30 Minutes Of Disney's Lightyear, Here's What They're Saying |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/people-have-seen-the-first-30-minutes-of-disneys-lightyear-heres-what-theyre-saying |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609175833/https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/people-have-seen-the-first-30-minutes-of-disneys-lightyear-heres-what-theyre-saying |archive-date=June 9, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=CINEMABLEND |language=en}} which released online six days earlier.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Perine |first=Aaron |date=April 21, 2022 |title=Lightyear Reveals Brand New Official Trailer |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/lightyear-official-trailer-brand-new/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515025338/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/lightyear-official-trailer-brand-new/ |archive-date=May 15, 2022 |access-date=April 21, 2022 |website=ComicBook.com}}{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Malhotra |first=Rahul |date=April 21, 2022 |title=New 'Lightyear' Trailer Takes the 'Toy Story' Franchise To Infinity And Beyond |url=https://collider.com/new-lightyear-trailer-chris-evans-pixar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612032209/https://collider.com/new-lightyear-trailer-chris-evans-pixar/ |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Collider}} It was positively received by critics, who referred to the film as "Pixar's Star Wars" and a "beautifully animated, fun, and emotional journey", and appreciated the cinematic qualities, including animation and visuals.{{#invoke:cite|web|date=June 9, 2022 |title=Lightyear First Reactions Unanimously Praise Pixar's Toy Story Spinoff |url=https://screenrant.com/lightyear-movie-early-reactions-reviews-preview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611053243/https://screenrant.com/lightyear-movie-early-reactions-reviews-preview/ |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Screen Rant}} Critics further went on to praise the robotic cat Sox voiced by Sohn, and called him "the standout performer."{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Whitten |first=Sarah |date=April 29, 2022 |title=Meet Sox, the breakout star of Disney's 'Lightyear' — and the next hot toy |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/29/meet-sox-the-breakout-star-of-disneys-lightyear-and-the-next-hot-toy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527132452/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/29/meet-sox-the-breakout-star-of-disneys-lightyear-and-the-next-hot-toy.html |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=CNBC |language=en}} CNBC's Sarah Whitten compared Sox, with K-2SO from Rogue One (2016) and Baymax from Big Hero 6 (2014), attributing the character with a "dry sense of humor and blunt vocal delivery and also an innocence and caring nature". On May 5, 2022, a poster, stills from the film, and a "special look" trailer was released online.{{#invoke:cite|web|date=May 5, 2022 |title=Special Look at 'Lightyear' Is Packed with Action (and Payoff Poster) |url=https://pixarpost.com/2022/05/lightyear-special-look.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528035342/https://pixarpost.com/2022/05/lightyear-special-look.html |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Pixar Post}}{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Lightyear Special Look Trailer Released by Disney Pixar |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/lightyear-special-look-trailer-disney-pixar-movie/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505154833/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/lightyear-special-look-trailer-disney-pixar-movie/ |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=May 5, 2022 |website=ComicBook.com |date=May 5, 2022 |language=en}}

Fandango Media's managing editor Erik Davis, and John Rocha, film critic for Outlaw Nation, predicted a demand for Sox toys, even before the film's release. Mattel, which had the master toy license for Toy Story franchise, had announced a new Lightyear toy line consisting of action figures, playsets and vehicles.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Arvedon |first=Jon |date=February 25, 2022 |title=Pixar's Lightyear Goes to Infinity and Beyond With New Line of Mattel Merch |url=https://www.cbr.com/disney-pixar-lightyear-mattel-merchandise/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517122649/https://www.cbr.com/disney-pixar-lightyear-mattel-merchandise/ |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=CBR}}{{#invoke:cite|web|date=March 27, 2022 |title=Lightyear Toys Reveal New Look at Zurg Bots & Star Command Spaceships |url=https://screenrant.com/buzz-lightyear-toy-story-spinoff-zurg-bots-spaceships/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406231416/https://screenrant.com/buzz-lightyear-toy-story-spinoff-zurg-bots-spaceships/ |archive-date=April 6, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Screen Rant}} After Sox's character in the film received praise from insiders, Mattel created "an animatronic interactive version" which costs $80, apart from the plush and action figures. Mattel's executive lead, PJ Lewis had said "We knew he was much more than a sidekick and offered multiple ways to drive product innovation for the 'Lightyear' line. Plus, we have a few cat people on the team who were smitten."

