Chris Evans explains how Lightyear‘s Buzz Lightyear is different from Captain America. Evans played Steve Rogers/Captain America in the MCU for three solo Captain America films, as well as all four Avengers films before retiring the role after Avengers: Endgame. Evans passed the shield to his friend Sam Wilson/Falcon, who took up the mantle as the new Captain America in the Disney+ series The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.
Evans’ Steve Rogers/Captain America was a young man growing up during WWII who had a fighting spirit, but a weak, sickly body. He was injected with a super-soldier serum, eventually fighting in the war before being frozen in ice and later thawed out to become the Man Out Of Time in the modern era, leading the Avengers, while finding his place in the world. Buzz Lightyear is an astronaut for Star Command who boasts a strong will with confidence to spare in being a Space Ranger, embodied in his persona as a toy in the Toy Story films, as well as his in-universe persona in Lightyear.
In a Q&A with Twitter Movies, Evans discusses the difference between the two characters, both of who are captains and leaders, but have very different personalities and backgrounds. Evans notes that the similarities stop at the basic aspects, as they both have different natures from one another, as Steve Rogers came from “humble beginnings” and took some time to develop into a leader, whereas Buzz Lightyear was “destined for a leadership role” as it was “all he ever wanted.” Listen to Evans’ full response below:
Click here to see the original post.
In 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, Evans plays Steve Rogers very much as a strong-willed man wanting to do more for his country who evolves over time as his newfound powers and responsibility shape his role as a leader. This unfolds over multiple films in the MCU, leading to Captain America’s victory over Thanos in Avengers: Endgame and his eventual path to retirement. Evans has said he’d potentially be open to returning to the role, but said that the circumstances would have to be “perfect” in order to do so. As of now, however, Anthony Mackie will continue to wield the shield in the MCU for a planned Captain America 4.
It’s difficult to compare both Buzz Lightyear and Steve Rogers/Captain America, as Cap has a deep, rich history that spans over 80 years, while Buzz has been personified predominantly as a toy come to life with the personality of a fictional cartoon character. Still, the differences are notable, as Buzz essentially has always had the tools and the drive to succeed, whereas Rogers had to fight for everything while developing into the superhero he would become. Comparisons are sure to be made as audiences see Lightyear, but it’ll be a tall order to best Evans’ role as Captain America.
