Buzz Lightyear Voice Actors: From Tim Allen to Chris Evans

Disney-Pixar's Toy Story space ranger, Buzz Lightyear, has captured hearts with his confident attitude and catchphrases. But who is the voice of Buzz Lightyear? In this article, let us find out about Buzz Lightyear voice actors: from Tim Allen to Chris Evans and how they brought Toy Story to what it is now.

Tim Allen: The Original Voice of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story

Tim Allen has been the voice of Buzz Lightyear in Pixar's Toy Story series since the first film was released in 1995. His strong, courageous, and humorous voice has made the astronaut Buzz a legend.

He has also voiced Buzz in all four Toy Story films and the Buzz Lightyear spin-off Star Command: The Adventure Begins (2000). However, in 2022, in the film Lightyear - a separate origin story for the character who inspired the toy Buzz - Pixar replaced Chris Evans with Tim Allen.

Chris Evans: The Voice Behind Buzz in Lightyear (2022)

The voice of Buzz Lightyear in Pixar's 2022 film "Lightyear" is played by Chris Evans. This is a welcome change from Tim Allen's previous tenure in the original Toy Story series.

Speaking about the transition, director Angus MacLane explained that Evans was actually hired because he could be funny and serious, something he successfully did as Captain America. "It's not the same character, but it proves he can do it. He's a top-notch comedian."

But Evans proved to be the ideal choice because he gave fans a youthful and serious Buzz, which was a stark contrast to the real-life Range Space. Evans himself described the role as a "dream come true", patiently waiting for his film with Pixar to bring a new side to the iconic character.

Other Notable Voice Actors for Buzz Lightyear

Apart from Tim Allen and Chris Evans, several other well-known actors have also provided the voice of Buzz Lightyear in other formats like television specials, computer video games, and theme park attractions as well. Some of the most notable ones are given below:

• Pat Fraley (1996): He is the voice artist who voiced Buzz when Tim Allen was unavailable for video games and the early shorts like Toy Story Treats, Toy Story: The Video Game, Toy Story: Animated StoryBook.

• Javier Fernández-Peña (2010): He is Buzz's Spanish voice in Toy Story 3. He brings a romantic and comedic touch to Buzz Lightyear.

• Mike MacRae (2010–present): He is the one who gave the default voice of Buzz Lightyear to video games, i.e., Toy Story 3: The Video Game, Disney Infinity, Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure and Kingdom Hearts III.

• Corey Burton (2010): He has lent his voice as Buzz Lightyear to Disney on Ice shows, i.e., the character being performed in a live theatre.

• James Brolin (2022): He portrays the grown-up Buzz Lightyear in the movie Lightyear, a different character from the boy Buzz portrayed by Chris Evans. Teddy Newton: Though he started out as an artist, he did a good job as the voice of "Mini Buzz", a version of the character that one gets to view in Pixar's short.

Will Tim Allen Play Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 5?

Tim Allen has confirmed he will reprise his role as Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 5. He has already begun recording dialogue for the film.

Specifically, Allen said recording a five-hour session and looking forward to going back to the character after years since Toy Story 4. He also spilled that a co-bill of Buzz Lightyear tops the center with an "unbelievable" opening of the film.

Also, Toy Story 5 is directed and written by Andrew Stanton and will be released on June 19, 2026. Tom Hanks is also coming back as Woody's voice and the film will be addressing some new issues like the toys being threatened by new electronics.

FAQs

1. Why didn't Tim Allen voice Buzz in Lightyear?

Director Angus MacLane explained that casting Allen as Buzz would have been confusing to audiences because the tone of Lightyear is darker and more action-oriented than the comedic, toy version of Buzz.

2. Who voiced Buzz Lightyear in Spanish mode in Toy Story 3?

Javier Fernández-Peña is the voice actor who played Buzz Lightyear when translated into Spanish in Toy Story 3.

3. Who voiced Buzz in the Buzz Lightyear cartoon?

Patrick Warburton is the voice actor responsible for voicing Buzz in the animated television series Buzz Lightyear.

4. Who voices Buzz Lightyear in video games?

In Buzz Lightyear's video games such as Toy Story 3, Disney Infinity or Kingdom Hearts III, Mike MacRae is the main voice actor.

Check out our officially licensed Buzz Lightyear merchandise collection to show off your love for the Toy Story space hero!

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