Lego released three sets based on scenes from the film, which were released on April 24, 2022.{{#invoke:cite|web|date=March 28, 2022 |title=LEGO Disney Lightyear Sets Revealed |url=https://www.thebrickfan.com/lego-disney-lightyear-sets-revealed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402071648/https://www.thebrickfan.com/lego-disney-lightyear-sets-revealed/ |archive-date=April 2, 2022 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |website=thebrickfan.com}} On May 29, 2022, Ferrari announced that Lightyear would be a sponsor on their cars starting at the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix. In addition, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. would also be cast for roles in the film, respectively voicing for the Italian and Spanish versions.{{#invoke:cite|web|date=May 24, 2022 |title=Ferrari F1 stars Leclerc, Sainz to voice roles in Toy Story film Lightyear |url=https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-leclerc-sainz-voice-toy-story-lightyear/10310489/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527001558/https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-leclerc-sainz-voice-toy-story-lightyear/10310489/ |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |access-date=May 28, 2022 |website=us.motorsport.com}} American food manufacturing company Lightlife, collaborated with Disney and Pixar for launching several food packages inspired from the film. It also planned for a sweepstake promotion, which enable customers to win several prizes, including private film screening and Disney merchandises.{{#invoke:cite|web|date=June 14, 2022 |title=Lightlife Foods Collaborates With Disney and Pixar On 'Lightyear' Film |url=https://www.theshelbyreport.com/2022/06/14/lightlife-foods-collaborates-with-disney-and-pixar-on-lightyear-film/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615143531/https://www.theshelbyreport.com/2022/06/14/lightlife-foods-collaborates-with-disney-and-pixar-on-lightyear-film/ |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Shelby Report}}{{#invoke:cite|web|date=June 8, 2022 |title=Lightlife Foods Collaborates With Disney and Pixar for Promotion of New 'Lightyear' Film |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220608005399/en/Lightlife-Foods-Collaborates-With-Disney-and-Pixar-for-Promotion-of-New-%E2%80%98Lightyear%E2%80%99-Film |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608192920/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220608005399/en/Lightlife-Foods-Collaborates-With-Disney-and-Pixar-for-Promotion-of-New-%E2%80%98Lightyear%E2%80%99-Film |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=BusinessWire}} Singapore-based WE Cinemas announced the debut of "Lightyear Premium Pack" with refreshments marketed with stills and images from the film.{{#invoke:cite|web|title=WE Cinemas : Promotion |url=https://wecinemas.com.sg/promotion-details.aspx?promotionid=939 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615143535/https://wecinemas.com.sg/promotion-details.aspx?promotionid=939 |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=WE Cinemas by ENG WAH}} A half-hour-long documentary featurette entitled Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear was released on the Disney+ streaming service on June 10 in anticipation of the film's release, chronicling the conception and production of Lightyear.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Jones |first=Tamera |date=June 10, 2022 |title='Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear' Featurette Blasts Onto Disney+ |url=https://collider.com/beyond-infinity-buzz-and-journey-to-lightyear-streaming-disney-plus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611000018/https://collider.com/beyond-infinity-buzz-and-journey-to-lightyear-streaming-disney-plus/ |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |access-date=June 11, 2022 |website=Collider}}

Lightyear premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on June 8, 2022,{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Acuna |first=Kirsten |date=June 9, 2022 |title=Chris Evans and the cast of 'Lightyear' stunned at its world premiere. Here are the best photos from the red carpet. |url=https://www.insider.com/lightyear-world-premiere-photos-2022-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622203733/https://www.insider.com/lightyear-world-premiere-photos-2022-6 |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |access-date=June 16, 2022 |website=Insider |language=en-US}} and was theatrically released in the United States on June 17, 2022,{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Lee |first=Hae-na |date=May 27, 2022 |title=CGV, 6월 CGV에서 선보이는 특별관 라인업 공개 |url=http://www.koreapost.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=62385 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613170654/http://www.koreapost.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=62385 |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |access-date=May 28, 2022 |website=The Korea Post |language=ko}}{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Owen |first=Dave |date=June 10, 2022 |title=Disney and Pixar's Lightyear cast and cinema release date |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/disney-pixars-lightyear-cast-uk-24191005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611081421/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/disney-pixars-lightyear-cast-uk-24191005 |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Manchester Evening News |language=en}} by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in RealD 3D, 4DX, Dolby Cinema, and IMAX formats.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Har-Even |first=Benny |date=February 28, 2022 |title=Lightyear In IMAX Will Feature 1.43:1 Aspect Ratio Scenes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bennyhareven/2022/02/28/lightyear-in-imax-will-feature-1431-aspect-ratio-scenes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314220241/https://www.forbes.com/sites/bennyhareven/2022/02/28/lightyear-in-imax-will-feature-1431-aspect-ratio-scenes/ |archive-date=March 14, 2022 |access-date=March 22, 2022 |website=Forbes}} It is Pixar's first film since Onward (2020) to receive a theatrical release after Soul (2020), Luca (2021) and Turning Red (2022) were assigned direct-to-streaming releases on Disney+ in response to the closure of cinemas due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{#invoke:cite|web|date=March 11, 2022 |title=Turning Red deserved to be Pixar's 1st movie back in theaters |url=https://theweek.com/movies/1011025/turning-red-deserved-to-be-pixars-1st-movie-back-in-theaters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311105752/https://theweek.com/movies/1011025/turning-red-deserved-to-be-pixars-1st-movie-back-in-theaters |archive-date=March 11, 2022 |access-date=March 13, 2022 |website=The Week}}{{#invoke:cite|web|date=March 27, 2022 |title=Pixar's Lightyear Headed to Theaters After All |url=https://www.thewrap.com/lightyear-theatrical-release-confirmed-pixar-new-trailer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428021346/https://www.thewrap.com/lightyear-theatrical-release-confirmed-pixar-new-trailer/ |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=The Wrap}} Lightyear also became Pixar's first film to have virtual IMAX cameras in its progress.{{#invoke:cite|web|date=April 25, 2022 |title=Chris Evan's Lightyear Movie Is An IMAX First For Pixar |url=https://screenrant.com/lightyear-movie-pixar-virtual-imax-camera-innovation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609052119/https://screenrant.com/lightyear-movie-pixar-virtual-imax-camera-innovation/ |archive-date=June 9, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Screen Rant}}

{{Further|Censorship in the Middle East|LGBTQ people and Islam|Censorship of LGBTQ issues}}

