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Is there anyone who does not love Toy Story franchise? Pixar’s beloved animated series has captivated audiences since the original film debuted in 1995. The story follows a group of living toys, including Tom Hanks‘ Sheriff Woody and Tim Allen‘s Buzz Lightyear, which first belonged to Andy Davis (John Morris), before they embark on countless adventures over the years. Created by filmmakers i.a John Lasseter, Pete Doctor, Andrew Stantonand Joe Ranftis the franchise extended to include Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010) and Toy Story 4 (2019), with a fifth installment now in theaters. The first four films were both critical and commercial successes, earning numerous Academy Award nominations and wins while becoming some of Pixar’s most beloved films.
Now Woody, Buzz and the gang are back for Toy Story 5. This time, the toy faces a challenge that reflects modern childhood: technology. Pixar has teased a “Toy meets Tech” story where a tablet-like device called the Lilypad competes with the toys for Bonnie’s attention, forcing them to adapt to a changing world.
Much of the franchise’s success comes from its iconic cast of characters. Along with Woody and Buzz, the films Mr. Potato Head (originally voiced by Don Rickles), Mrs Potato Head (Estelle Harris), Slinky Dog (Jim Varney and later Blake Clark), Hamm (John Ratzenberger), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Bo Peep (Annie Potts), and Jessie (Joan Cusack), among many others. IN Toy Story 5are the roles of Mr. and mrs. Potato Head has been recast following the deaths of Rickles and Harris, with new actors stepping in to continue their legacy.
In addition to the main films are Toy Story the universe has expanded with spinoffs, including the Disney+ series Forky asks a question and the movie from 2022 Light yearswhich offered Chris Evans as Buzz’s voice. Still, fans are most excited about Toy Story 5! Here’s everything to know about the sequel below.
What do we know about ‘Toy Story 5’?
On February 8, 2023, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that a fifth Toy Story film was in development during an investor call, per Deadline. At the time, few details were revealed about the cast, plot or release date.
Since then, Pixar has shared significantly more about the film. The story will take a more modern twist focusing on how toys struggle to stay relevant in a world dominated by technology. This time, the central conflict involves a smart device called the Lilypad, which begins to draw Bonnie’s attention away from her toys.
The film will also shift focus towards Jessie, who plays a greater leadership role, while Woody – who left at the end of Toy Story 4– is brought back into history. Buzz Lightyear also returns, including multiple versions of the character, adding a new twist to the plot. New characters are also introduced, including Blaze, a confident new child character, and several tech-inspired toys. Conan O’Brien joins the cast as Smarty Pants, a quirky and antiquated entity, while Greta Lee voices Lilypad.
The film will also mark a transition for some classic characters. After the deaths of Don Rickles and Estelle Harris, Toy Story 5 recasts Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head with new voice actors, with the approval of their families.
Before the fourth film came out in 2019, Tom Hanks said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that it would be his last time voicing Woody. “We said goodbye to Woody and Buzz … and it was emotional,” he said. Of course it upset fans – but producer Mark Nielsen first hinted at a fifth film under Pixar’s press day before Toy Story 4. He said: “Every film we make, we treat it like it’s the first and last film we’re ever going to make, so you force yourself to make it stop. You don’t get over your skis. Is there another one? I don’t know. If there is, it’s tomorrow’s problem.” Tim Allen then gave fans even more hope for Toy Story 5 when he confirmed in a 2019 interview that he would vote Buzz again for Round 5. “Once you get to four, you’ve passed that trilogy (point), so I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t do it, definitely. If you ask me, I’d say do five,” he said, according to Cinema blend.
Trailer for ‘Toy Story 5’
When is ‘Toy Story 5’ coming out? Publication date
Toy Story 5 arrives in US theaters on June 19, 2026. The film has already begun rolling out internationally, opening in countries including France and South Korea on June 17 and Australia and Germany on June 18, ahead of its US debut.
Is Taylor Swift in ‘Toy Story 5’?
Taylor Swift is not part of Toy Story 5 cast, but she wrote a song titled “I Knew It, I Knew You.”
