Why Lightyear Has Recast Zurg's Voice Actor From Toy Story 2
Toy Story 2 villain Zurg returns to the big screen in Pixar's Lightyear, but without the original voice actor from the 1999 animated classic. Lightyear continues to push the envelope when it comes to its casting, despite the film being based on characters and situations that many diehard Pixar fans have come to know and love. Early concern over Buzz Lightyear being recast with Chris Evans has largely subsided as more information about the film comes to light, and inquiring eyes are now turned towards an essential character in the Space Ranger's backstory: the evil Emporer Zurg.
In terms of choosing a voice for Buzz's arch-nemesis, one would surely look to Toy Story 2, the film where Zurg is first introduced. The man behind that version of the character is Andrew Stanton, a very prominent figure within the Pixar company. Though more a director and animator than an actor, Stanton frequently lends his voice to many minor, side, and background roles in Pixar's properties, with his most recognizable role being Crush the Sea Turtle from the Finding Nemo films. Stanton would logically be one of, if not the most prime candidates to play the role of Zurg in Lightyear. The film's director, Angus MacLane, has instead decided to go in a different direction, casting Emmy award-winner James Brolin in the role.
Related: Why Pixar Has Recast Tim Allen For The Buzz Lightyear Movie
James Brolin is the father of actor Josh Brolin, who is nowadays most well-known for his performance as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. James, on the other hand, is probably more likely to be recognized by older generations, having starred in shows like Marcus Welby M.D., Westworld, and Steven Soderbergh's 2000 thriller Traffic. Although this will be
Read more on screenrant.com
