Billy Crystal Turned Down Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story, Then Called It His Biggest Career Mistake

Billy Crystal was reportedly offered the role of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story and turned it down, a decision he later called the biggest mistake of his career. That regret, according to the story, ended up leading him straight into one of his most famous roles instead.

This matters for Pixar fans because it means two of the studio's biggest franchises, Toy Story and Monsters, Inc., were connected behind the scenes by a single casting decision that almost went very differently.

Billy Crystal Regretted Passing on Buzz Lightyear After Watching the Finished Toy Story

After seeing the finished film, Crystal reportedly regretted turning down the part of Buzz Lightyear. When director John Lasseter found out how Crystal felt about missing out on the role, Lasseter decided to offer him another part to make up for it.

John Lasseter Called Crystal's Home and His Wife Answered the Phone

According to the account, Lasseter called Crystal at his home, and it was actually Crystal's wife who picked up the phone first. Once she handed the phone over to Crystal, he ultimately said yes to the new role being offered to him.

That Role Turned Out to Be Mike Wazowski in Monsters, Inc.

The part Crystal agreed to take was Mike Wazowski in Monsters, Inc., a character that would go on to become one of the most beloved roles of his career.

Why I'm Glad Tim Allen Ended Up as Buzz Lightyear Instead

Reflecting on how things worked out, I said, "I'm actually glad this worked out the way it was because who knows if Buzz Lightyear would have been as good with Crystal as Tim Allen did a phenomenal" job. In my view, the way it all played out gave audiences both a great Buzz Lightyear in Tim Allen and a great Mike Wazowski in Billy Crystal.

Do you think Billy Crystal would have made a great Buzz Lightyear, or are you glad Tim Allen got the role instead?