Billy Crystal Almost Voiced Buzz Lightyear: Hear His Epic Rant About It
It turns out that Billy Crystal was nearly cast in a classic ’90s movie, and I just learned this fact. While browsing online recently, I came across an interesting tidbit: The actor who brought Mike Wazowski’s voice to life in “Monsters, Inc.”, almost featured in one of Pixar’s top films from years prior, not “A Bug’s Life”, but rather a movie that marked the beginning of their successful journey.
Back in the early ’90s, Crystal had a chance to take on one of the two main roles in Toy Story, but it wasn’t Woody, the Sheriff, that might have been portrayed by the actress famously known for movies like “When Harry Met Sally” and “City Slickers.” Let me share an intriguing and wild speculation from Hollywood (or at least voice-acting) lore.
Billy Crystal Was Offered The Role Of Buzz Lightyear, But His Agents Told Him To Turn It Down
In November 2024, during an interview on “The Graham Norton Show”, Billy Crystal clarified rumors about him refusing to play Buzz Lightyear in “Toy Story”. When asked about the gossip, Crystal provided a witty and candid explanation.
I was presented with the opportunity for Toy Story but ultimately declined. At the time, it wasn’t about the character or creative aspects that drew me in; rather, it was a business-related issue where my agents and managers advised against it due to factors such as lack of fair compensation and potential exploitation, so we decided not to pursue it.
Initially hesitant, Crystal opted to follow his team’s counsel and decline the project. Fast-forward a few years, the movie was released to critical acclaim, ranking among the top films of 1995 and setting new standards for animated cinema. However, the tale doesn’t end there; what unfolded in the subsequent years added more lore to this already legendary story.
When He Joined Monsters, Inc., Crystal Learned Of A Toy Story Screen Test Involving When Harry Met Sally
A few years following the debut of Toy Story, Crystal received a call from John Lasseter, the movie’s director. During an interview with Norton, he disclosed this fact. In their meeting, Lasseter presented a figurine of Mike Wazowski and proposed that Crystal take charge of the upcoming Pixar film, Monsters Inc. Eager to avoid repeating past errors, Crystal accepted without hesitation. However, that wasn’t the only significant event that transpired on that day…
Fun fact: It’s amazing to discover that Pixar actually did a preliminary test for Buzz Lightyear, featuring an early version of the character enacting the iconic wagon wheel meltdown scene from the timeless romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally”. I joke about it, but if I had seen that footage back then, there’s no doubt in my mind that I would have jumped at the chance to be a part of that movie!
The Comedian Has Said Giving The Part To Tim Allen Was The Best Decision, And I Have To Agree
30 years back, it would’ve been thrilling to listen to Billy Crystal as Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story. However, considering Tim Allen’s exceptional portrayal, it’s challenging to envision anyone surpassing him. Interestingly, even Crystal himself admitted that he wasn’t the ideal choice for the voice role, acknowledging that Allen’s powerful and resonant voice significantly contributed to the character.
If Buzz had been designed to be a neurotic, anxious, and moody space ranger, that would have been one scenario, but his self-centered disposition and assertive nature wouldn’t have worked as well with Crystal as it did with Woody.
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Although there’s no definite answer if we’ll get another “Monsters, Inc.”, we do have the upcoming “Toy Story 5” to anticipate, particularly concerning Buzz Lightyear. In the interim, enjoy both series along with other fantastic animated films on Disney+.
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2025-06-15 23:08