It's now been three year's since Toy Story 4 hit our cinema screens in 2019. Fans of its everyman lead character Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, may have to wait to find out if there will be a fifth installment of the animated franchise with Hanks and producer Mark Nielsen divided on whether it will happen.
In the meantime, however, Disney and Pixar have come up with an altogether different vision for its charismatic starman and frustrated astronaut hero Buzz Lightyear, voiced by comedian Tom Allen in previous instalments. And, as the character would certainly approve, we have an all-action sci-fi summer blockbuster space adventure on our hands.
Lightyear is set to hit cinema screens later this month. It sees Buzz finally given his wings and stepping out in a sense from the shadow of Woody as the singular star of the film.
READ MORE: Cineworld pulls 'blasphemous' film following protests outside Bolton cinema
Directed by Angus MacLane, the animated feature film is a spin-off/prequel/origin story exploring the hero who inspired Buzz's toy character. The premise of the film is spaceman Lightyear and his friends finding themselves marooned on an alien planet.
Our hero is forced to travel 62 years into the future to try and help the gang get home, while escaping the clutches of space villain Emporor Zurg. McLane, who also co-wrote the script for the film, explained what filmgoers can expect, and how Lightyear fits in with the Toy Story 'universe'.
Speaking at a press event, last month, he said: "Now you remember in Toy Story, Andy had a birthday party. His favourite gift was a character that he loved, Buzz Lightyear the Space Ranger.
"And it was a toy that would redefine playtime for Andy. And I've always wondered what movie was Buzz from, you know?" He added: "Why couldn't we just make that movie?
"So that's what we did. Presenting Lightyear, the movie that Andy saw that changed his life. Andy's Star Wars. A sci-epic designed to inspire a new generation."
When will Lightyear arrive in UK cinemas?
The film is set to arrive in cinemas across the UK next Friday, June 17. It's release date is the same as that in the US.
It is understood that it will quickly become available for online viewers via Disney Plus. But this will only be after its summer blockbuster cinema run. Its digital release date has not yet been confirmed.
Who is in the Lightyear cast?
It will be the first film in the series where Buzz won't be voiced by Tim Allen. That honour has been reserved on this occasion for Captain America and Avengers/Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero actor Chris Evans.
Speaking about his star turn, he said: "The phrase 'a dream come true' gets thrown around a lot, but I've never meant it more in my life. Anyone who knows me knows that my love for animated films runs deep.
"I can't believe that I get to be a part of the Pixar family and work with these truly brilliant artists who tell stories unlike anyone else. Watching them work is nothing short of magic. I pinch myself every day."
Evans is joined by Dale Soules, who fans of American comedy drama series Orange Is the New Black will recognise. She will voice the character of Darby Steel in Lightyear.
James Brolin, father of Hollywood star Josh and husband of Barbra Streisand, will be the voice of Emperor Zurg. Kiwi star Taika Waititi will voice the character of Buzz's space crewmate Mo Morrison. He is famous for directing 2017's Thor: Ragnarok., and also wrote, directed and starred in Jojo Rabbit, where he played the titular hero's imaginary friend - Hitler - to hilarious comic effect.
Other members of the case include Isiah Whitlock Jr, Uzo Aduba, Mary McDonald-Lewis and Efren Ramirez. Director MacLane described the cast as being his "dream team".
In a statement issued to the press ahead of Lightyear's release, he said: "The cast for Lightyear is truly a dream team. Each of the performers immediately inhabited their character, which gave us the opportunity to play a bit during recording sessions.
"This resulted in a level of specificity that elevated the material and brought additional depth to the characters’ relationships. It has been a privilege to work with such a talented and generous cast."
