The fifth instalment of the Toy Story franchise will have Woody and Buzz confronting their most formidable opponent yet – the iPad.
Well, it’s really all electronics they’re up against, but a teaser image of the film, released during the Disney D23 event, features the toys at the foot of Bonnie’s bed, as she watches her tablet under the duvet.
Information about the film is still scarce. However, it has been confirmed that Toy Story 5 will be directed by Andrew Stanton, who has helmed other Pixar classics, including Wall-E and Finding Nemo.
"Toy Story holds a special place in my heart,” Stanton said at D23. “Through the experiences of these toys, we've all learned about loyalty and belonging and friendship.”
While details to date are limited, here's what we do know about the Pixar animation.
What is Toy Story 5 about?
Stanton said the plot of Toy Story 5 will be inspired by the tension between the toys and technology as they vie for the attention of youngsters. "And with Toy Story 5, the toys’ job gets exponentially harder when our toy group goes head-to-head with what kids are obsessed with today – electronics,” he said.
Despite a release date being announced for Toy Story 5, information about the film is scarce. The main teaser image offers a few clues. For one, the comeback of main character Woody is revealed.
Besides Woody and Buzz, the picture shows other fan-favourite characters at the foot of Bonnie's bed, including Rex, Slinky Dog, Hamm and Bullseye. Jessie, meanwhile, is still donning the sheriff’s badge that was given to her by Woody. The makeshift spork toy, Forky, is also visible.
One image revealed at D23 features an army of Buzz toys stuck in a malfunctioning and belligerent mode. A possible subplot could include the toys reckoning with an army of Buzz Lightyears – which, in a way, is an intensified classic Toy Story confrontation. A teaser clip has also been released, which begins with a claw picking up one of the Little Green Men, before Buzz, Jessie and Woody appear on the screen. Sadly, there isn't much more to unravel from the clip.
Which actors will return for the film?
Tim Allen will be reprising his role as Buzz. It is still not clear whether Tom Hanks will return as Woody, but the actor’s presence at D23 during a panel with the original title’s creators certainly suggests that will be the case.
How will Woody be reintroduced in Toy Story 5?
While the end of Toy Story 4 may leave viewers thinking there's no room for the sheriff in any sequel, the latest poster contradicts Woody's happily ever after.
The fact Woody will be appearing in the latest instalment of the franchise may be controversial to some fans. The lovable pull-string cowboy had left behind his fellow toys, who had become part of Bonnie’s collection, to join his sweetheart Bo Beep, with whom he had intended to see the world. It was a satisfying ending to Woody’s character and a chance for other toys to take on the spotlight.
How gracefully Woody will be reintroduced to the plot of Toy Story 5 remains to be seen, but there is little reason to doubt Pixar’s storytelling. The fourth Toy Story film had garnered criticism before its release as fans feared that it would disrupt the franchise’s flawless trilogy. However, it was acclaimed by critics and fans alike, with an almost perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.
When will it be out in cinemas?
Currently, the film is set for a June 2026 release. This will make it seven years since its prequel hit cinemas in 2019, and 31 years since franchise's original in 1995.
