Following its memorable box office bombing, a new report indicates that original Toy Story director John Lasseter is very critical of the Lightyear spinoff movie. Released in theaters this past June, the film explored the origin story of the figure that would go on to inspire Tim Allen’s beloved toy, with Chris Evans recast as Buzz as he finds himself stranded in the future after trying to save his fellow Star Command officers from the alien planet they’re stranded on. Co-written and directed by Angus MacLane, Lightyear debuted to generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, though this wouldn’t translate to box office receipts, as it only grossed just over $226 million against its $200 million production budget, landing it the label of a box office bomb.
A recent posting from Matthew Belloni’s Puck newsletter reflected on the recent changes occurring in Hollywood’s animation field, including former Pixar CEO John Lasseter now leading the charge for Skydance Animation. The report also stated that two people who have spoken with the original Toy Story director say he was “extremely critical” of both Lightyear and Strange World, Disney’s two major box office flops of 2022. Lasseter is said to hold extra contempt for the latter project’s failing after having “created and nurtured” the eponymous Space Ranger for 25 years, having helmed the first two installments in the Toy Story franchise and developing the story with fellow Pixar vets Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton and Joe Ranft.
