When Toy Story hit the screens in 1995, it introduced us to a world where toys came alive when humans weren't looking. One of the most beloved characters from the movie is Buzz Lightyear, the brave and adventurous space ranger. But was Buzz Lightyear a real toy before the movie? Let's dive into the history of this iconic character and see if there was a real Buzz Lightyear toy that existed prior to the film.

Buzz Lightyear was indeed a real toy before the release of Toy Story in 1995. In fact, the character was inspired by a line of action figures produced by the toy company Mattel in the early 1990s. The original Buzz Lightyear toy was part of the "Toy Story" line of toys that were released in conjunction with the movie. The toy featured many of the same characteristics as the character in the film, including his distinct space ranger suit, wings, and laser blaster. The popularity of the Buzz Lightyear toy skyrocketed after the release of Toy Story, making it a must-have for children everywhere.

Despite the success of the Buzz Lightyear toy after the movie's release, there were some differences between the original toy and the character in the film. In the movie, Buzz Lightyear believes he is a real space ranger on a mission to save the universe, unaware that he is just a toy. However, in the toy version, Buzz Lightyear was marketed as a toy with interactive features such as lights, sounds, and retractable wings. While the toy was not sentient like the character in the movie, it still captured the imaginations of children who wanted to embark on their own space adventures.

In the years following the release of Toy Story, the Buzz Lightyear toy became a staple in toy stores and a favorite among collectors. The success of the toy cemented Buzz Lightyear as one of the most iconic characters from the film, alongside Woody and the other toys from Andy's room. The popularity of the toy also spawned various iterations and versions, including talking Buzz Lightyear figures, remote-controlled versions, and even life-size replicas for die-hard fans.

In conclusion, Buzz Lightyear was indeed a real toy before the movie Toy Story. The character was brought to life through the collaboration between Disney and Mattel, who created an action figure that captured the hearts of children worldwide. While there were some differences between the original toy and the character in the film, the Buzz Lightyear toy remains a cherished piece of childhood nostalgia for many. Whether you had your own Buzz Lightyear toy or simply enjoyed watching him on the big screen, there's no denying the impact this brave space ranger has had on popular culture.