‘Parks and Recreation’ Fan Theory About Chris Pratt’s Andy Dwyer Strangely Links to ‘Toy Story’

Parks and Recreation is a show that is still loved by many. So much so that fans have come with some outrageous and not-so-fetched theories about their favorite characters. An article on Mental Floss has gathered 10 wild theories that viewers have come up with. One of these is that the sweet doofus Andy Dwyer, portrayed by Chris Pratt, could be Andy from Toy Story. This may be one of the more outlandish theories, but fans make some compelling points.

What is ‘Parks and Recreation’ about?

Parks and Recreation was created by Greg Daniels, creator of The Office, and Michael Schur. It aired on NBC for seven seasons starting in 2009. It is a mockumentary type show with the characters occasionally talking and looking at the cameras. 

Parks and Recreation shows the everyday life Leslie Knope, portrayed by Amy Poehler, a mid-level bureaucrat, and her co-workers. They work in the parks department in the small town of Pawnee, Indiana.

The parks department deals with the absurd antics of the town and struggles to make it a better place for residence. It’s evident from the beginning how much Leslie loves Pawnee, and she strives to be the best public servant. 

Parks and Recreation is loved by many and has a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In addition to this, it has been nominated and won multiple awards. It also has a great cast, and the show has helped launch some of their careers. 

Who is Andy Dwyer?

Andy Dwyer is one of the main characters on the show and one of the most loved ones. When viewers are introduced to Andy in the first season, he has broken both legs after falling into a construction pit behind his girlfriend’s house.

Andy takes advantage of being cared for by his girlfriend, nurse Ann Perkins, and comes across at lazy. After they break up, Leslie helps get him a job as a shoeshine at Pawnee City Hall, but Andy’s real passion is music, and he’s in a band called Mouse Rat. 

Andy is a lovable goofball, who lacks common sense, and he never really learns to take care of himself. However, Andy cares about his coworkers and friends. He tries to have the best intentions, even if they don’t work out exactly as planned. He’s a big kid with a wild imagination, and he likes to make up different personas like Burt Macklin, an FBI agent.

As the show progresses, Andy falls in love with April Ludgate, and these two are a great match. April encourages Andy’s fantasies and personas. In the final season, he hosts a TV show for kids as Johnny Karate. 

Is Andy Dwyer Andy from ‘Toy Story’?

One fan on Reddit speculated that Andy Dwyer is Andy from Toy Story grown up. There isn’t too much evidence to prove this theory, but the fan does make a few good points. Other than sharing the name Andy, both are playful.

However, Toy Story Andy is actually a child and should be portrayed as playful. At one point in Parks and Recreation, Andy creates the persona of Burt Macklin, an FBI agent. This leads him to pursue a career as a police officer.

Maybe this was really influenced by two childhood toys that were a space ranger and a cowboy. Reddit fans also point out that the Andy in Toy Story had guitar posters on his bedroom walls. Parks and Recreation Andy plays guitar. Again, this isn’t much to build a case on, but it’s fun to think that Toy Story Andy grew up to be the lovable Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation.