Tag: disney

Gaming Journalism

Let It Go In The Fifth Season Of Disney Speedstorm

laurawilliamsonduty

Do you want to read an article [36]? It has been ten years since the release of Frozen, one of Disney’s most successful modern films [15] [31] [58]. Its popularity and memorability have even been parodied in the second season of the Danger Mouse reboot [7]. Its well-deserved sequel, Frozen II provided some new songs and character development and is considered one of the best films of 2019 besides Joker and Avengers: Endgame [5] [37] [45]. Well, not everybody considered the sequel to be one of the best [1] [3]. In honour of the tenth anniversary of Princess Anna’s quest to reunite with her older sister [36], the fifth season of Disney Speedstorm has begun with a blizzard featuring the beloved main cast from Arendelle during the conclusion of Lewis Hamilton’s collaboration with Rocket League and the first few critical takes on Wish, Disney’s newest animated film starring seventeen-year-old Asha in a whole new kingdom [28] [34] [44] [53] [54]. Previously, Aladdin, Jasmine, Jafar and the Genie competed on a different kind of ride in the fourth season [22]. As the frosted highlight begins the fifth season for those who love Frozen unconditionally [28] [34], let us hope that the new racetracks caked in snow and ice will not be too slippery to race on!

This is quite an interesting way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Frozen aside from a new attraction known as “The World Of Frozen” in Hong Kong Disneyland and a pair of celebratory dolls if you ask me [28] [34] [38] [42] [62]. There are many more ways to celebrate ten years of an unforgettable tale of two sisters’ forced separation [4] [15] [17] [39] [65] [66]. Oh! And did I mention that there are now some shop adjustments in response to feedback from players [56]? [28] [34]

Determination is an open door for a bunch of new racers from Frozen [28] [34], including: 

  • Elsa, the insecure but independent snow queen who I can deeply relate to [21] [67]
  • Anna, Elsa’s selfless and quirky younger sister [20]
  • Hans, Anna’s first love interest until his true colours were revealed [23] [36]
  • Kristoff, the iceman who befriended Anna and became her second love interest [24]
  • Olaf, the loveable snowman who likes warm hugs [25] [36]

Oh! And let us not forget about Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Ortensia joining the races for those who are humbled by the vibes of black and white cartoons from the 1920s and 1930s known as the “Rubber Hose” era [26] [27] [46]. All the characters look quite snazzy in all their racer outfits, which is what Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles “Tails” Prower and Amy Rose could have notably had in the Sonic Riders series [57] [61], but at least Pauline and Peachette look amazing in theirs in the sixth and final wave of downloadable content for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe [50]. Who knows who will be part of a pack of playable characters in the sixth season [29]? Perhaps the main cast of Tangled or the main stars of The Princess and the Frog could be the next big highlight [59] [60].

Queen Elsa of Arendelle is an embodiment of mental health awareness within an unmistakable portrayal [36] [37] [55]. It would be no surprise if I get a chance to race as her [67]. As for Hans, I guess letting him become a racer is a way to give him some redemption after the big twist in the first film [28] [34] [36]. [28] [34]
It looks like Sven, Kristoff’s reindeer companion is a new crew member [28] [29] [34]. Say, you hopeless romantics do not suspect that the fifth season of Disney Speedstorm is the time when Kristoff started to get a little more smitten with Anna, despite being one of her opponents, no [36]? [28] [34]

If you are a fan of Frozen and you love to compete in racing games, show yourself for the royal sisters of Arendelle and their co-stars in the fifth season of Disney Speedstorm [28] [34] [37]. Disney may have received some flak for being “woke” these days [9] [13] [35] [47] [48], but the “wokeness” never bothered me anyway [36]. Aside from how the Disney devotees will not hold it back as they cherish the chill of the wintery racetracks [28] [34], the stars could start to align and sinners could take it as a sign in a music video starring Stolas from Helluva Boss this December [6] [40] [43] [49], the same time when The Last of Us Part II Remastered is available for PlayStation 5 owners to pre-order [52]. I suppose that some Disney devotees ought to watch Olaf’s Frozen Adventures once again to feel festive during the Christmas break [18] [19] [51]. But before you unwrap your presents from under your tree and dine on a roasted turkey or a bucket of KFC with your family [2] [12], let it go with Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf or even Hans in the fifth season of Disney Speedstorm, starting with the first time in forever [28] [34] [36]. Okay! I will stop making references to the songs now! 

