The new Pixar Lightyear movie is a curiosity for the studio. It is a link to the Toy Story movie series, although it does not take place in the same universe or continuity, and does not include characters that are toys. (No, Sox, the robot cat doesn’t count as a toy, though obviously you can already buy toy versions of Sox.) The movie is intended as adult science fiction rather than a movie children, although it is safe for children and full of humor along with the serious problems of loss, grief and passing. Perhaps the strangest thing about this is that it’s full of opportunities for the kind of big emotions that Pixar’s stocks are trading, but it doesn’t support it as long-time Pixar fans might expect.
But another curiosity is that it seems perfectly prepared to set up any number of sequels or spin-offs, in a way that is not usually true for Pixar movies. This comes more from the end of the film than from the teasers after the credits, but a moment after the credits it looks like the kind of “sequel” ad that’s much more typical of other movie studios, whether they’re working on animation as in animation. live action.
[Ed. note: Major spoilers ahead for Lightyear, including end spoilers.]
Does Lightyear have a post-credits scene?
Image: Pixar Animation Studios
Do you know whether or not we will publish this article? Don’t get us wrong: “Does this movie have a post-credits scene?” The pieces (along with the summaries of “End of the Movie, Explained”) are so popular and well-trafficked that we wouldn’t be surprised if there were outlets posting “Top Gun: Does Maverick Have a Post-Credit Scene?” articles when the answer is “No!” and after that there is not much to say.
But this is not true in this case. Lightyear has three post-credits scenes: two quick gags and then the shortest possible teaser for the future. This latest teaser comes to an end, even after the well-known Pixar animated logo with the baby light bouncing, so don’t be fooled and head for the door before it’s all over.
The first two credits scenes are just short, light-hearted jokes: in a medium-length credits scene, Buzz Lightyear’s new senior officer, Commander Burnside (Isiah Whitlock Jr.) sits at his desk as one of the giant creatures of alien beetles. this attack on Buzz and his friends throughout the film is attacked by his colony’s new giant defense system, a laser-made dome. Burnside, who talked about the laser shield a couple of times in previous scenes, just laughs and repeats “Laser Shield!” to himself, feeling clearly vindicated.
And after the credits, the film returns to the robot robot Deric (or as its chassis says, “ERIC”, with a “D” scribbled in front of the acronym), which was last seen trying to give Buzz and to his new junior- Friends of Rangers Izzy, Mo, and Darby pointing to an out-of-place outpost. It’s not clear what Deric’s role is on the team, but it’s clear they don’t think much of it, as they leave and leave him looking at a map and advising them distances and turns. At the end of the film, he is still there, now rhapsodizing over the scenic views he might see along his route.
Then he finally turns around and realizes that they disappeared a long time ago, and is disappointed. A kind of pity, especially after the triumphant end of the film, with its emphasis on bonding and friendship. It’s pretty sad to be Deric, to think he’s part of a team when that team couldn’t even bother to tell him they were leaving. Treat your artificial intelligence better, folks!
But after the credits, after the Pixar Animation Studios animated logo, after it really looks like it’s all over, there’s a picture of a split second of the film’s villain, Zurg, floating lifeless in the ‘space … until his red LED eyes suddenly light up. a backup, indicating that he is still alive, kicking and ready to return for the sequel.
Will there be a sequel to Lightyear?
Image: Pixar Animation Studios
Good question! It’s too early to ask, it may depend on how the movie works at the box office, but it sure looks like Lightyear is gearing up for one. Not because Zurg is still there, but because the ending is as clearly framed as “Now that all the main characters have learned their lessons about trust, teamwork, and living the moment, real adventures can begin!” When Buzz, Izzy, Mo, and Darby go on their first mission as newly empowered Space Rangers, there is a feeling that their real story is just beginning.
When asked if Pixar is planning a follow-up, producer Galyn Susman told Polygon, “We haven’t closed the door. And yes, after a few weeks of sleep, we’ll talk about it later.” Director Angus MacLane hinted that there is much more to Buzz Lightyear’s story to tell: [for spinoffs]. ”
Is Lightyear a sequel or prequel to Buzz Lightyear of Star Command?
Image: Walt Disney Television Animation
MacLane tells Polygon that the 2000 animated series Buzz Lightyear of Star Command and the movie that started it have nothing to do with Lightyear. Compare these shows to the eighties Star Wars animated series, Ewoks and Droids, non-canonical series that are based on the same myths as the Star Wars movies, but do not take place in the same continuity. So he and others at Disney don’t need to link any possible Lightyear spin-off to this story, which is much more about the battle against Zurg. He is free to chart his own course for future Lightyear sequels, which could potentially reach infinity … and beyond.
A prequel or sequel to Lightyear could take any form. Since the launch of Disney Plus, Disney has been doing more with the TV spin-offs of Pixar projects, from the Up Dug Days series of shorts to the Pixar Popcorn collection of micro-shorts to the sequel series. of Monsters, Inc. Monsters at Work. There is also a Cars TV series and an original Pixar TV series in progress. The end of Lightyear seems especially suited for a space series approach, with Buzz and his Rangers traveling from one planet to another, finding new life and new civilizations, bravely going where, and so on and so forth. ., you know the exercise.
But considering Pixar’s tendency to franchise its most successful releases: so far four Toy Story films and three Cars, with The Incredibles, Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc. also getting derivative films, Lightyear could also be creating a theatrical sequel. Its end is entirely open to a major resurgence with Zurg, or a series of clashes over time.
What Zurg would specifically like with Buzz at this time is unclear, as Buzz no longer has the power supply Zurg was looking for. Maybe the story just becomes “Zurg is trying to get his perfect source of energy from a bunch of different colonies and alien civilizations, and the Space Rangers are trying to stop him.” Or maybe, like Buzz, Zurg decides to start living in the present and focus on becoming the kind of tyrannical warlord and emperor! He was in the animated series.
By the way, does Top Gun: Maverick have a post-credits scene?
No!