Toy Story 5 is officially on the way, marking the return of the beloved Pixar franchise known for its heartwarming and nostalgic stories. The new adventure will once again feature fan-favorite toys Buzz Lightyear and Woody, historically voiced by Tim Allen and Tom Hanks.
During Disney’s D23 Expo in August 2024, Pixar revealed exciting details about the future of Buzz, Woody, and their toy companions. It was also announced that the fifth installment of the series will hit theaters in June 2026.
Andrew Stanton, a key figure in the creation of the Toy Story universe, will direct the new film. At D23, Stanton shared that Toy Story 5 will address contemporary issues, specifically focusing on the impact of technology on childhood play.
“In Toy Story 5, the toys’ jobs get exponentially harder as they face off against what kids are obsessed with today: electronics,” Stanton explained at the event.
As the franchise prepares to look for new themes and challenges, excitement continues to build. Here’s what we know so far about Toy Story 5.
How Did Toy Story 4 End?
Toy Story 4 concluded with a poignant moment where Woody and Buzz parted ways. Woody chose to join Bo Peep (voiced by Annie Potts) to live as a “lost toy,” free from the confines of belonging to a child.
Throughout the movie, Woody struggled to find his place with Bonnie, who no longer needed him as much as Andy once did. Buzz, understanding Woody’s decision, reassured him that Bonnie would be okay and supported Woody’s choice to start a new chapter.
Buzz remained with Bonnie, alongside Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Hamm (John Ratzenberger), and the new character Forky (Tony Hale).
Toy Story 5 is set for release on June 19, 2026. Although the official cast list has not been announced, Tim Allen confirmed during a November 2023 appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that Disney had approached both him and Tom Hanks about reprising their iconic roles.
This update came over six months after Disney first confirmed the project was in development.
Toy Story (Photo: Pixar)
Concept art revealed at D23 also hints at the return of beloved characters like Jessie, Rex, Forky, and Hamm, although official confirmation of the voice actors is still pending.
Director Andrew Stanton revealed that the central conflict of Toy Story 5 will revolve around the toys’ struggle to stay relevant in an era dominated by technology.
Concept art showcased at D23 depicted the toys looking forlorn as their owner is engrossed in a tablet, suggesting the emotional and humorous challenges they will face as they try to regain the child’s attention.
In a February 2023 interview, Pete Docter, executive producer of Toy Story 5 and a key creator and writer behind the original 1995 Toy Story and its 1999 sequel, promised that the upcoming installment will be “surprising.”
“It’s got some really cool stuff that you haven’t seen before,” Docter teased.
Is There a Trailer for Toy Story 5?
As of now, no official trailer has been released for Toy Story 5. However, a teaser shown at D23 featured Woody, Buzz, and Jessie waving to viewers.
Andrew Stanton, a longtime Pixar director known for classics like Finding Nemo and A Bug’s Life, will direct Toy Story 5. Stanton has been a pivotal creative force in the Toy Story series, serving as a writer on all the previous films.
He will co-direct the film with McKenna Harris, who produced Elemental and directed the Disney+ animated short Ciao Alberto, based on Luca.
In August 2024, Harris expressed her excitement about working on the film via Instagram.
“YEEE-HAW! I’m co-directing Toy Story 5, and we’ve been having the best time with the best team ever!,” she wrote. “So happy to be working with Andrew Stanton and my girl @jesschoismyth on this sweet, sweet movie!!.”
Toy Story 5 will be released in theaters in June 2026. Until then, fans can catch up on all the previous Toy Story movies on Disney+.