If the wintery Frozen vibes of the fifth season of Disney Speedstorm are a bit too chilly for you [28] [34], feel free to warm up for a battle with SpongeBob SquarePants in the new Bikini Bottom map in Brawlhalla [8] [68]. [8]
Until then, Happy 100th Anniversary, Disney [30]! Happy 95th Anniversary, Mickey Mouse [16] [38] [63]! Happy 10thAnniversary, Frozen! Happy 60th Anniversary, Doctor Who [32] [33]! Happy 25th Anniversary to The Powerpuff Girls [10] [11] [63]! And happy 50th Anniversary, Hello Kitty [41]! [28] [34]

References

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Gaming Journalism

Four Crazy Crossovers In Gaming In November 2023

laurawilliamsonduty

Disclaimer:

This is a listicle that features one announcement trailer that contains blood, a depiction of murder and moderate censored profanity. Reader discretion is advised.

There has been quite a lot of cartoony crazes in gaming this year [57] [58] [59], including the collaboration between Fall Guys and Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Happy Tree Friends edition of The Crackpet Show [40] [56] [61]. Furthermore, moments like those can be considered a little crazier if there happens to be a crossover. Those who were bewildered at the fanmade crossover between Helluva Boss and Murder Drones from MORØ Productions may understand where I am coming from [35]. To an extent, a crossover can be a little more ambitious if a fan is able to interact with it. By now, Fortnite fighters are familiar with that feeling, yet there have been some crossovers in Fortnite: Battle Royale that made less sense or just turned out to be less satisfying than others [54]. After all, the collaboration with Rick and Morty missed the mark for how the art style of Rick and Morty rendered in the 3D world of Fortnite looked a little too bizarre and the skins got banned for several months after the arrest of Justin Roiland, the series’ creator [24] [30] [54]. On a lighter note, could these new crossovers that are about to be analysed be considered right up your alley of quirkiness…or scariness? Fasten your seatbelt before we proceed to analyse the first crazy crossover to discuss.

A month ago, there was a Toy Story-themed event in Fall Guys [21], but who is collaborating with who this month? [21]

Let us start with the next big step of Lightning McQueen’s career outside of Pixar Animation Studios in Rocket League [46]. It is quite bizarre to put an anthropomorphic car in a world of realistic vehicles that cannot talk or sense anything at all, yet it is meant to be after the celebration of Halloween with the main cast of The Nightmare Before Christmas [44]. Nevertheless, a previous racer could sense the thrill of racing as no other than Bumblebee from the Transformers franchise back in June [45]. I have been hopeful for a second season of Cars On The Road, a spin-off series on Disney+, but rumour has it that it might have been cancelled due to the streaming platform’s apparent downfall [20]. But who knows? The trailer for it might just pop up any day near the Christmas break or in early 2024 [17]. In addition to a lighter note, Mr. McQueen is looking quite expressive in the twelfth season of Rocket League [46]. Furthermore, there is hype for Elsa and Kristoff from the Frozen franchise to let it go in a new way and no longer feel lost in the woods in the fifth season of Disney Speedstorm [18] [19] [25] [26]. Vroom vroom!

