Pixar’s Lightyear tells the story of Buzz Lightyear, an experienced Space Ranger desperately trying to undo his colossal mistake. At the start of the film, Buzz is not thrilled with rookies and seems to have confidence in his experience exploring the galaxy. But maybe that was also one of the movie’s most significant weaknesses. Buzz seeing himself as experienced and as such believing those of less knowledge can not help him means his character arc is foreshown to suggest the only way he can develop is by understanding that is not true. One of Buzz’s most prominent character arcs is finally accepting help from those offering it. But, maybe Buzz’s story would have been better portrayed as an origin story.
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A younger Buzz Lightyear starting as a Space Ranger creates more extensive possibilities for his character development and story. Although he would need to conclude the film somewhat similar to how his toy counterpart presents himself, that could have been the result of a film’s worth of development. Buzz’s determination to fix his mistake could come from his desire to prove himself to show his potential rather than his refusal to acknowledge his failure as an experienced Space Ranger.
Starting From The Bottom
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Having the protagonist start from the bottom can create more chances to understand where Buzz is coming from and why he is devoted to becoming a Space Ranger. In Lightyear, there are numerous mentions of Buzz wishing for them to return home so they, as Space Rangers, can matter again. But why is that so important to Buzz? Where did he come from that he feels this so strongly? Why does he associate his identity with his job so much? At the level of experience that Buzz is at during Lightyear, chances to understand that may have already passed. But, as a rookie, Buzz’s motives could be more heavily explored. However, it could also show his struggles in his wish to be the best.
Showing Buzz is determined to become one of the best Space Rangers could give an inspiring goal to Buzz rather than the feelings of anger and bitterness he gives off in his single-minded determination to return everyone home even after they have started lives on the new planet. If Buzz was attempting a similar mission as a rookie, it could be more about trying to prove himself and what he is capable of instead of how it comes across when he is an experienced Space Ranger.
More Chances For Character Development
In Lightyear, Buzz’s options for character development are relatively limited. He is an experienced Space Ranger trying to find a way back home and off the new planet, never honestly noticing how everyone around him has created homes and families. Regarding his mission, Buzz refuses to accept help from others when he believes he can do things himself. These are the two main story conflicts Buzz faces, so they are the two that need to be addressed by the conclusion, and, predictably, he needs to get over both. Had Lightyear been an origin story, Buzz’s options may have been a bit bigger.
Without the years of experience, Buzz may have been more open to getting help, and the rag-tag group he formed could have felt like they were starting on an equal footing. Having the movie surround Buzz as a rookie could have opened the doors to have him be the type either desperate to prove himself or someone who thinks much too highly of himself and does not notice he needs to lower his understanding of his capabilities. But, having Buzz begin with a clean slate without real experience creates the opportunity for his character to go in any direction. Starting him off as an experienced Space Ranger takes away some options for character arcs Buzz could have had.
Different Opportunities For A Sequel
Lightyear does give a tease to a potential sequel. Although Buzz believes he has defeated Zurg, that does not seem to be the case. There is a significant hint that Zurg is still alive and potentially wants to continue his wish to go back in time. Even though Buzz defeating his older counterpart would have been a solid conclusion, that is the only real hint of where the story could continue. Buzz ends the movie by continuing to train his rag-tag group to be Space Rangers, which has opportunities but still puts Buzz in the teaching position. Had Lightyear been an origin story, there could have been more options for what a sequel could be.
A second Lightyear movie could have been more similar to the film, doing a little time jump to have Buzz go from a rookie to a more experienced Space Ranger and show how he had developed off-screen. In addition, having Buzz take on a teaching position in a sequel could have allowed more references to how he behaved as a rookie, which does not get referenced much throughout Lightyear.
