Netizens Speculate on Whether Tim Allen Was Dropped as Buzz Lightyear For His Political Views

Buzz Lightyear is the lead character - a space ranger superhero - from the 'Toy Story' series of animated feature films, one of the most successful franchises in the film world. Actor Tim Allen did the voiceover for Buzz Lightyear in all four films, which grossed over $3 billion worldwide.

Disney has released the first trailer of its forthcoming film 'Lightyear', a spin-off of the classical 'Toy Story' saga, which tells the story of the beloved human space ranger's origins. But the feverish discussions on social media about the film have taken an unusual turn – why actor Tim Allen has been replaced by Chris Evans? Allen has voiced Buzz Lightyear in all four feature films as well as animated shorts, so many people were surprised he wasn’t offered the role.

So, the Lightyear trailer looks really cool, but I do have only one question:

Why is Chris Evans voicing Buzz and not Tim Allen? Not that I have a problem with Chris Evans, I’m just curious.

— Brobuscus (@Brobuscus101) October 27, 2021

No disrespect to Chris Evans but why did Pixar not get Tim Allen back he's the only Buzz Lightyear

— Ashley (@ashmedhurst14) October 27, 2021

Tim Allen has been a long-time supporter of former US president Donald Trump and some netizens believe his replacement has to do with the actor’s political views.

Tim Allen ain't here cause Political views bad. https://t.co/P3t8ryjC6j

— Andrew Cox (@ExtraLargeCox1) October 27, 2021

Tim Allen is the only person capable of being Buzz Lightyear.

Did Disney cancel him for being a Republican?

— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) October 27, 2021

Many netizens were upset about the change, and some even threatened to boycott the film.

But we wanted Tim Allen.

— David Sheleheda (@sheleheda) October 27, 2021

TIM ALLEN MADE THIS CHARACTER GREAT

SO I KICK THIS MOVIE TO THE CURB LIKE THEY KICKED THAT GOOD MAN @ofctimallen TO THE CURB!!!!!!

GO WOKE - GO BROKE!!!!!!!!!!!!

— southsideman (@southsidestvn) October 27, 2021

Others users said they were glad the actor was replaced because of his support for Donald Trump.

Good morning to everyone who's happy to have Chris Evans voicing Buzz Lightyear instead of Trumper Tim Allen.

— Amy Lynn👣❤ (@AmyAThatcher) October 27, 2021

So glad Tim Allen isn't voicing Buzz Lightyear. His political beliefs will negatively influence children who watch the film and he sounds like he's 90-years-old anyways. Sorry, not sorry. Chris Evans is the perfect fit. #buzzlightyear

— Snake (@BigOlSushi) October 27, 2021

And many users suggested that Disney’s decision has nothing to do with politics.

1). chris evans is playing the MAN the toy voiced by tim allen is based on. two separate characters
2). why must everything, even a pixar movie, be political with you people 🤦🏻‍♀️

— bex 💘 (@bexthefairy) October 28, 2021

I think they wanted the Buzz Lightyear in this movie to have a younger sounding voice.
As mentioned in this post, it's an origin movie, so this would take place after Buzz graduates from the Space Rangers Academy and right before he becomes the Space Ranger we all know and love.

— CooperGal24 (@CooperGal24) October 27, 2021

Still others said they were excited to see the Avengers and Captain America star take on a new role.

chris evans voicing buzz lightyear??? i have to admit i am way more hyped than i expected to be

— 👻 spooky sara 🎃 (@sarisjay) October 28, 2021

Tim Allen has been an unashamed supporter of Donald Trump and endorsed the businessman-turned-politician in the 2016 election. He also attended the inauguration. Allen later said that he had to be “careful” not to tell people about his decision to go to the event.

"You get beat up if you don't believe what everybody believes. This is like Thirties Germany. I don't know what happened. If you're not part of the group, 'You know what we believe is right,' I go, 'Well, I might have a problem with that.' I'm a comedian, I like going on both sides," he said.

However, the actor became critical of Trump after the storming of the Capitol, which he described as “horrible, embarrassing, and shameful”. Allen noted that Trump and other members of the administration should have done something to prevent the violence.

“When I was watching that, I felt that the president should have been a stand-up guy and go there with his security and say, 'Hey, come on. No, no, no, no. Come on out, people… I never said any of this. That was not in that speech. I never said, Go storm the Capitol,' or whatever,” the actor said.