The most recent installment of the franchise Toy Story, Lightyear, from Disney and Pixar, is set to feature a new story that provides the background behind the beloved astronaut Buzz Lightyear.
Starring the interpreter of Captain America, Chris Evans, as the voice of the space ranger, Prior to its release, the film caused controversy by being banned in 14 countries in Asia and the Middle East due to the studio’s refusal to cut a kiss scene between astronaut Alisha Hawthorne and her same-sex partner.
Originally, the sequence in question had been cut, but Disney decided to keep it after Pixar staff spoke out about censoring “openly gay affection” in its feature films.
In an interview with Variety, The 41-year-old actor addressed the controversy and said he was very happy that the moment has returned to the film, but he wishes that it did not have to be a topic of discussion:
I mean, it’s great. As cool as it is. It’s nice and wonderful, it makes me happy. It’s hard not to feel a little frustrated because it even has to be a topic of discussion.
In addition, he added that he hopes that in the future, something like this does not even have to be considered “news”:
The goal is that we can get to a point where it’s the norm and that this doesn’t have to be uncharted territory. That representation across the board is how we make movies. It’s an honor to be a part of something that’s taking these steps, the goal is to look back at this moment and just be amazed that it took us this long to get here.
Also, Chris believes that Lightyear is a step for humanity, as Alisha’s narrative of love is not only an essential part of the plot, but also inspires Buzz’s catchphrase “To infinity and beyond”. Finally, she added that she “sobbed” during the montage of the story:
I thought it was beautiful. That’s the great thing about Pixar, being able to take these great catchphrases that Tim Allen originated and make them so iconic as to create origin stories with all of them. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Pixar movie where I haven’t cried. They have the recipe, they really do. I don’t know what it is, but, man, the tears are starting to fall.
Lightyear It will be released this Thursday, June 16 exclusively in all theaters in Latin America.