Warning: This list contains spoilers for Lightyear.
The new Pixar film Lightyear is no exception to the rule that every new release from the studio will include three things: a good story, stunning visuals, and Easter eggs from previous projects. The film hit theaters on June 17th and explains the backstory of everyone’s favorite Space Ranger, which would become the toy that viewers grew up with in the Toy Story films.
Even though this film takes place before most of Pixar’s other movies, it still includes references to previous releases. Reddit users who have already seen the movie took to the site to share where they found Easter eggs from other films and franchises.
Written In The Stars
Luxo Jr. is a staple in Pixar’s catalog of Easter eggs. In Lightyear, there are many opportunities for hidden details with the vast landscapes and scenes set in space. Redditor AshleyInPink posted a blog with many of the Easter eggs in the film.
They spotted Luxo Jr. saying, “In the star, Luxo Jr. can be seen as a constellation.” Upon the first watch, this Easter egg is nearly impossible to see unless the movie can be paused at the exact right moment. However, in the photo on the far right, the stars connect to form Luxo Jr.
Zurg’s Identity
The Evil Emporer Zurg is an essential part of Buzz Lightyear’s story. Redditor TheCandyrox21 caught a vocal Easter egg. They said, “…in this movie, Zurg is future Buzz himself, and they make a joke about it where Buzz calls his future self ‘Dad’ the first time he sees him.”
This line refers to the moment in Toy Story 2 where Zurg reveals himself as Buzz’s father. The original moment was a play on one of Star Wars’ most iconic scenes, and since Lightyear is said to play on Star Wars plots, a callback to this moment is unsurprising.
SpaceX Referance
There has been some speculation about Buzz Lightyear’s partner and where her name comes from. Some fans found Hawthorne to be an interesting choice in the character’s name and think it may refer to space travel and SpaceX. Reddit user outerfrointersman posted the above photo pondering whether or not this was a nod to Elon Musk’s space travel venture.
They further explained, “The name tag ‘Hawthorne’ of the person running mission control which is also where SpaceX mission control is located, Hawthorne California.” Other fans found this to be a reach since Hawthorne is not an uncommon last name.
A Frozen Favorite
Pixar and Disney are sister companies, so it reasons that a few Disney Animated Studios characters would pop into Pixar projects. Reddit user the-reverend91 said, “Am I the only one seeing a sneaky hidden Olaf in the Lightyear trailer?” Next to The Turnip, there is a good deal of foliage, but some Redditors feel one rock looks like the beloved sidekick snowman Olaf poking his head from around the rock.
This is one of the most hidden Easter eggs in the film and may not be seen without pausing.
The End Matches Toy Buzz’s Beginning
As expected, Lightyear has many callbacks to the Toy Story series. Redditor RenegadeBraveheart noticed, “Had a smile on my face while watching it, and loved the references. Liked how the space rangers suits originally looked, but the suits at the end with the added laser and wing packs were niiiice and ship-shaped like the box Buzz was in.”
These two details connect the origin story film to the original 1995 story and act as a bridge between how the movie ends and Buzz’s new beginning in Toy Story when Andy introduced him.
Friends of Wall-E
Pixar included Easter eggs until the very last second of this film. With three end credit scenes, there was room for extra sneaky cameos from other Pixar characters. Redditor Impossible-Fun-2736 informed fans who may have missed the final scene, “In the first end credits scene, there is a little trophy on a shelve in Burnside’s office. Also, BURN•E from WALL•E.”
Small trinkets on shelves or desks are often Easter eggs in Pixar films. Turning Red included Lightyear easter eggs on shelves in classrooms and desks.
Disneyland Attractions
Audience members who enjoy the Disney Parks noticed the construction of the new Star Command base resembled a beloved attraction from Walt Disney World and Disneyland. When some users, Redditors, couldn’t name the attraction, user poli8999 quickly responded with, “Space Mountain at Disneyland.”
The attraction does mimic the hyperspace sequences in Lightyear and is now rumored to be getting a full retheme to match the film. Disney has been updating many of their long-standing rides to fit newer franchises, such as the new Splash Mountain, set to become Princess and the Frog-themed.
Gamma Quadrant of Sector 4
Gamma Quadrant of Sector Four is one of the most critical settings in the Buzz Lightyear universe, as this is where most of Toy Story Buzz’s adventures occur. The Gamma Quadrant is mentioned in both the original films and the Buzz Lightyear animated series. Redditor yrqrm0 noticed it was said in Lightyear.
They said, ” In Toy Story, Zurg is said to be from the Gamma Quadrant of Sector 4, which is where they head off to at the end of this movie.” This Easter egg could create a new trilogy of films surrounding the Space Rangers’ adventures.
Pizza Planet Truck
One of the most coveted Easter eggs in all Pixar movies is the Pizza Planet Truck. Now that the truck has become something fans expect to see, Pixar has gotten better at hiding the vehicle. Lightyear is no exception. As the character that is closest associated with Pizza Planet, other than the Little Green Men, Redditors everywhere were asking where the truck is in the film.
Redditor Nexus_DarkShadow shared the tweet of the photo of where to find the truck. At first glance, this doesn’t appear to be the right vehicle; however, the white light on top of the roof is the Pizza Planet Rocket.
Video Games of Times Past
Even though Lightyear takes place on a technologically advanced planet, the film is still set in the 1990s. Fans noticed a reference to video games that were played on cartridges rather than disks. One Reddit user said, ” NGL, the best Easter egg (if you want to call it that) was when Buzz Lightyear blew on the IVAN device like it was a S/NES cartridge. Put a big smile and got a giggle outta me.”
This small detail helped remind viewers that this wasn’t a movie set in the future despite the use of time travel and catered to the adults in theaters who played the cartridge games.