Lightyear was banned in the Muslim world (including Bahrain, Brunei,{{#invoke:cite|web| url=https://lr.mint.lgbt/r/Brunei/comments/vbtiw4/lightyear_will_not_be_shown_in_brunei/ | title=Lightyear will not be shown in Brunei - r/Brunei | access-date=December 30, 2022 | archive-date=December 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230030547/https://lr.mint.lgbt/r/Brunei/comments/vbtiw4/lightyear_will_not_be_shown_in_brunei/ | url-status=live }} {{User-generated inline|date=March 2023}} Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan,{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Almaz|first=Kumenov|date=July 14, 2022|title=Kazakhstan joins club of countries banning Lightyear over same-sex kiss|url=https://eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-joins-club-of-countries-banning-lightyear-over-same-sex-kiss|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717184554/https://eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-joins-club-of-countries-banning-lightyear-over-same-sex-kiss|archive-date=July 17, 2022|access-date=July 15, 2022|website=eurasianet.org|language=en}} Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia,{{#invoke:cite|web| url=https://actualnewsmagazine.com/english/the-film-buzz-lightyear-banned-in-tunis/ | title=2023 - the film "Buzz Lightyear" banned in Tunis | date=June 23, 2022 | access-date=December 30, 2022 | archive-date=December 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230021740/https://actualnewsmagazine.com/english/the-film-buzz-lightyear-banned-in-tunis/ | url-status=live }} and the United Arab Emirates){{#invoke:cite|web|date=June 14, 2022 |title=Buzz Lightyear film banned in 14 countries over lesbian kiss – but Disney refuses to cut it |url=https://news.sky.com/story/buzz-lightyear-origin-story-featuring-lesbian-kiss-banned-in-united-arab-emirates-12633242 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614030345/https://news.sky.com/story/buzz-lightyear-origin-story-featuring-lesbian-kiss-banned-in-united-arab-emirates-12633242 |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=Sky News}}{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=Vivarelli |first1=Nick |last2=Frater |first2=Patrick |date=June 13, 2022 |title=Pixar's 'Lightyear' Banned in Saudi Arabia, U.A.E. and Malaysia Over Same-Sex Kiss |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/pixars-lightyear-ban-saudi-arabia-same-sex-kiss-1235292236/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614131817/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/pixars-lightyear-ban-saudi-arabia-same-sex-kiss-1235292236/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Variety}}{{#invoke:cite|web|date=June 15, 2022 |title='Lightyear' banned in 14 markets after same-sex kiss controversy |url=https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2022/06/805080/lightyear-banned-14-markets-after-same-sex-kiss-controversy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616093632/https://www.nst.com.my/amp/lifestyle/groove/2022/06/805080/lightyear-banned-14-markets-after-same-sex-kiss-controversy |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |access-date=June 16, 2022 |website=New Straits Times}} due to a scene featuring a same-sex kiss between Uzo Aduba's female character Alisha Hawthorne and her partner Kiko.{{#invoke:cite|news|date=June 14, 2022 |title=Disney-Pixar movie Lightyear banned in several countries over same-sex kiss |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-14/disney-movie-lightyear-banned-in-several-countries-same-sex-kiss/101152546 |url-status=live |access-date=June 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615143532/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-14/disney-movie-lightyear-banned-in-several-countries-same-sex-kiss/101152546 |archive-date=June 15, 2022}} The People's Republic of China (PRC) also requested that the scene in question be removed;{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Svahn |first=Clas |date=June 14, 2022 |title=14 länder stoppar nya Disneyfilmen |language=Swedish |work=Dagens Nyheter |url=https://www.dn.se/kultur/14-lander-stoppar-nya-disneyfilmen/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614061432/https://www.dn.se/kultur/14-lander-stoppar-nya-disneyfilmen/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022}}{{#invoke:cite|web|date=June 14, 2022 |title=Disney/Pixar's 'Lightyear,' with same-sex couple, will not play in Malaysia and 13 countries; China in question |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2022/06/14/disneypixar039s-039lightyear039-with-same-sex-couple-will-not-play-in-malaysia-and-13-countries-china-in-question |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616095517/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2022/06/14/disneypixar039s-039lightyear039-with-same-sex-couple-will-not-play-in-malaysia-and-13-countries-china-in-question |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |access-date=June 16, 2022 |website=The Star}} however Disney declined to make the cuts.{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Richwine |first1=Lisa |last2=Chmielewski |first2=Dawn |date=2022-06-14 |title=Exclusive: Disney/Pixar's 'Lightyear,' with same-sex couple, will not play in 14 countries; China in question |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/exclusive-pixar-movie-lightyear-with-same-sex-couple-will-not-play-14-countries-2022-06-13/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815152220/https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/exclusive-pixar-movie-lightyear-with-same-sex-couple-will-not-play-14-countries-2022-06-13/ |url-status=live }} Indonesia stated that they did not ban the film, "but suggested the owner of the movie think about their audience in Indonesia where an LGBT kissing scene is still considered sensitive." In Singapore, the scene resulted in the film being allowed only for people above 16 years of age (NC-16).{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Yuen-C |first=Tham |date=June 15, 2022 |title=Disney-Pixar animated film Lightyear to screen with NC-16 rating in Singapore |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/disney-pixar-animated-film-lightyear-to-screen-with-nc16-rating-in-singapore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616103704/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/disney-pixar-animated-film-lightyear-to-screen-with-nc16-rating-in-singapore |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |access-date=June 16, 2022 |website=The Straits Times}} Despite bans across most of the Arab world, Morocco refused to ban the film and showed it in cinemas, despite a petition requesting a ban on the film.{{#invoke:cite|web| url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/06/349804/moroccan-petition-demands-ban-of-lightyear-disney-film-with-same-sex-kiss | title=Moroccan Petition Demands Ban of Lightyear, Disney Film with Same-Sex Kiss | date=June 20, 2022 | access-date=December 23, 2022 | archive-date=December 23, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223015947/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/06/349804/moroccan-petition-demands-ban-of-lightyear-disney-film-with-same-sex-kiss | url-status=live }}{{#invoke:cite|web| url=https://en.hespress.com/43961-disney-film-banned-from-middle-eastern-cinemas-over-same-sex-kiss-but-not-in-morocco.html | title=Disney film banned from Middle Eastern cinemas over same-sex kiss, but not in Morocco | date=June 14, 2022 | access-date=December 23, 2022 | archive-date=December 23, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223015948/https://en.hespress.com/43961-disney-film-banned-from-middle-eastern-cinemas-over-same-sex-kiss-but-not-in-morocco.html | url-status=live }}

