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Four New Stories Behind Buzz Lightyear
Disney/Pixar has brushed off an old classic for fall viewing with the special Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3D double feature hitting theaters next week.
This week, they gave hardcore Toy Story fans a little taste of the behind the magic: where Buzz Lightyear came from.
Turns out everyone’s favorite toy room interloper is near and dear to Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter’s heart. So what does Lasseter reveal:
1. Buzz was supposed to be 12 inches high, just like G.I. Joe.
2. Think he’s purple and green to appeal to girls and boys? Think again – green’s Lasseter’s favorite color. Purple is his wife, Nancy’s, favorite. It just happened.
3. It’s always been assumed, but Lasseter confirms, Buzz was named for Buzz Aldrin, second man to walk on the moon. Lightyear was simply a space term that worked. Together, it made what Lasseter calls an “awesome” name (and you wonder why he’s so good at making movies for kids?).
4. His domed helmet and white suit are supposed to mimic the early Apollo astronauts Lasseter watched on TV in his youth.
Check out Lasseter’s Lightyear story:
And check out Disney’s behind the Toy Story videos here.
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