Lightyear is one of Pixar's most anticipated films in recent memory. The potent mixture of nostalgia embedded in the Toy Story franchise and the action sensibilities of modern Disney- ala Star Wars and Marvel- gives Lightyear a chance to become one of the biggest hits for Pixar.

RELATED: Toy Story: 5 Ways Woody Is Different Between TS1 & TS2(& 5 He's The Same)

Following the trailer's release, the obvious question for fans of the Toy Story films was, "is Woody getting a movie too?" The question is a sensible one as Woody is typically the protagonist of the franchise. There are multiple reasons why a Woody film would work and similar reasons it wouldn't work.

10 Why It Would Work: Woody Already Has Tons Of Lore From The Toy Story Movies.

Stinky Pete lays on the charm

Serving as the protagonist of a film series has its perks. With the majority of Toy Story's focus centering on Woody's exploits, the character has built a significant amount of backstory. Toy Story 2 introduces Bullseye, Jessie, and Stinky Pete from Woody's 1950s television show.

Following the cliches of the western genre, the roles of the characters in Woody's television show are evident and naturally lend themselves to expansion. If Pixar wanted to give Woody his day at the cinema, most of the world-building already exists.

Buzz stands next to his ship

In the first and second Toy Story, one of the genius elements is the meta-commentary on society's transition from cowboys to astronauts. Since astronauts entered the zeitgeist, westerns have diminished in popularity across the board- and this goes double for children.

The idea of children being as enthralled about an old-fashioned western film- albeit starring one of their favorite characters in Woody- is a massive reach for Pixar. The studio should holster their guns on a potential Woody origin film.

8 Why It Would Work: It Would Reignite Interest For The Classic Toy Story Films.

Buzz tries to comfort Woody

There's no such thing as bad press. Even though it's never lost its status as the premier CGI animated franchise, Toy Story could always use more press for its gilded reputation. A Woody film- including characters from Woody's Roundup- would likely inspire a rewatch of the Toy Story films, a move that would only benefit Disney +.

RELATED: Toy Story: 5 Ways Buzz Is Different Between TS1 & TS2(& 5 He's The Same)

Even if Woody's movie limps to the barn financially and critically, it would only prompt more praise for how unassailable the original entries into the Toy Story franchise are.

Woody looks at his merchandise in Toy Story 2

Numbers don't lie. Lightyear isn't Buzz's first foray into anchoring a series on his own. Buzz Lightyear of Star Command is an animated show from the '00s that created a line of toys and warm memories for fans. Woody can bear no such claim.

Although toys exist for both characters, Buzz's toys always dwarf Woody's in sales and visibility. Had Woody moved more merch in the decades before Lightyear, his solo movie likely would've been first. Fans love Woody, but Buzz is seemingly everyone's favorite toy.

6 Why It Would Work: A Woody Solo Film Would Be Uncharted Ground For The Character.

Woody is shocked looking out the window of Andy's room.

Outside of the mainline Toy Story franchise, Woody's character is non-existent. Due to the popularity of his native intellectual property, there's no reason that Woody can't be as big of a success as Buzz.

Unless Pixar is willing to give the cowboy a chance, there's no way to know if Buzz's merchandising success is lighting in a bottle or not. Suppose the solo Woody movie is a hit. In that case, Disney could greenlight a spin-off cartoon series to rival Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.

5 Why It Wouldn't Work: Westerns Are Too Violent For A Family Audience.

Toy Story 3 - Woody

There's an undeniable grit to the Lightyear trailer that denotes a departure from the sentimental tone of Toy Story. In the case of Buzz Lightyear, science fiction lends itself to exploring darker tones while still retaining a family audience. Westerns are a touch trickier in this regard. Given their gunslinging, crime-centric nature, Westerns have to commit to grit.

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In opposition, science fiction can hover between fantastical and violent without offending parents. Unless Woody's movie skewed supernatural, it might be too dark for a crossover audience.

4 Why It Would Work: Woody Is Too Big To Fail.

Woody Tipping His Hat To Say Goodbye In Toy Story 4

Hollywood loves box office totals. Before a film gets made, Hollywood likes to calculate several things outside of the movie's quality to guarantee a movie's success. One of the metrics Hollywood likes to use is the strength of the intellectual property backing the film.

In Woody's case, Toy Story is too lucrative. The installed fan base could propel his solo film to number one on opening week, irrespective of quality. With a tactical release, it could easily earn back the film's budget in weeks.

3 Why It Wouldn't Work: No Fans Asked For Toy Story Origin Stories.

Buzz Lightyear Walks Toward His Space Ship In The Iconic Suit That Inspired The Toy Version Of Buzz

In contrast to the favorable reception Lightyear's teaser trailer is getting, it's a product that few fans ever requested. While the potential for a solid story exists, the film and similar ones could be branded as superfluous, existing only bloat Pixar's catalog.

Lightyear lends itself to the style of blockbusters like the MCU and Dune that rule Hollywood. Still, it's undoubtedly a stretch for Pixar. A Woody film would have to work twice as hard to match today's blockbusters and appear like more than a cash grab.

2 Why It Would Work: A Woody Film Could Give New Actors A Chance To Carry The Role.

A Split Image Showing Tom Hanks And Woody In Toy Story

A controversial realization from the Lightyear teaser trailer was that Tim Allen wasn't requested to lend his iconic voice to the character. Pixar, to capture a more youthful version of Buzz, went with the mega-popular Chris Evans.

While older fans might find the departure of Allen a bitter pill, Chris Evans can pull in even more casual fans. If Pixar petitioned a Woody movie, the same thing could happen to Tom Hanks. Having a fresh take on Woody could rejuvenate the character for younger audiences.

1 Why It Wouldn't Work: A Woody Movie Might Be Too Much Of A Good Thing.

A sad Jessie opens up to Woody In Toy Story 2

Many fans rolled their eyes when Toy Story 4 got announced. The third installment of the franchise seemed like the perfect ending for Andy's toys. Even though Toy Story is a storied movie series, nothing is above the law of diminishing returns.

Lightyear looks like it's going to enjoy the benefits of Toy Story's illustrious reputation. Woody's film, on the other hand, might be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Moreover, a successful Woody solo movie could lead to a slew of mediocre spin-offs.

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