The specific scene was initially cut from the film in mid-March 2022, but following then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek's response to Florida's Parental Rights in Education bill and the internal polarizing uproar it caused within Disney, the scene was reinstated.{{#invoke:cite|web|date=March 19, 2022 |title=Pixar's Lightyear reportedly restores same-sex kiss after backlash over claims that Disney censors gay romance in films |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/pixars-lightyear-reportedly-restores-same-sex-kiss-after-backlash-over-claims-that-disney-censors-gay-romance-in-films-101647694786993.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401225433/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/pixars-lightyear-reportedly-restores-same-sex-kiss-after-backlash-over-claims-that-disney-censors-gay-romance-in-films-101647694786993.html |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Vary |first=Adam B. |date=March 18, 2022 |title=Same-Sex Kiss Restored in Pixar's 'Lightyear' Following Staff Uproar Over 'Don't Say Gay' Bill (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/pixar-lightyear-same-sex-kiss-1235209179/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319041828/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/pixar-lightyear-same-sex-kiss-1235209179/ |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |access-date=March 18, 2022 |website=Variety}} Speaking to Variety, Evans stated about the scene: "it's nice, and it's wonderful, it makes me happy. It's tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion [...] The goal is that we can get to a point where it is the norm, and that this doesn't have to be some uncharted waters, that eventually this is just the way it is. That representation across the board is how we make films."{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Jackson |first=Angelique |date=June 13, 2022 |title=Chris Evans on Disney Restoring the Same-Sex Kiss in Pixar's 'Lightyear' and Embracing Buzz's Human Side |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/features/chris-evans-lightyear-same-sex-kiss-1235293017/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615143532/https://variety.com/2022/film/features/chris-evans-lightyear-same-sex-kiss-1235293017/ |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Variety}}

Lightyear was made available on Disney+ on August 3, 2022, with the option to view the theatrical version of the film or the IMAX Enhanced version.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Grobar |first=Matt |date=July 19, 2022 |title='Lightyear' Gets Disney+ Premiere Date |url=https://deadline.com/2022/07/lightyear-gets-disney-plus-premiere-date-1235072442/ |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719164514/https://deadline.com/2022/07/lightyear-gets-disney-plus-premiere-date-1235072442/ |url-status=live }}{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Ward |first=Jake |date=July 19, 2022 |title=@PixarsLightyear is coming to @disneyplus on August 3rd in @IMAX Enhanced! |url=https://twitter.com/gaminggeekdev/status/1549451368838172676 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=Twitter |language=en |archive-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719175221/https://twitter.com/gaminggeekdev/status/1549451368838172676 |url-status=live }} The film was also released on Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia and Malaysia as the film did not release theatrically in these territories following the demand of removing the same-sex kiss.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=July 28, 2022 |title=Malaysia Confirms Cancellation of 'Thor: Love and Thunder' Release |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/malaysia-thor-love-and-thunder-canceled-1235327987/ |access-date=July 30, 2022 |website=Variety |quote=Disney declined to make the cuts and is expected to put "Lightyear" out directly on streaming service Disney+ Hotstar. |archive-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729200408/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/malaysia-thor-love-and-thunder-canceled-1235327987/ |url-status=live }} The movie was released under the ratings of 18+ for Malaysia and 21+ for Indonesia (both Indonesian and Malaysian equivalents of the adults-only NC-17), with mature content warning included prior to the start of the film. IGN Southeast Asia also confirmed that the same-sex relationship remained untouched, even for the previously mentioned same-sex kiss.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Bashir |first=Dale |date=August 4, 2022 |title=Pixar's Lightyear Debuts on Malaysian and Indonesian Disney+ as an 18+ Movie |url=https://sea.ign.com/lightyear/188678/news/pixars-lightyear-debuts-on-malaysian-and-indonesian-disney-as-an-18-movie |website=IGN Southeast Asia |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804044033/https://sea.ign.com/lightyear/188678/news/pixars-lightyear-debuts-on-malaysian-and-indonesian-disney-as-an-18-movie |url-status=live }} Disney+ in the Middle East and North Africa region (excluding Israel) did not include the film as they decided to align with local censorship rules, meaning that content aimed at children that include LGBTQIA+ references, including this film, will not be released in these territories.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Ritman|first=Alex|title=Disney+ Middle East to Align With Local Censorship Rules, 'Lightyear' Won't Appear on Streamer|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/disney-plus-middle-east-lightyear-censor-1235192869/|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 8, 2022|access-date=August 5, 2022|archive-date=August 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805145049/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/disney-plus-middle-east-lightyear-censor-1235192869/|url-status=live}}

