Meet the characters of “Lightyear”, new animation from Disney and Pixar

“Lightyear” premieres on June 16 exclusively in theaters, introducing audiences to the story of Buzz Lightyear, the astronaut hero who gave rise to the toy of the same name in the “Toy Story” franchise.

The film is directed by Angus MacLaneco-director of “Finding Dory” (2016), and features the voice of Marcos Mion as Buzz in the national cast.

A sci-fi adventure, “Lightyear” follows the legendary space ranger after being marooned on the hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth, T’Kani Prime, alongside his commander and crew.

As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, a group of ambitious recruits and the charming robot cat companion Sox join the hero. To complicate matters, Zurg, an imposing presence, and his army of ruthless robots arrive on the planet with a mysterious appointment.

Find out more about the characters from the new Disney and Pixar movie below:

• BUZZ LIGHTYEAR

Buzz Lightyear is the space ranger who gave rise to the doll character in the franchise Toy Story. He’s confident, loyal, and successful, whose pride in his work shines through. He also enjoys the thrill and adventure of roaming the galaxy, carrying out successful missions with his friend and mentor, Commander Alisha Hawthorne. Buzz is a perfectionist, towards everyone, including himself, and is a clear contrast to the toy that the public knows, showing the reserved and quiet side of the patrolman.

• ZURG

Zurg is the captain of the alien ship that appears on T’Kani Prime while Buzz is on his final test flight. The villain’s imposing presence is completed by an army of relentless robots and a spaceship full of high-tech gadgets. Shrouded in shadow and mystery, Zurg’s mission is unclear, but the threat looms large.

• COMMANDER ALISHA HAWTHORNE

Alisha Hawthorne is Buzz’s longtime commander, a space ranger, and his friend. Always skillful, competent and dependable, Alisha invests in people, mentoring recruits and welcoming newcomers, as well as someone who will make life as good as possible under the circumstances. She chooses to live her life regardless of the planet she finds herself on, advancing her career, falling in love and building a family with her wife.

• SOX

Sox is a helpful robot cat and companion that Buzz received as a gift from Star Command. Intended to ease the Space Ranger’s emotional transition after his time away, he basically exists to make Buzz happy. A bundle of knick-knacks wrapped in kitten-shaped cuteness, Sox is the friend and partner Buzz needs, as well as skilled at providing ambient sound and capable of complicated calculations. Also, the kitten lets Buzz up to date on everything that happened when he was away.

• IZZY HAWTHORNE

Izzy Hawthorne is the avid leader of the Junior Zap Patrol, a volunteer team of self-motivated cadets trained to become protectors of the nascent society taking shape on the planet. Izzy dreams of becoming a space ranger like her grandmother Alisha, but that’s easier said than done: she has a secret holding her back.

• DARBY STEEL

Darby Steel is a rude, sensible, and not exactly volunteer member of the Junior Zap Patrol. However, she completes the trio in an invigorating, albeit abrupt, fashion. Darby says that’s how it is and doesn’t care what others think about it.

• MO MORRISON

Mo Morrion suffers from a lack of direction – not from a lack of trying. He just can’t find his passion, and he’s also afraid to commit, especially when it comes to holding down a full-time job. Mob decides to join forces with Izzy Hawthorne and the Junior Zap Patrol, but he doesn’t share Izzy’s passion for the cause, taking missions only as a chore.