Top 10 Things You Missed in Lightyear
#10: Buzz’s Narration
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When Buzz first landed on Andy’s bed, it didn’t take long for him to update his mission log. “Lightyear” opens with Buzz on an actual uncharted planet, narrating his surroundings. Buzz’s observations mirror that of his toy counterpart, commenting on the terrain. There’s at least one sign of intelligent life: his commanding officer, Alisha Hawthorne. Alisha pokes fun at Buzz for being such a dramatic narrator, especially since nobody listens to mission logs. This exchange is similar to the opening of “Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins.” In that direct-to-video film, Buzz’s partner, Warp Darkmatter, also notes that nobody reads those reports, but Lightyear’s a stickler for procedure. There are a few other parallels to that traditionally animated film we’ll touch upon later.
#9: #9: To Pizza Planet Truck & Beyond
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By this point, there are many Easter eggs that Pixar fans know to be on the lookout for. This has seemingly inspired the filmmakers to get even sneakier with how they work certain Pixar staples into each film. The Pizza Planet truck has appeared in almost every Pixar film since the original “Toy Story.” It resurfaces in “Lightyear” as Buzz and Sox hijack a ship with security on their tails. You might be wondering how the truck got into uncharted space. Well, “Lightyear” is the movie that made Andy want a Buzz toy. Maybe Pizza Planet co-financed the film, working in some product placement.
#8: Familiar Lines
Even if you’ve somehow never seen a “Toy Story” movie, everyone is well-acquainted with the line, “To infinity and beyond.” While that catchphrase is impossible to miss, “Lightyear” sprinkles in some other quotes that only true Pixar fans will catch. As Buzz is being teased early in the film, he realizes that he’s being mocked, calling a conversation with Woody to mind. In a life-threatening situation, Buzz says, “Not today,” just as he did while strapped to Sid’s rocket. During a faceoff with his most dreaded enemy, he says, “Not today, Zurg,” echoing “Toy Story 2.” Following a landing, Buzz attempts to contact Star Command, but he finds himself asking, “Why don’t they answer?” These are the moments that helped Buzz find his inner voice.
#7: Where You’ve Heard Sox’s Voice Before
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We can all agree that Sox the Cat steals the show with his hilarious lines and calm delivery. Sox’s relaxing voice belongs to Peter Sohn, a Pixar storyboard artist and animator. He also directed “The Good Dinosaur” and the short “Partly Cloudy.” If you recognized Sox’s voice, that’s because Sohn has brought several Pixar characters to life. Until Sox came along, his most memorable role was arguably Emile, Remy’s brother in “Ratatouille.” Sohn’s voice can be heard as a mugger in “The Incredibles,” Squishy in “Monsters University” and Ciccio in “Luca.” He even gave himself a cameo in “Good Dinosaur” as Forrest Woodbush. Oh, and if you’re wondering why Andy doesn’t have a Sox toy, it’s because his mom couldn’t afford that hot ticket item.
#6: Buzz’s Resentment of Rookies
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It’s established in the opening scenes that Buzz has little patience for rookies, one of whom is voiced by Bill Hader. Despite his hesitance, Buzz is eventually required to join forces with the rookie Junior Zap Patrol, which includes Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison, and Darby Steel. In “Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins,” the titular Space Ranger also preferred to fly solo. Nevertheless, he ultimately teams up with the rookies Mira Nova, Booster, and XR. The characters in these origin stories are quite different, but Buzz goes through a similar story arc in both. He not only gets over his rookie-phobia, but comes to view the rookies as his teammates. Team Lightyear, to the rescue!
#5: Luxo Jr. in the Stars
For generations, people have looked to space to determine their astrological sign. Some people are Capricorns. Others consider themselves Leos. If you’re a Pixar fan, you’re probably a Luxo. What, you didn’t know that was an option? Well, we’re making Luxo Jr. an honorary Zodiac sign after spotting this Easter egg. During a launch sequence, a constellation forms a familiar desk lamp that shines like never before. The lamp, of course, made its debut in the 1986 short “Luxo Jr.” along with another Pixar staple, the striped star ball. Speaking of which…
#4: Zurg’s Ironic Voice Casting
Disney and Pixar were so determined to keep the secrets surrounding Zurg under wraps that actor James Brolin didn’t even know who he was voicing at first. The film makes several alterations to Zurg’s origins. For starters, he’s not an emperor, but rather an older Buzz Lightyear from another timeline. The animated series notably featured an evil Buzz from an alternate universe. In “Toy Story 2,” it was suggested that Zurg was Buzz’s father. When Buzz first sees his older counterpart in “Lightyear,” he initially thinks it’s his dad. Brolin’s casting is ironic since he played John Blane in the sci-fi western “Westworld,” donning a cowboy ensemble. Since Woody was initially Buzz’s rival, his archnemesis’ voice is fittingly rooted in westerns here. Chris Evans also ironically has some history with James’ son, Josh Brolin.
#3: Little Green Men
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From the “Toy Story” films to the “Star Command” animated series, the Little Green Men have a way of running into Buzz wherever he ventures. The Little Green Men don’t play a significant role in “Lightyear,” but Pixar seemingly couldn’t resist sneaking the three-eyed alien species into the movie. In a mid-credits scene, Commander Burnside kicks back in his office, gloating about the base’s protective shield. Burnside’s office is full of knick-knacks, including a trophy that resembles a Little Green Man. It’s unclear how Burnside acquired this item, but we like to think that he won it upon mastering the claw machine at Pizza Planet. We also like to think that the Little Green Man comes to life whenever Burnside exits his office.
#2: Gamma Quadrant: Sector 4
The film ends with Buzz and his new teammates gearing up for a new mission that’ll take them to the Gamma Quadrant: Sector 4. The “Toy Story” Buzz is no stranger to this neck of the galaxy. When he first introduces himself to Andy’s other toys, Buzz proudly states that he’s stationed at the Gamma Quadrant of Sector Four where he protects the galaxy from Zurg. “Toy Story 2” opened with a video game level set in Gamma Quadrant: Sector Four where Buzz faces off against robots and Zurg himself. Maybe we’ll get to see more of the Gamma Quadrant if they make a “Lightyear” sequel, but are they ever going to visit Sectors 1-3? Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. AUTO from “WALL-E” The Voice Is Different, But One of the Robots Resembles the Axiom’s Autopilot Izzy’s Suit Number is 42, Which Was Also The Name of Buzz’s Ship in the Cartoon It Could Also Be A “Hitchhiker’s Guide” Reference Buzz is O Positive A Rare Blood Type For a Rare Space Ranger The Finger Joke Okay, The Adults Didn’t Miss This Joke, But The Kids Probably Did
#1: “Elemental” Reference
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It’s tradition for Pixar films to sneak in an Easter egg hinting at the studio’s subsequent feature. “Turning Red,” for example, contained a nod to Star Command and Sox the Cat. Following “Lightyear,” Pixar’s next film will be “Elemental,” which Sox himself, Peter Sohn, is directing. This film takes place in a universe where the four elements take on humanoid forms. One of the main characters is Wade, a water guy who goes with the flow. In “Lightyear,” Mo Morrison goes to a vending machine to acquire some bizarrely-assembled sandwiches. One of the items in the machine is a drink labeled “Wade Water” with Wade himself serving as the mascot. Does that mean people are drinking Wade or is this just Imitation Wade?