It was streamed by 1.7 million U.S. households during its first five days on Disney+ according to Samba TV.{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/samba-tv-lightyear-disney-plus-debut-fails-to-match-encanto-bow/|title=Samba TV: 'Lightyear' Disney+ Debut Fails to Match 'Encanto' Bow|author=Erik Gruenwedel|work=Media Play News|date=August 10, 2022|access-date=September 2, 2022|archive-date=September 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903000436/https://www.mediaplaynews.com/samba-tv-lightyear-disney-plus-debut-fails-to-match-encanto-bow/|url-status=live}} According to Nielsen, it was viewed for 1.3 billion minutes and ranked third overall in streaming titles for the week.{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/lightyear-stranger-things-nielsen-streaming-chart-1235105781/|title='Lightyear' Achieves Liftoff, But 'Stranger Things' Notches Eighth Win Of 2022 On Nielsen Streaming Chart|author=Dade Hayes|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=September 1, 2022|access-date=September 2, 2022|archive-date=September 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901201623/https://deadline.com/2022/09/lightyear-stranger-things-nielsen-streaming-chart-1235105781/|url-status=live}} Its viewership fell sharply in the second week to 700 million minutes, with the film being positioned tenth overall and third among all streaming films.{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/nielsen-streaming-top-10-the-sandman-stranger-things-uncharted-viewers-1235365163/|title=Nielsen Streaming Top 10: 'The Sandman' Overthrows 'Stranger Things' at No. 1, 'Uncharted' Jumps to No. 2|author=BreAnna Bell|work=Variety|date=September 8, 2022|access-date=September 14, 2022|archive-date=September 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914232704/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/nielsen-streaming-top-10-the-sandman-stranger-things-uncharted-viewers-1235365163/|url-status=live}}

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released Lightyear on Ultra HD Blu-ray, DVD and Blu-ray on September 13, 2022.{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://collider.com/lightyear-4k-ultra-hd-bluray-dvd-release-date/|title='Lightyear' Blasts Off to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD in September|author=Josh Sharpe|work=Collider|date=July 25, 2022|access-date=September 2, 2022|archive-date=September 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903000436/https://collider.com/lightyear-4k-ultra-hd-bluray-dvd-release-date/|url-status=live}}

According to Whip Media, Lightyear was the 2nd most watched movie in the United States across all platforms, during the weekend of August 5, 2022, to August 7, 2022.{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Hulu's 'Prey,' 'Only Murders in the Building' Top Weekly Whip Media Streaming Charts – Media Play News |date=August 9, 2022 |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/hulus-prey-only-murders-in-the-building-top-weekly-whip-media-streaming-charts/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |language=en-US}} According to the streaming aggregator Reelgood, Lightyear was the 10th most watched program across all platforms, during the week of August 12, 2022.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Connellan |first=Shannon |date=2022-08-12 |title=The most watched TV and movies of the week include predators, dreams, and glitter |url=https://mashable.com/article/most-watched-tv-shows-movies-streaming-what-to-watch-aug-12 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Mashable |language=en |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003095652/https://mashable.com/article/most-watched-tv-shows-movies-streaming-what-to-watch-aug-12 |url-status=live }} According to Nielsen Holdings, Lightyear was the 9th most streamed movie across all platforms, during the week of August 29, 2022, to September 4, 2022.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Mendelson |first=Scott |title=Nielsen's: 'Rings Of Power' Tops 'House Of Dragons' With Huge SVOD Debut |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2022/09/29/svod-ratings-nielsen-lord-of-the-rings-rings-of-power-game-of-thrones-house-of-dragons-she-hulk-elvis/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002061931/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2022/09/29/svod-ratings-nielsen-lord-of-the-rings-rings-of-power-game-of-thrones-house-of-dragons-she-hulk-elvis/ |url-status=live }}

Lightyear was the most watched movie worldwide on Disney+ in August 2022.{{#invoke:cite|web|title=TOP 10 on Disney+ in the World in August, 2022 • FlixPatrol |url=https://flixpatrol.com/top10/disney/world/2022-08/ |access-date=2023-01-02 |website=FlixPatrol |language=en |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102190814/https://flixpatrol.com/top10/disney/world/2022-08/ |url-status=live }} It was on the number one spot on the platform for 35 days consecutively.{{#invoke:cite|web|title=TOP 10 on Disney+ in the World in September, 2022 • FlixPatrol |url=https://flixpatrol.com/top10/disney/world/2022-09/ |access-date=2023-01-02 |website=FlixPatrol |language=en |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102191437/https://flixpatrol.com/top10/disney/world/2022-09/ |url-status=live }}

Lightyear grossed $118.3 million in the United States and Canada, and $108.1 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $226.4 million.{{Cite Box Office Mojo |id=10298810|title= Lightyear |access-date=September 12, 2022}}{{Cite The Numbers |title=Lightyear |id=Lightyear-(2022) |access-date=September 12, 2022}} It was the fourth highest-grossing animated film of 2022 in the U.S. and the fifth worldwide.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Magazine |first=Animation |date=2023-01-02 |title='Avatar,' 'Puss in Boots' Sequels Top New Year's B.O; Illumination's 'Minions: The Rise of Gru' is 2022's Animation Champion |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/01/avatar-and-puss-in-boots-sequels-top-the-new-years-weekend-box-office/ |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=Animation Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105232419/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/01/avatar-and-puss-in-boots-sequels-top-the-new-years-weekend-box-office/ |url-status=live }} Deadline Hollywood calculated the film lost the studio $106{{nbsp}}million, when factoring together all expenses and revenues.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |title=The Biggest Box Office Bombs Of 2022: Deadline's Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament|url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/biggest-box-office-bombs-2022-lowest-grossing-movies-1235325138/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=April 14, 2023|access-date=April 15, 2023}}