Ka-Chow! [46]

Secondly, let the force of a Minecrafter be with you in Minecraft x Star Wars: Path of the Jedi [39] [50]. This is the second time there has been an official Star Wars showcase in Minecraft as some of you may recall the adventures based on the original trilogy and the Mandalorian series three years ago [32]. Despite the ambitiousness of the new DLC, I still stand by how Minecraft seems to have become a little too reliant on crossovers to stay relevant and hip as we have witnessed a lot of third-party collaborations in Minecraft, including the Disney: Worlds of Adventure update and the co-operation of the Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles back in August [38] [40] [59], along with the collaborations with Batman and Avatar: The Last Air Bender from last year [33] [34]. Nonetheless, the originality of Minecraft still peeps through the number of third-party collaborations in terms of the creativity and open-world exploration that lies in the gameplay [43]. As for the crossovers, they can still provide some creativity and adventurousness to an extent, especially if the character skins and buildings are very well done for the fans of the franchises. Now is the opportunity for a Minecrafter to strive from a Jedi knight’s perspective with Padawan and encounter other characters, such as Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi [39] [50]. 

I am aware that the Star Wars films are live-action films [23], but because of how cartoony the characters look in the Minecraft style in this crossover [39] [50], it can still technically be counted as another cartoony craze. Well, that is probably just my artistic tastes telling me that. Aside from that, let us continue to show support for Ahmed Best and Jake Lloyd as they continue to personally progress from the unfair backlash they received from their roles in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace [3] [23] [52]. [39]

Near the end of this November, SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks will become the newest third-party brawlers in Brawlhalla [7]. SpongeBob’s primary attacks are the way he wields his spatula and his jellyfishing net. He can also do his karate moves with his karate gear on. Patrick can also wield a jellyfishing net and one of Sandy’s weapons is her guitar. Of course, this is not the first time SpongeBob has been in a fighting game as those who have fondly played Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl and are currently tuning into its sequel know [27] [28]. It can be argued that Brawlhalla is also coming a little too relevant on crossovers to appeal to players outside of its own fanbase as there was a crossover with Aang, Toph and Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender a year ago [5]. Nevertheless, these crossovers can still be enjoyable, depending on the player’s interests. During the wait for four new brawlers, including Mr. Krabs joining the roster of Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 in 2024 [37], the jolly sponge, his dim-witted best friend and the intelligent squirrel from Texas shall be the newest competitors in Brawlhalla after its crossover event with Roblox [6] [7]. 

Who’s going to kick some butt under the sea? 
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!
All ready and cheery and feisty is he!
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS! [7]

Uh oh! Halloween may be over, but it looks like there will be a SCARY special guest appearance in Dead by Daylight on the day before SpongeBob becomes a playable character in Brawlhalla [7] [12]. Wanna play with Chucky [9]? Well, as one can tell by the first-person perspective in the trailer, he ain’t gonna play nice [12]. A new challenge awaits the survivors (and slayers) of the previous collaborations, including the wrath of Naughty Bear as The Trapper during this year’s Haunted By Daylight event [13] [14], the galactic terror of a familiar being in Nostromo Wreckage from the Alien franchise in August and the moment of Nicholas Cage playing the role of a fellow survivor in July [11] [15]. It appears that the soul of Charles Lee Ray in the body of a cutesy doll will be a skin for the killer in the brutal game of hide-and-seek that has been terrorising survivors and feeding the inner demons of slayers since June 2016 [4] [7], which is another sign of a crossover being taken seriously with a certain character being portrayed spectacularly besides the collaborations with Freddy Kruger from the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise [9] [10] [16]. Whether Chucky will be the killer in his regular attire or an outfit inspired by his bride Tiffany, just watch your back later this month…

Looks like not every crossover has to be cartoonish to be crazy [56] [57] [58] [59]. Chucky could be your friend…’til the end…[9] [12]

