Disney-Pixar’s Lightyear blasts off tomorrow, giving some origin story to one of Andy’s beloved toys. The famous Space Ranger first infiltrated Andy’s room in 1995, and has been a mainstay of Disney/Pixar films, spinoffs, and Disney Parks entertainment ever since. So it only seems right to honor Buzz with this collection of cosmic trivia nuggets!

The Biggest Mistake Of His Career

Buzz Lightyear is inextricably linked to actor Tim Allen. But did you know Allen was not the director’s first choice to voice the role? That honor was bestowed upon actor/comedian Billy Crystal, who turned down the role.

Once he saw the finished product and the smashing success of the film, he immediately regretted his decision. Crystal got a second chance with Pixar, as the voice of Mike Wazowski in Monsters, Inc. (and let’s be honest – Mike is a much better fit for Crystal’s squeaky-fun voice).

Soarin’ Over Andy’s Room

Tim Allen voiced Buzz in his prime film appearances, but Disney fan-favorite Patrick Warburton (voice of the flight attendant in the attraction Soarin’, and Kronk in the film The Emperor’s New Groove) voiced him in the cartoon series Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.

Not only that, but Warburton actually provided some vocal tracks for Buzz during film development. His lines were later dubbed over by Tim Allen’s tracks. Nice work, pal!

Tea Time

In Toy Story, when Buzz breaks an arm in Sid’s house, Sid’s little sister Hannah takes care of Buzz and treats him to a tea party with a few of her other toys. What name does Hannah give Buzz? Answer – Mrs. Nesbit.

But this isn’t the only time Pixar played with this little old lady caricature. At the beginning of Monsters, Inc., the kindly instructor for junior scare students is named Mrs. Nesbit!

Say Who?

When trying to think of a spacey-sounding name for your galactic toy hero, what might come to mind? Believe it or not, Buzz Lightyear was almost named Lunar Larry! That doesn’t carry quite the same gravity.

Thankfully, the creative minds behind the film decided to pay homage to American astronaut Buzz Aldrin when deciding on the Space Ranger’s final name.

To Infinity and Beyond!

Buzz’s most famous quote (and perhaps the most memorable quote in all of the Toy Story franchise) is the positively uplifting “To infinity and beyond!” But as much as society attributes that quote to Buzz, these exact words first appeared four years before Toy Story was released. Author Eli Maor authored the book To Infinity and Beyond: A Cultural History of the Infinite which explores the role of infinity in mathematics and geometry and its cultural impact on the arts and sciences. Was this book title the inspiration for Buzz’s quote? Only time (and space) will tell.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is currently operating in three different Disney Theme Parks. The Magic Kingdom version opened in 1998, replacing Delta Dreamflight. The Disneyland version (Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters) opened in 2005, replacing the queue to the defunct Rocket Rods attraction. The Tokyo Disneyland version opened in 2004, replacing Visionarium.

All three attractions function similarly, with riders taking aim to achieve that perfect score of 999,999 and earn the title of “Galactic Hero.” There are many articles written to help guide guests on the best targets to shoot. Generally, the smaller and more elusive the targets are, the more points they are worth.

Thanks for taking aim with some Space Ranger trivia! Are you planning to see Disney-Pixar’s Lightyear in theaters? Let us know what you think with a comment here, or on social.

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