In the United States and Canada, Lightyear was projected to gross $70–85 million from 4,255 theaters in its opening weekend, with some estimates reaching as high as $105 million.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |date=June 15, 2022 |title=Box Office: Pixar's Lightyear Looks to Blast Off With $70 Million Opening Weekend |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/box-office/box-office-lightyear-opening-weekend-1235294699/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615151227/https://variety.com/2022/film/box-office/box-office-lightyear-opening-weekend-1235294699/ |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Variety}}{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Robbins |first=Shawn |date=June 15, 2022 |title=Weekend Box Office Forecast: Pixar's Lightyear |url=https://www.boxofficepro.com/preliminary-weekend-box-office-forecast-pixars-lightyear/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615221037/https://www.boxofficepro.com/preliminary-weekend-box-office-forecast-pixars-lightyear/ |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=Boxoffice Pro}} However, after making $20.7 million on its first day (including $5.2 million from Thursday night previews), estimates were lowered to $51–55 million. It went on to debut to $50.6 million, finishing second behind holdover Jurassic World Dominion.{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Domestic 2022 Weekend 24 |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2022W24/ |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629164203/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2022W24/ |url-status=live }} Additionally, the film earned $34.6 million from 43 international markets, bringing its worldwide three-day debut to $85.2 million.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Tartaglione |first=Nancy |date=June 19, 2022 |title=Lightyear Lacks Luster With $86M WW Bow; Jurassic World 3 Crosses $600M & Top Gun: Maverick Nears $900M – International Box Office |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/lightyear-jurassic-world-dominion-top-gun-maverick-tom-cruise-china-global-international-box-office-1235048336/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622203733/https://deadline.com/2022/06/lightyear-jurassic-world-dominion-top-gun-maverick-tom-cruise-china-global-international-box-office-1235048336/ |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} In its second weekend, Lightyear declined 64.1% to $18.2 million,{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Domestic 2022 Weekend 25 |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2022W25/ |access-date=June 27, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630211012/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2022W25/ |url-status=live }} the second-lowest sophomore drop for a Pixar film after Onward (73%), which opened at the onset of the pandemic.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=June 26, 2022 |title='Elvis' & 'Top Gun: Maverick' In Dead Heat For No. 1 With $30.5M – Sunday AM Box Office |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/box-office-elvis-top-gun-maverick-black-phone-1235052035/ |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625170618/https://deadline.com/2022/06/box-office-elvis-top-gun-maverick-black-phone-1235052035/ |url-status=live }}

Both Deadline Hollywood and Variety attributed the performance to competition from Jurassic World Dominion and Top Gun: Maverick, though ultimately noted it as a disappointment given the brand strength of both Pixar and the Toy Story franchise.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=June 19, 2022 |title=Dinosaurs Toss 'Lightyear' Out Of Orbit At Weekend Box Office As 'Jurassic World Dominion' Feasts On $68M+ 4-Day – Sunday AM Update |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/lightyear-box-office-2-1235047729/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618233502/https://deadline.com/2022/06/lightyear-box-office-2-1235047729/ |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |date=June 19, 2022 |title=Box Office: Pixar's 'Lightyear' Underwhelms With $51 Million Debut as 'Jurassic World' Stays No. 1 |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/box-office/box-office-lightyear-disappoints-1235298248/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619153005/https://variety.com/2022/film/box-office/box-office-lightyear-disappoints-1235298248/ |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=Variety}} Los Angeles Times writer Ryan Faughnder believed that the film was at a disadvantage, since, as a spin-off film, it did not have well-known Toy Story characters such as Woody. He also noted that spin-offs tend to not gross as much as the main franchise installments, and compared the film to the spin-off films Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) and Hobbs & Shaw (2019).{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Faughnder |first=Ryan |date=June 20, 2022 |title=Why 'Lightyear' disappointed at the box office for Disney and Pixar |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2022-06-20/why-lightyear-disappointed-at-the-box-office-for-disney-and-pixar |url-status=live |access-date=June 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622052837/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2022-06-20/why-lightyear-disappointed-at-the-box-office-for-disney-and-pixar |archive-date=June 22, 2022}} Pamela McClintock of The Hollywood Reporter wrote that, in addition to competition from Jurassic World Dominion and Top Gun: Maverick, the lackluster opening was attributed to brand confusion in the film's marketing.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=McClintock |first=Pamela |date=June 22, 2022 |title='Lightyear' Box Office: Behind the Pixar Movie's Family Problem |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lightyear-box-office-family-problem-1235169002/ |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710034356/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lightyear-box-office-family-problem-1235169002/ |url-status=live }} McClintock, Martha Ross of The Mercury News, and The Washington Post{{'}}s Sonny Bunch also questioned if the response from people over the inclusion of a lesbian couple kissing and the decision not to cast Tim Allen in the role of Buzz Lightyear were the reasons for the film's low opening.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Ross |first=Martha |date=June 20, 2022 |title=Did 'No Tim Allen' really hurt Pixar's 'Lightyear' at the box office? |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/06/20/did-no-tim-allen-really-hurt-pixars-lightyear-at-the-box-office/ |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=The Mercury News |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629021927/https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/06/20/did-no-tim-allen-really-hurt-pixars-lightyear-at-the-box-office/ |url-status=live }}{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Sonny Bunch |date=June 30, 2022 |title=Older audiences are coming back. But movie theaters need fresh blood. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/06/30/top-gun-elvis-lightyear-movie-theater-audience-age/ |url-access=limited |access-date=July 3, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630185231/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/06/30/top-gun-elvis-lightyear-movie-theater-audience-age/ |url-status=live }} Other box office analysts believed family audiences might have not shown up to theaters after becoming accustomed to the availability of Pixar films at home after their three previous films, Soul (2020), Luca (2021), and Turning Red (2022), were released directly to Disney+ during the pandemic.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Fink |first=Richard |date=June 19, 2022 |title=Why Lightyear Underperformed At The Box Office |url=https://movieweb.com/why-lightyear-underperformed-at-the-box-office/ |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=Movie Web |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710160940/https://movieweb.com/why-lightyear-underperformed-at-the-box-office/ |url-status=live }} Some box office analysts theorized that family audiences were reluctant to attend theaters in general due to COVID-19 concerns, although this was disproven after Minions: The Rise of Gru opened to $107 million in the U.S. and Canada two weeks later.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Whitten |first=Sarah |date=July 3, 2022 |title='Minions: The Rise of Gru' tops $108 million as parents flock back to cinemas, kids in tow |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/03/minions-rise-of-gru-domestic-box-office-opening-tops-108-million.html |access-date=July 3, 2022 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703164318/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/03/minions-rise-of-gru-domestic-box-office-opening-tops-108-million.html |url-status=live }}{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |date=July 5, 2022 |title=Why 'Minions: The Rise of Gru' Thrived at the Box Office While 'Lightyear' Flailed |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/minions-the-rise-of-gru-box-office-record-lightyear-1235309097/ |access-date=July 5, 2022 |website=Variety |language=en |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705203241/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/minions-the-rise-of-gru-box-office-record-lightyear-1235309097/ |url-status=live }}{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Domestic 2022 Weekend 26 |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2022W26/ |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=February 24, 2023 |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710003702/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2022W26/ |url-status=live }}