In conclusion, these crossovers are quite simulating on their own accords [7] [12] [39] [46], but it can be considered more vital to see already existing properties continue to flourish on their own, such as Sonic Prime being renewed third season and to make room for brand new ones to shine in the spotlight for the first time, such as Disney’s Wish [36] [55]. Nonetheless, there might as well be a few new crossover events, as well as other things to look forward to or at least give a chance in 2024 [53], such as the highly anticipated Deadpool 3 and the upcoming reboot of Mean Girls based on its musical adaption that was established in late 2017 [8] [31] [42] [47] [60]. We must be mindful of how effective these crossovers can be, especially when a pinky promise is made to portray certain characters convincingly and respectfully [51], even though that would not always be in case as Deadpool was completely muted for his participation in Fortnite: Battle Royale and Sonic the Hedgehog’s portrayal in that episode of OK K.O. was considered…quite a downgrade [29] [48]. Until then, best of luck to those in the role-playing Grand Prix within the theme honouring Super Mario RPG in Tetris 99 and feel free to express the impact the described crossovers just left or could leave on you [41]!

And speaking of respectfully portrayed, please do not fall for the YouTube channels that are harmfully mocking and misrepresenting me, especially if they are planning to tarnish my new username “LadyLaurapop” [1] [2]. On a lighter note, I hope my fiancé’s fellow Sonic supporters have fun with the LEGO Fun Pack for Sonic Superstars [49]! Stay safe this Black Friday! [49]

References

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Film Articles

Lightyear – A Backstory Before A Toy Story

laurawilliamsonduty

It is time once again to hold our hopes for Buzz Lightyear’s origin as high as the stars as I come in peace. The official trailer has been related to boost its potential up even further [7] [14] [19] [22], although there is some resentment towards its concept due to how some of us probably preferred the Toy Story franchise to be left as a trilogy after the mostly positive reception of Toy Story 4 back in 2019 whilst seeking a completely original idea for a new Pixar movie [35], much like how the Ice Age franchise could have retired after the release of Ice Age: Collision Course [1] [4]. Growing up sure seems like a beast in Turning Red [21] [23], but at least there appears to be no sign of fierce death metal vocals anywhere [15]. Other than that, there seems to be nothing preventing Pixar from producing fresh ideas for new films in a proactive manner, as well as some spin-offs of already existing franchises that can hold some potential on their own accords. Moreover, I have nothing against establishing the concept of an origin for Buzz Lightyear [30] [40] [40]. Strap in and save your five shots for trouble ahead, cadets [9]!

Once again, “Starman” by David Bowie is an excellent choice for the trailer [7] [19], considering this film is centred around Buzz becoming a captain from Star Command. [14] [22]

As previously mentioned in our previous analysis [39] [40], the visuals of this forthcoming adventure are unmistakably and almost legendarily outstanding [7] [14] [19] [22]. Surely, many of us would have preferred the live-action remake of Lion King from 2019 to feature the characters looking more like their animated counterparts from 1992 [16]. Furthermore, the way the gritty realism of the environments is combined with the cartoony physical structures of the characters in the trailers for Lightyear captures that specific desire of bringing cartoon characters to a realistic world outstandingly [7] [14] [19] [22], quite like in Detective Pikachu and Sonic the Hedgehog’s live-action movies [6] [27]. I fondly remember the sculpts of the human characters, including Andy and his mother being greatly improved while comparing them from the first Toy Story film and Toy Story 3 [32] [34]. Of course, what enhances the aesthetics even further is the lively animation with characters moving realistically and very good effects, such as mighty red beams being shot from Buzz’s laser [7] [14] [19] [22]. Lastly, there are a quite lot of examples of great lighting effects. It sure would cost lots and lots to see a concept from a sketch brought into amazingly animated action, but as always, it is undeniably worth it.

The colour palette when Mr. Lightyear activates hyperdrive is rather mesmerising, even though the effect is a little too flashy for me. [14] [22]

Meow! The cute cat we previously saw in the teaser trailer is named “Sox”, which is quite a quirky name for a pet [7] [14] [19] [22]. He can talk and he is robotic, which is sure to cute things up at times. His character appears to be a mixture of Baymax from Big Hero 6, Clank from the Ratchet & Clank series and a bit of Dug from Up [2] [25] [38]. His overall design somewhat reminds me of the stuffed cat from Catz 5 and Dogz 5 [36] [37]. As an expansion on his very brief appearance in the teaser trailer [18] [39] [40], Sox appears to be a new sidekick for Buzz, already full of potential to be an effective one within a supporting role due to his well-manned nature and sophisticated speech, as well as a witty moment when he freaks out a bit during a flight, but will this increase paranoia of the events of Buzz Lightyear Of Star Command no longer being considered canon [29] [39] [40]? I bet Princess Mira Nova would love a sidekick like that, leading to a sudden revival of the Disney Palace Pet series featuring her with Sox and Merida from Brave with her own pet that might as well be a bear cub [3] [31].

