Toy Story (1995) remains one of Pixar Animation's most successful franchises to date. Millennials and 90's kids alike were given an experience like no other when the film landed in theaters. After its universally positive reception, Toy Story spawned three more films: Toy Story 2, 3 and 4.
Toy Story's popularity is owed to its uniquely adventurous concept that enticed children from all around the world. Its likable characters proved to be a massive hit among younger audience members, and its occasional adult humor ensured that there was something for everyone.
Renowned actor Tom Hanks provided the vocal performance for Sheriff Woody, Toy Story's main protagonist. However, as much as Woody was advertised as the central character, it can be safely said that Buzz Lightyear is Toy Story's shining star. Voiced by Tim Allen, Buzz is a space ranger toy that Andy received on Christmas from his mother.
The entire plot for Toy Story revolves around Woody being dethroned as Andy's favorite toy and feeling insecure upon Buzz's arrival. As a result, Woody looks to sabotage Buzz's "playtime" with Andy by attempting to selfishly dispose of him and take back the limelight and attention.
As with most initial design concepts, they tend to change over time. What Disney fanatics may not be aware of is the fact that Buzz Lightyear was originally named "Lunar Larry," and his early sketches look almost unrecognizable from the Toy Story fan favorite that audiences have come to know and adore. Lunar Larry doesn't quite have the same ring to it as Buzz Lightyear, but early sketches are interesting reminders of just how far the Buzz Lightyear development has come.
As seen in early designs (pictured above), Lunar Larry features the "LL" insignia on his spacesuit, which shows the complete redesign of Buzz Lightyear's entire concept -- including the name -- to give life to the image that Disney ultimately agreed upon. Other vastly different appearances were considered for the character alongside many sketches that slowly amounted to the final rendition of the loveable space ranger. As the images progressed, the character began to resemble the irreplaceable Buzz Lightyear.
In 2020, these previously unseen sketches were released to mark the 25th anniversary of Disney and Pixar's Toy Story, as well as celebrate the 20 years of support Disney has provided to the UK-based charity MediCinema.
Knowing how Buzz Lightyear looks in the final animation for Toy Story, any other version looks plain wrong. However, with all things considered, if Buzz had been named Lunar Larry instead, the same conversation could be had in favor of his classic look. Thankfully, creators tossed the Lunar Larry idea aside and drew inspiration for Buzz Lightyear from famed astronaut Buzz Aldrin.