When it was announced that we’re getting a solo Buzz Lightyear movie, we thought it was going to be a “Toy Story 5” (they probably should’ve stopped at 3). “Lightyear” tells the origin story of Buzz Lightyear, a test pilot who later became the legendary Space Ranger which inspired the toy.
Tim Allen has voiced Buzz in all the “Toy Story” movies, video games and cartoon series but for “Lightyear”, Chris Evans will be lending his voice for the iconic role. Are you guys excited to see it in cinemas? Sorry to disappoint but Malaysian cinemas will not be screening this movie. Here’s why:
It’s quite disappointing that we won’t hear Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear in cinemas. Even though there was no official announcement from Walt Disney Company Malaysia nor the Film Censorship Board of Malaysia, everyone can pretty much guess why we won’t be seeing our favourite Space Ranger on the big screens. Apparently, the movie includes a kissing scene of a same-sex couple.
Malaysia isn’t the only country to ban the movie. It was reported that 13 other countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and China have also banned “Lightyear” for most likely the same reason as well. Back in March, Pixar came under fire when the controversial kiss scene was removed from the final cut before they restored it after the backlash from their own employees.
Since the first teasers and trailers were released, Malaysian fans who grew up with the “Toy Story” franchise have been excited to see a human Buzz Lightyear on the big screens and it was originally slated for a 16th June release. But looks like our dreams have been shattered but fret not, we’ll still get to see “Lightyear” as it will most likely be released on Disney + Hotstar. Here’s to hoping.
Speaking of childhood movies, the “Beauty & The Beast” live action movie starring Emma Watson was almost banned in Malaysian cinemas as it includes a gay character and questionable scenes but it was then given the green light and release was postponed to 30th March.
