The Buzz prequel already exists: It’s ‘Buzz Lightyear of Star Command’
It’s okay 90s kids, we remember Buzz Lightyear of Star Command exists, even if Disney forgot. During Disney’s annual Investor Day presentation, Pixar fans were treated to information about two new theatrical films from the animation giant. The original film Turning Red was revealed, but fans were more interested in the Buzz Lightyear prequel Lightyear.
Set for release on June 17th, 2022, Lightyear will tell the story of how the Space Ranger we know & love became Buzz Lightyear. Taking over the character from Tim Allen is Marvel superstar Chris Evans. While many fans were excited about the announcement, others wondered what this meant for Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.
The original Buzz Lightyear prequel
In case you never experienced the beauty of Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, this two-season show told the story of Buzz Lightyear & his team taking on intergalactic threats. Set as a cartoon within the Toy Story universe, it’s more of a spinoff than a prequel. The show ran for two seasons in the early 00s, launched by a direct-to-video film Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins.
The pilot film featured Tim Allen reprising his iconic role. However, the show featured legendary voice actor Patrick Warburton as Buzz instead. Buzz Lightyear of Star Command featured the voice talents of Neil Flynn, Larry Miller, Stephen Furst, and Nicole Sullivan.
Airing as part of UPN & ABC’s Saturday morning cartoon lineup, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command was the first time Pixar created a TV series. However, it seems Disney has forgotten the show ever existed. Neither the film or show is available on Disney+, nor is it available for digital purchase on any platform.
Why is the show erased from Disney history?
With the announcement of Lightyear, many fans are wondering if this is the nail in the coffin for Buzz Lightyear of Star Command. Even when the show was airing in 2000, Toy Story creator John Lasseter was openly against Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.
Lasseter is no longer involved with Pixar, but there have been rumors over the years he wasn’t the only one displeased with the creation of Buzz Lightyear of Star Command. Disney owns 100% of the rights to the show since it was produced by Disney and Pixar, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t be on Disney+.
The main reason fans believe Buzz Lightyear of Star Command has yet to see the light of day on the streaming service is personal bias from executives in Disney & Pixar. Of course, the show has never been available for sale on a digital format, and the show is twenty years old. Some serious remastering would be necessary for the show to fit on the streaming service.
Will the prequel follow Buzz Lightyear of Star Command?
Now that Lightyear is going forward, fans are wondering if the new film will follow the story in Buzz Lightyear of Star Command. However, the announcement of the film made it clear this film even precedes Buzz’s time with Star Command.
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command focuses on Buzz after he joins Star Command as a Space Ranger. Lightyear plans on showing how he becomes a spaceman in Star Command. The two pieces of media could be connected, but if the bias still exists in Pixar, it’s unlikely the film & show will be connected.
Where can I watch Buzz Lightyear of Star Command?
If you’re nostalgic after the Lightyear announcement, you don’t have to look too far for Buzz Lightyear of Star Command. Years ago, someone uploaded the entire show to YouTube for free, so you can rewatch the entire show online. More importantly, you can enjoy “Stranger Invasion” which features Buzz having to dress up as Mrs. Nesbitt again.
Since Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins, aired as the first three episodes of the show, you can watch all parts of the forgotten show online. If you’re dying for the movie version that features Tim Allen instead of Patrick Warburton, you can still buy DVD copies of the film online at Amazon.