{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|score=74|count=319|average=6.7|consensus=Lightyear settles for being a rather conventional origin story instead of reaching for the stars, but this gorgeously animated adventure ably accomplishes its mission of straightforward fun. |ref=yes |access-date=December 26, 2022}} It is the lowest rated film of the Toy Story franchise on Rotten Tomatoes. {{Metacritic film prose| score=60 |count=57 |ref=yes |access-date=July 12, 2022}} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale, while those at PostTrak gave it an overall positive score of 85% (including an average 4 out of 5 stars), with 62% saying they would definitely recommend it.

Peter Bradshaw's four-star review for The Guardian stated: "This cracking origin story for Toy Story{{'}}s spaceman hero is fun and clever and reminds us why we loved Pixar in the first place."{{#invoke:cite|web|date=June 13, 2022 |title=Lightyear review – Toy Story spinoff boldly going beyond with a treat from Pixar |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/jun/13/lightyear-review-toy-story-spinoff-boldly-going-beyond-with-a-treat-from-pixar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615152858/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/jun/13/lightyear-review-toy-story-spinoff-boldly-going-beyond-with-a-treat-from-pixar |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en}} David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter called it "a funny spinoff with suspense and heart, a captivatingly spirited toon take on splashy live-action retro popcorn entertainment."{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Rooney |first=David |date=June 13, 2022 |title=Pixar's 'Lightyear': Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/lightyear-pixar-chris-evans-1235162798/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622203734/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/lightyear-pixar-chris-evans-1235162798/ |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} Emma Stefansky of Thrillist said: "There's plenty in Lightyear to enjoy, and it's one of Pixar's better efforts over the last 10 years, but it ultimately feels half-done. It feels like it ought to be the beginning of something, like its narrative is a prologue stretched into a feature awaiting the much more interesting second and third and fifth installments down the road."{{#invoke:cite|web|title='Lightyear' Is a Safe Return to Pixar's Retro Era |url=https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/lightyear-movie-pixar-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615212411/https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/lightyear-movie-pixar-review |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Thrillist |date=June 15, 2022 |language=en}} RogerEbert.com-based critic Odie Henderson praised the score who called it as "one of Giacchino's best scores" and "a delectable spoof of bombastic space movie music that elevates every scene it plays under".{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Henderson |first=Odie |title=Lightyear movie review & film summary (2022) |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/lightyear-movie-review-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616193824/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/lightyear-movie-review-2022 |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=RogerEbert.com |language=en}} Valerie Complex of Deadline Hollywood stated: "Lightyear does not rely too much on Toy Story lore to build its world, but it would have benefited from showing some connection to that part of the franchise instead of using title cards." She further praised the technical aspects, and wrote: "The animation is gorgeous and hyper-realistic. The art department put their all into designing this universe and its characters and robotic villains," but criticized the screenplay saying "sometimes the story becomes convoluted and drags on, almost like there was a need to pad the runtime, causing Lightyear to get into even more trouble and creating a never-ending slew of trampling obstacles."{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Complex |first=Valerie |date=June 13, 2022 |title='Lightyear' Review: Chris Evans Is The Voice Of The Biggest Spaciest Hero In The 'Toy Story' Universe |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/lightyear-review-chris-evans-is-the-voice-1235044584/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615160346/https://deadline.com/2022/06/lightyear-review-chris-evans-is-the-voice-1235044584/ |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Deadline}}

