Lightyear director Angus MacLane has revealed he was somewhat surprised by the "emotional component" of audience affection for the character of Buzz Lightyear.

The filmmaker told Yahoo that it 'wasn't daunting' for him to take on the Toy Story universe in a big screen movie, having previously helmed short films including Small Fry and Toy Story of Terror.

He added: "I felt like I understood the parameters of the character a lot so it allowed the freedom to expand it in new and interesting ways."

Lightyear is released in UK cinemas from 17 June.