The adorableness! My one weakness!! Looks like you got a new friend in you, Buzz. [14] [22]

I am quite shocked to see a robotic figure that strongly resembles Emperor Zurg, especially by the look of a highly familiar trio of canons grouped together as one [7] [14] [19] [23]. This could mean that not only is this film centred around Buzz’s origin but his arch-nemesis possibly before he became an emperor. Strangely enough, his weapon is in his left hand [7] [14] [19] [22], even though it was in his right hand in Toy Story 2 [24] [33]. Nonetheless, that difference is no big deal to me as he can be considered ambidextrous. Nonetheless, that difference is no big deal to me as he can be considered ambidextrous. In all honesty, it may be rather clichéd if there was some backstory of how he used to be a good guy, but there can be some way for it to be highly effective and somewhat memorable for a brand new expansion on his character. Can you imagine Rex playing a prequel to the video game he was playing at the beginning of Toy Story 2 [35]? I strongly believe a younger and inexperienced Buzz will gradually change into a capable, hard-nosed space ranger will lie within the storyline [7] [14] [19] [22], no matter how brutally Zurg killed his father [33].

However…is THIS Buzz’s father [33]?! Any DNA results? Not today, seemingly younger Zurg! [14] [22]

There is a lot more action and peril going on this in the new trailer [7] [14] [19] [22]. Not only does this provide some further development for Buzz and his teammates but increase the faithfulness to the intense action a space ranger would encounter whilst on duty. No reference to my username on Twitter intended. Looking closely at the amount of peril that brings out those Star Wars vibes without a single lightsaber [26], I am suspecting that its intensity will cause the film to be rated PG. Nevertheless, I do not doubt that Mr. Lightyear will survive the dangers that await him on his journey to fulfil his destiny. After all, the film will be about his origin and it is understandable if he cannot always defend himself in this specific time period as shown by how he was grabbed by some tentacle plant thing [7] [14] [18] [19] [22]. But still, his actions when preparing to take off make him seem more than ready to evolve into the Buzz we have admired since 1995 [32], very much like how a younger Lara Croft eventually hardened into a survivor throughout a traumatic experience in the reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise [28].

To balance out some deep character growth and mild galactic violence, there ought to be some more humourous moments too besides that guy being grabbed by a tentacle plant creature and then reminding him of how much dependence is on him [7] [19]. How about some outtake during the credits [33]? [14] [22]

Knowing the difference between a concept that is pretty unnecessary and a concept that is completely terrible, I believe this is something my significant other and I can blast off this June with after we speed up with Sonic the Hedgehog and Miles “Tails” Prower this April [17]. I can still imagine Andy as a child being infatuated with a toy line based on Buzz Lightyear’s origin or at least analysing some aspects of it for an assignment as a college student [18] [32] [35]. Not only is Sox adorable with high potential but Emperor Zurg’s backstory ought to be quite intriguing too [7] [14] [19] [22]. When it comes to being a Disney desirer in 2022, I guess we still ought to not talk about Bruno [10]. And when it comes to animated films and inspection of overall quality, perhaps the Ice Age franchise ought to finally be put to rest after the mediocre reception of The Ice Age Adventures Of Buck Wild on Disney+ [5]. But then again, maybe not. It is almost Valentine’s Day, fellow Pixar fans, so be sure to activate your Spanish mode, especially if your significant other is considered the sheriff of your own Wild Wild West [34] [35]. Adios, amigos!