Variety's Owen Gleiberman wrote: "Lightyear in its eminently conventional and likable way, is a far less audacious movie than that. For what is surely not the first time, Buzz's I-can-do-anything myopic bravado has failed [...] part of that may be that in the Toy Story films, he is a toy — that's part of the joke, one that Buzz is never quite in on. He thinks he's a real Space Ranger! So when you actually turn Buzz Lightyear into a Space Ranger, you enlarge him and diminish him at the same time."{{#invoke:cite|web|date=June 13, 2022 |last=Gleiberman |first=Owen |author-link=Owen Gleiberman |title='Lightyear' Review: Buzz Lightyear Gets His Own Adventure. It's Diverting Enough, But Doesn't Give You a Buzz |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/reviews/lightyear-review-chris-evans-keke-palmer-1235286977/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615152858/https://variety.com/2022/film/reviews/lightyear-review-chris-evans-keke-palmer-1235286977/ |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Variety}} In contrast, BBC's Nicholas Barber wrote: "The story is thin, repetitive, and almost entirely dependent on the heroes being clumsy" and gave the film two stars.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Barber |first=Nicholas |title=Lightyear review: 'A frustratingly slow, melancholy drama' |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20220613-lightyear-review-a-frustratingly-slow-melancholy-drama |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615160419/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20220613-lightyear-review-a-frustratingly-slow-melancholy-drama |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=BBC|date=June 13, 2022 }} David Ehrlich of IndieWire wrote: "Lightyear remains firmly stuck in the past even as it hurtles toward the future. And while screenwriters Jason Headley and Angus MacLane need that push-pull in order to tell a story about reconciling the lure of nostalgia with the potential for something new, it's hard for a movie to sell us on living in the moment when every scene feels like it's settling for less."{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Ehrlich |first=David |date=June 13, 2022 |title='Lightyear' Review: Pixar's Lifeless Return to Theaters Is a Great Excuse to Stay Home |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2022/06/lightyear-review-pixar-1234733198/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615160419/https://www.indiewire.com/2022/06/lightyear-review-pixar-1234733198/ |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=IndieWire}} Kaleem Aftab of Time Out called the film "a franchise low, Pixar's meta Toy Story spin-off gets lost in space."{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Aftab |first=Kaleem |title=Lightyear review: To mediocrity and beyond |url=https://www.timeout.com/movies/lightyear-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615160419/https://www.timeout.com/movies/lightyear-2022 |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=Time Out Worldwide |date=June 14, 2022 |language=en-GB}} The film has received criticism from some conservatives, who have argued that the film's scene with a same-sex kiss is inappropriate for children, saying that Disney sexualizes them.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Ecarma |first=Caleb |date=June 16, 2022 |title=Pixar's Lightyear Is Triggering the Latest Right-Wing Anti-LGBTQ+ Panic |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/06/disney-lightyear-anti-lgbtq-panic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619033646/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/06/disney-lightyear-anti-lgbtq-panic |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=Vanity Fair}}

When asked about Lightyear in 2023, Pixar's chief creative officer Pete Docter stated that while the studio "love[s] the characters and the premise", he believed "we asked too much of the audience. [...] Even if they've read the material in press, it was just a little too distant, both in concept, and I think in the way that characters were drawn, that they were portrayed. [...] the characters in 'Toy Story' are much broader, and so I think there was a disconnect between what people wanted/expected and what we were giving to them."{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Taylor|first=Drew|url=https://www.thewrap.com/pete-docter-interview-pixar-lightyear-toy-story-5/|title=Pete Docter Opens Up About the Past, Present and Future of Pixar|website=thewrap.com|date=February 21, 2023|accessdate=November 6, 2023}}

• Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins
• Buzz Lightyear of Star Command

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{#invoke:Official website|main}}
• {{IMDb title}}

{{Toy Story}}

{{Disney theatrical animated features}}

{{Pixar}}

{{#invoke:Authority control|authorityControl}}

{{#invoke:Portal bar|main|2020s|United States|Film|Animation|Speculative fiction|Science fiction|Space|Disney|LGBTQ}}

Category:2020s animated superhero films

Category:2020s children's animated films

Category:2020s English-language films

Category:2022 American animated films

Category:2020s teen films

Category:2022 3D films

Category:2022 action adventure films

Category:2022 computer-animated films

Category:2022 directorial debut films

Category:2022 films

Category:2022 science fiction action films

Category:2020s science fiction adventure films

Category:3D animated films

Category:4DX films

Category:American 3D films

Category:American action adventure films

Category:American children's animated action films

Category:American children's animated science fiction films

Category:American children's animated space adventure films

Category:American children's animated superhero films

Category:American computer-animated films

Category:American robot films

Category:American science fiction action films

Category:American science fiction adventure films

Category:American space opera films

Category:Animated films about extraterrestrial life

Category:Animated films about robots

Category:Animated films about time travel

Category:Animated films set in the future

Category:Buzz Lightyear

Category:Disney controversies

Category:Film spinoffs

Category:Films about astronauts

Category:Films directed by Angus MacLane

Category:Films scored by Michael Giacchino

Category:Animated films set in outer space

Category:Animated films set on fictional planets

Category:Films set on spacecraft

Category:IMAX films

Category:Pixar animated films

Category:Toy Story

Category:Fiction about time dilation

Category:Films with screenplays by Angus MacLane

Category:Films with screenplays by Jason Headley

Category:Films about technology

Category:English-language science fiction adventure films

Category:English-language science fiction action films

Category:English-language action adventure films

Category:2020s films about time travel

Category:LGBTQ-related controversies in animation

Category:LGBTQ-related animated films

Category:Disney and LGBTQ

Category:2022 LGBTQ-related films

Category:Lesbian-related films