To Infinity, and New Remakes: Disney Announces New Spin-off Series, “Lightyear”

There is nothing more powerful in the world of media between self-righteousness and nostalgia. 

Disney’s “Lightyear” has taken this concept and ran straight toward a grittier interpretation, a trope we are all too familiar with thanks to the past decade. “Lightyear” isn’t the larger-than-life-sentient-toy-action we’ve come to love. In fact, they’ve taken the internal lore of Andy’s action figure Buzz Lightyear and took it to new heights. 

Personally, I never even saw it as a possibility, let alone the suspected progression of the world Disney has built. It’s full of what Buzz had originally believed his life was, but fully realized, with an even greater animation transcending even the latest movie in the franchise “Toy Story 4.” 

This, however, brings to question, when is enough, enough?

We’ve all experienced a passing moment which took us back in time when everything was easier and naptime came around noon. Although we’ve all grown and changed over the years, one thing has remained constant; Hollywood effectively monopolizes this moment as a way to gain the support of familiar audiences, but also the attention of younger demographics. 

“Toy Story,” had its humble start as the pioneering efforts of Disney teaming up with Pixar to come out with the first CGI animated movie. Now, it is one of the most recognizable home names of recent memory.

However, 23 years and counting, the idea of adding a darker spin on childhood stories has not lessened. In fact, it seems to have picked up speed with no signs of slowing down. 

People may have negative connotations of remakes ruining their childhood. It’s believed that remakes make things worse by trying to make something tried and true different by virtue of the times. Whether this may be the case or not, the previous movie still stands and you can always just watch it and forget the remake even existed.

For “Lightyear,” I say bring it, Disney. I honestly don’t care if it may lead to multiple (albeit horrible) spin-offs. It honestly doesn’t matter. We all pine for new stories and turn our noses up to remakes, but in the case of “Lightyear,” it may just be new enough to work. 

I am a kid at heart and I will definitely drag my friends to see this with me no matter how good or bad it may be. Nostalgia after all, is a powerful drug.