New merchandise for the Toy Story spinoff Lightyear includes Zurg Bots and spaceships. Pixar concluded the main Toy Story series in 2019 with Toy Story 4, but Disney isn’t done profiting on the popular franchise. Lightyear revolves around the “real” Buzz Lightyear that the popular toy is based on. Tim Allen isn’t returning to voice Buzz since this is a different version of the character and is instead being replaced by Chris Evans. The film is helmed by Angus MacLane, who previously directed the Toy Story shorts Small Fry and Toy Story of Terror.

Lightyear was one of many films announced at Disney Investors Day 2020. The spinoff’s logo and first look image were revealed at the event, and Disney has slowly started to ramp up the marketing campaign for Lightyear. The first official Lightyear trailer and poster were released in October 2021, giving fans a better idea of what the space adventure will look like when it hits theaters in a few months. With Lightyear releasing in June, Disney has plenty of time to release more trailers, images, and merchandise to get Toy Story fans ready for the next chapter in the franchise.

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Mattel recently revealed their first line of Lightyear toys, which gives a new look at the movie’s spaceships and Zurg Bots. The selection includes an 11.5-inch Buzz Lightyear figure ($49.99), an XL-15 spaceship complete with a 5-inch Lightyear figure ($44.99), and an assortment of Hyperspeed ships that are 6 inches long ($11.99). Mattel is also releasing a Sox plush, Buzz’s robot cat, for $39.99 as well as a Star Command playset for $79.99. All of the toys are expected to hit store shelves in Spring 2022, except for the 11.5-inch Buzz and Star Command playset, which are releasing in Fall 2022.

Toy Story 4 seemed to give most of the characters a satisfying ending, with Woody reuniting with Bo Peep and the rest of the toys continuing to be Bonnie’s best friends. Toy Story 5 seems unlikely to happen at this point, but Lightyear is a clever way to continue the franchise. It’s clear that Lightyear will have a different feel than the first four films, focusing on the “real-life” Space Ranger instead of a toy that magically comes to life. With Lightyear introducing new characters and new versions of known characters like Buzz and Zurg, there will likely be avenues for sequels. The movie could even open the door for other spinoffs like Woody’s Roundup should this first spinoff prove to be a success.

However, before Disney moves forward on more Toy Story projects, they will put all of their focus into Lightyear. Toys and other merchandise are always a big part of a blockbuster’s marketing as they make studios extra money and also bring more attention to their films. While many of these toys are geared towards children, they still give a new look at the spaceships and other technology that will be featured in Lightyear. Mattel has already given fans plenty of options to consider buying, but there will likely be even more merchandise available before Lightyear hits theaters.

Source: Mattel

Key Release Dates
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  • Lightyear (2022)Release date: Jun 17, 2022
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Christopher Fiduccia
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Christopher is a news writer, editor, and senior trainer at Screen Rant. He graduated from Rock Valley College in 2018 with an Associate of Arts degree and a Media Production Specialist certificate.

After running his own movie blog for over five years, Christopher joined the Screen Rant team in 2018 as a list writer. Christopher is a sucker for ‘80s horror and giant monster movies but has covered a wide range of topics during his employment at Screen Rant.

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