To infinity…and beyond. [8] [20]

References

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Film Articles

Lightyear – Some Backstory Beyond The Toy Stories 

laurawilliamsonduty

Throughout 2020 and 2021, there have been times I wished the claw can take gentle hold of me and take me to a better time [36], compared to life in a global pandemic [4] [25]. Despite this, I come in peace. Now that the teaser trailer for Lightyear, an upcoming film from Pixar is out to shine its potential like a star in outer space [9] [17] [19] [34], now is the time to see what potential the origin of space ranger one cool toy is heavily based on. Tempus from Morph [12]? Nope! Buzz Lightyear! I recall noticing the announcement of the forthcoming spin-off and stating my thoughts on its concept back in January [41] [42]. Since the spin-off is set to be released in 2022, the same year when Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris will be re-released for the Nintendo Switch [25] [35], there is highly plenty of time to hope for it to honour the Toy Story franchise, in spite of how unnecessary its premise may seem to some Pixar fans out there as they may perhaps to prefer seeing something completely new and fresh from such a beloved animation studio, such as Turning Red [18]. 

In spite of the difficulties we have faced, there will always be something for us to look forward to. [8] [16]

It is interesting how a seemingly younger Buzz will wear a drastically different suit before achieving the qualification to become a space ranger [9] [17] [19]. I believe that his goal will be highly similar to how Ratchet, the adventurous lombax in the Ratchet and Clank movie dreams of becoming a galactic ranger [22]. The way Buzz ironically has brown hair makes him resemble Nathan Drake from the Uncharted franchise [21], especially when he is wearing casual loungewear outside of his duties as a test pilot [9] [17] [19]. I honestly cannot believe that the iconic spacesuit will be more realistic and detailed in this spin-off to show that we are watching a new film about him as if we were part of the Toy Story universe [8] [16]. You do not suppose there will cameos of the suits for the upgraded versions of the Buzz Lightyear action figure from “New And Improved Buzz” [11] [20], in spite of how Toy Story Treats is technically non-canon, no? I just wonder if there could also be a brief origin of Emperor Zurg, his arch-nemesis and the sworn enemy of the galactic alliance…who could also turn out to be his father as a mentioning of the events of Toy Story 2 [33] [37]! 

It’s official! Mr. Lightyear has HAIR!!! Could he also speak Spanish [38]? [17]
Again, I have nothing against Buzz being voiced by Chris Evans who has been known for playing the role of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe [2] [3]. I still think there ought to be character development that goes way beyond what almost caused the first-ever Toy Story movie to be cancelled [29], especially if specific aspects of his first mission will be risky. [17]

It looks like the animators at Pixar are still putting an incredible amount of effort into providing the best visual quality they can [9] [17] [19]. The backgrounds are realistically rendered with rather gritty details. There is a highly notable comparison between what the iconic spacesuit looks like on the usual Buzz Lightyear action figure and what it will look like in an adaptation for portraying the character as…well…not a toy that comes to life behind an owner’s back [34]. As for the moment when he is standing in his casual attire, the view he can see through the window is quite mesmerising [9] [17] [19]. There is also a crystal that appears to be the source of power for the spaceship Buzz is seen in as its test pilot, which is a little bit of consistency [34]. The grittiness blended into the cartoony realism in this forthcoming spin-off is starting to remind me of the graphics in Super Smash Bros. Brawl [14], yet I can see an example of light-hearted humour, such as Buzz freaking out how an adorable mechanical yet highly convincing feline came to life will provide the wit, emotional and charm of the main Toy Story timeline [36] [37] [38] [39]. To go alongside advanced and exceptional animation, there ought to be some engaging character development within an effective plot [41] [42]. 

