 Katzenberg gave approval for the script on January 19 , 1993 , at which point voice casting could begin . Lasseter always wanted Tom Hanks to play the character of Woody . Lasseter claimed Hanks " has the ability to take emotions and make them appealing . Even if the character , like the one in A League of Their Own , is down @-@ and @-@ out and despicable . " Paul Newman , who subsequently accepted the role of Doc Hudson in another Pixar success , Cars , was considered for the role of Woody . Billy Crystal was approached to play Buzz , but turned down the role , which he later regretted , and subsequently accepted the role of Mike Wazowski in another Pixar success , Monsters , Inc .. In addition to Crystal , Bill Murray , Chevy Chase and Jim Carrey were also considered for Buzz . Lasseter took the role to Tim Allen , who was appearing in Disney 's Home Improvement , and he accepted . 
