Toy Story 4: 19 Easter Eggs & References Explained

5. Astro Boy

Astro Boy
Mushi Production

After Buzz ends up trapped as a fairground prize, he's introduced to Ducky and Bunny, with Ducky instantly referring to him as "Astro Boy."

Astro Boy is of course a Japanese manga and anime series, which was eventually adapted into a Hollywood CGI animated movie in 2009.

But it's an especially telling reference where Buzz is concerned, given that Astro Boy revolves around an android with human emotions, just as Buzz's arc throughout the Toy Story franchise has involved him coming to terms with the fact he's a toy with feelings and, ultimately, a conscience.

It's not much of a leap to assume that Astro Boy has a couple of fans at Pixar.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.