The song “Starman” by David Bowie fits the premise of a galactic hero’s origin in space so well [5]. May the iconic singer-songwriter rest in peace. [17]
There are a few aspects of the setting shown in the trailer that scream, “Ratchet & Clank” in our faces [22]. [34]

So, will the animated series, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command still be considered canon, in spite of drastically different animation [10] [31] [32]? The character doing a special kind of handshake with Buzz appears to be an ally of his during his days of training [9] [17] [19]. I wonder how effective her relationship with him could be, compared to Princess Mira Nova in Buzz Lightyear of Star Command [41] [42]. I can understand no longer considering a spin-off of a franchise to be canon if any continuity errors are pointed out, if it received negative reception from fans and critics or if even the creators regret the outcome or simply want something fresh for a new audience [1] [23] [30]. Despite this, I guess there is a possibility of a certain red-haired princess appearing or being mentioned at the very end, leading to that direct-to-video film and the TV series still counting for the sake of consistency and loyalty to the fanbase [31] [32]. And yes, it indeed would be best to not feature a specific metaphor for drug addiction and schemes revolving around triggering terrorism as there were episodes of Buzz Lightyear of Star Command that were banned from airing again for those subject matters [10]. 

Whether the events of Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins and the television series based on it will still be canon or not, you do not suppose there will be a brief WALL-E cameo, considering Lightyear will be set in space? [17]
Hmmm…I wonder what could be under that helmet behind a huge rock next to Buzz. [17]

The Toy Story franchise has come such a long way since the test footage that featured Woody as a jerky wooden puppet and Buzz as a smaller action figure back in 1992 [12]. It was thrilling enough that Sora teamed up with the real Woody in Kingdom Hearts III [28]. Can you imagine the Kingdom Hearts franchise being associated with either Nickelodeon or Warner Bros. instead of Disney [7] [13] [15]? Well, vaguely. As for Lightyear, I shall expect the ending to feature the origin being a promotion for a new brand of Buzz Lightyear toys just before the events of Toy Story 4. Aside from that, I would still be up for Toy Story 5, perhaps just as long as it will be a prequel to the first film instead of a rather unnecessary sequel to Toy Story 4 [27] [41] [42]. Could Woody have been given to Andy by his father before the reason for his absence [24]? Furthermore, there might as well be an origin for Woody in the wild Wild West on how he became a sheriff [37]. When it comes to expecting the best outcome of Lightyear in Summer 2022 [9] [17] [19] [34], I shall wish him the best of luck in achieving his dream. 

To infinity…and beyond! [17]

References 

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Film Articles

Lightyear – An Outstanding Origin Awaits?

laurawilliamsonduty

I do not doubt that many of us fans of Pixar’s many masterpieces [10], including Coco and Ratatouille are looking forward to the release of Luca this Summer [4] [11] [13]. Ever since after the remarkable acclaim of Toy Story 4 that was considered to be the sprinkles on the cake that is the Toy Story franchise nine years after Toy Story 3 was considered to be the perfect finale [17] [18], some of us have been wondering how the franchise could possibly continue without a single sign of it becoming stale before our owners return to their bedrooms, leading us to have to slump to the floor and remain lifeless until they leave again. I am highly fascinated at how the near future of the Toy Story franchise appears to be going in a potentially better direction rather than just spewing out a “Toy Story 5” that would seem to be quite unnecessary unless its events took place before the first Toy Story masterpiece for Summer 2022 after the release and marketing of Turning Red next Spring [11]. Should I just give in and not state my thoughts on the concept for a forthcoming spin-off of an iconic franchise? Not today, Zurg [16]!

So, how can the franchise excel even further after the outstanding acclaim of Toy Story 4 [18]? [23]

The teased project from Pixar has officially been titled “Lightyear” as a sign that it will be heavily focused on a specific time in Buzz Lightyear’s life [11]. In a teased image, Buzz seems to be wearing a different suit, especially a completely different helmet as he grins confidently [21]. This is highly similar to how Captain Marvel wore pine green attire as “Vers” in her live-action movie [3]. His face looks more human-like and similar to the design of Mr. Incredible’s face [25] [26], meaning that the premise will NOT be set in a child’s bedroom where toys that come to life reside in. This is a huge sign of the film being set in his origin. You know, before a promotion that gave him the suit we saw on the popular figure based on him [15] [16]. Considering how the new interpretation of Buzz will NOT be an action figure, could there be a brief moment of children around Andy’s age about watch the movie at a cinema way before the events of Toy Story 3, resulting in a “Yo Dawg” moment [5]? As a test pilot, according to the description on the official Pixar website [11], a less experienced Buzz is sure to show some determination to earn the promotion that would lead to the Buzz we knew and loved since 1995 [15].

