Following a disappointing box office run, Pixar's Lightyear will make its Disney+ debut on August 3, less than two months after the film released in theaters. The sci-fi action adventure mustered only $213 million globally.
Director Angus MacLane, in a statement accompanying today's announcement, expressed excitement that the film will be heading to Disney's streaming service, as it will give more fans a chance to experience the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear.
"Lightyear looks amazing on the big screen, of course, but we are so excited to bring it to Disney+," said MacLane. "We devoted years of our lives to this film and we are so proud of it. We want to share it with as many people as possible. Disney+ not only gives more fans an opportunity to see 'Lightyear,' it gives us all the means to see it again and again."
Although Pixar's Toy Story movies are some of the studio's most successful films, Lightyear failed to generate the same type of excitement. The film came under a bit of fire for its inclusion of a same-sex kiss, causing it to be banned in multiple countries, while Disney has also been in the crosshairs of multiple conservative movements for its stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Controversy aside, it's possible that the plot of Lightyear was the root of its dismal box office numbers. Although the film is titled after the beloved Toy Story character, it's not actually about the toy itself. Instead, it's an origin story of the hero who inspired the toy. Even though this seemed pretty clear based on the trailers and press announcements for Lightyear, many were still confused and upset that Buzz was voiced by Chris Evans and not Tim Allen.
In our review of the film, Josh Wilding called it "the best animated movie of the year and a dazzling sci-fi escapade with a performance from Chris Evans that will leave you buzzing." If his glowing review of the film wasn't enough to convince you to see Lightyear in theaters, you'll soon be able to watch it from the comfort of your home through Disney+.
Lightyear was directed by Angus MacLane. The film stars Chris Evans as the accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne and Peter Sohn as Sox. Voicing the Junior Zap Patrol's Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison, and Darby Steel are Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules, respectively.