‘Captain America’ star looks to build on iconic role from ‘Toy Story’ movies in ‘Lightyear’

Is this the summer when people go back to the movies?

“I really hope so,” said actor Chris Evans. “I would hate to think that COVID, combined with the advent of streaming services, somehow changed the way we consume movies. Some of my best memories as a kid were going to the movies, so I’m hoping that stays alive for decades to come — and I certainly hope that this summer can make that happen.”

Evans, best known for playing Captain America in several Marvel movies, is doing his part. He stars in one of the most anticipated movies of the summer as the lead voice of “Lightyear,” the origin tale of “Toy Story” science fiction character Buzz Lightyear.

Made by Emeryville’s Pixar Animation Studios, “Lightyear” has Evans “Lightyear” (PG) opens in theaters June 17. taking over the beloved role from Tim Allen. Except that it’s not quite the same role: While Allen played the voice of the Lightyear toy, Evans voices the movie character the toy would have been based on.

“Lightyear” also marks Disney Pixar’s return to movie theaters. Because of the pandemic, “Soul,” “Luca” and “Turning Red” premiered on Disney+. Evans — who has been cast as Gene Kelly in another upcoming project — spoke about “Lightyear” with The Chronicle in a phone call from London, where he just wrapped the action adventure “Ghosted,” co-starring Ana de Armas.

Q: So many Buzz Lightyear fans have had one voice in their head for over a quarter of a century, and it’s Tim Allen’s voice. How mindful were you of following such an iconic voice?

Vera Anderson / WireImage 2019 Evans is best known for playing Captain America on the big screen. In “Lightyear,” Chris Evans provides the voice of Buzz Lightyear, the science fiction hero behind the toy in Pixar’s popular “Toy Story” series.