Buzz will apparently be a test pilot in the forthcoming spin-off [11], leading to some new character development that has not been seen by fans of the Toy Story franchise before. [21]

It appears that the iconic space ranger will have a different voice for his supposed origin [21]. I do not mind the noble space ranger being voiced by Chris Evans instead of Tim Allen, as long as the performance is just as highly engaging. Jim Hanks, the brother of Tom Hanks has voiced Woody outside of the films and he sounds almost as convincing [1] [12]. More importantly, the plot of Lightyear ought to consist of remarkable character development when it comes to portraying him as the way he was before he became an official space ranger. Toy Story 4 has shown some great development on Woody as he has refrained from making the same mistake he made in the first Toy Story film [15] [18]. When he is no longer the favourite toy of Bonnie, he tries to protect him at all costs for her as his creator instead of knocking him out of a window out of jealously. Whether Buzz Lightyear will have a different voice actor or not [21], there will need to be an extraordinary evolution of him since how a character is portrayed is slightly more important than how outstanding the performance of whoever voices the character will be.

Well, at least Buzz will not sound like that miniature version of him from Small Fry in Lightyear [14]. What is more important though is how likeable he will be. [22]

There will be hope that the events of the Buzz Lightyear of Star Command timeline that was established from 2000 to 2001 will still be considered canon, despite how it oddly featured traditional 2D animation compared to the animation in the first film at its sequel [15] [16] [19] [20]. The way to make this possible would be to ether reference or welcome back characters, such as Princess Mira Nova and Booster Sinclair Munchapper in the stunningly advanced 3D animation that many modern Pixar films have been recognisable for [4] [5] [10] [19]. Who knows? They might as well return in brand new outfits just before converting to the attire they wore in the television series in perhaps a new headcanon, especially Mira [2]. Surely Toy Story Treats have been considered non-canon due to how considering them canon would result in inconsistencies [24], but we shall see if Lightyear will or will not contradict anything from Buzz Lightyear of Star Commanded once its official trailer is released. To those who considered themselves fans of the animated special and the television series that were inspired from it back in the early 2000s [19] [20], there will be hope that there will be signs of them not being forgotten like many memories of Riley from Inside Out in the events of Lightyear [5].

A little shout-out to all of the 2000s kids who remember this animated special and the television series set after its events [19] [20]. Could their events still be considered canon or will there be an alternate continuation in Lightyear? [20]

In conclusion, I would be more than interested to see Buzz Lightyear’s origin within a spin-off of such an iconic animated saga [11] [21]. We can tell that the franchise has come a long way since the test footage that featured Woody and Buzz in their earlier interpretations that never made it to the final result of the first film [7]. I am still up for a Toy Story 5 someday, just as long as its events will tell the story of how Woody became Andy’s favourite toy before the arrival of Buzz [15]. Sometimes it is wiser to establish a prequel to answer unanswered questions than make a continuation that would be considered unnecessary. It worked for Monsters University [8] [9], right? I am sure that there might be any signs of some toys that are based on what is seen in Buzz’s origin being bought in Andy’s local area in perhaps the beginning or conclusion of the forthcoming spin-off to honour the prime premise of the main Toy Story saga [15] [16] [17] [18]. For now, the wonderfully talented and hardworking people at Pixar Animation Studios ought to not let the prospector out of the box until July 2022 [11] [21]. Can Mr. Lightyear still fly…or fall with style [15]?

To infinity…and beyond! [21]

References

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