Toy Story 5: Release Date, Cast, Plot, and Everything We Know So Far

Mark your calendars, animation fans! Toy Story 5 is officially hitting theatres on June 19, 2026. This highly anticipated sequel is bringing back everyone’s favourite duo, Woody and Buzz, to face what might be their biggest challenge yet. Disney CEO Bob Iger first announced the sequel’s active development back in February 2023. This time around, Andrew Stanton is directing from his own script, with McKenna Harris joining him as co-director. The film’s tagline, “Toy meets Tech,” perfectly sets up the central conflict: classic toys battling the world of modern technology. Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster ride!

When Is Toy Story 5‘s Big Premiere?

Toy Story 5 will premiere exclusively in cinemas on June 19, 2026, precisely seven years after Toy Story 4 first hit the big screen. Since Disney is known for rarely missing a release deadline, you should definitely set a reminder now!

The voice recording sessions kicked off in late 2024, with veterans Tom Hanks and Tim Allen stepping into the booth early on. Adding to the excitement, Tony Hale confirmed in May 2025 that he had finished recording all of Forky’s lines, meaning production is well underway!

The internet immediately erupted just hours ago when the first teaser trailer dropped. It showed a visibly terrified Woody encountering a tablet named Lilypad, causing Twitter to explode immediately! One user, @Swag_K1RBY, sparked massive debate with a post that questioned Woody’s return, quickly racking up 7 million views. That’s the true definition of nostalgic power!

This premiere date also secures Pixar’s ideal summer box office slot. The studio had previously released Inside Out on the same date (June 19, 2015). The question now is: can Toy Story 5 match that film’s $858 million worldwide success? (And don’t forget, Inside Out two just earned a massive $1.6 billion in 2024!)

Who is Joining the Toy Story 5 Cast?

The original gang is back, including Tom Hanks as Woody, returning after his heartfelt Toy Story 4 farewell, and Tim Allen as the iconic Buzz Lightyear. Fans will also be thrilled to hear that Joan Cusack is back as Jessie, the yodelling cowgirl, and Tony Hale will reprise his role as Forky. Blake Clark is also lending his voice to Slinky Dog once again.

But the new faces are drawing just as much attention! Comedian Conan O’Brien joins the fun as Smarty Pants, a potty-training toy destined to deliver some hilarious moments. Greta Lee is voicing Lilypad, the tablet-turned-villain, while Ernie Hudson steps in to replace the late Carl Weathers as Combat Carl.

Interestingly, Anna Faris was initially announced for the Lilypad role, which ultimately went to Greta Lee. At D23, Pixar’s Pete Docter described the character as “sneaky and prickly,” adding that she genuinely believes screens are superior to traditional toys. Uh oh, major drama ahead!

Social media had a field day with the character reveals. Twitter user @suayrez joked that Woody and Buzz looked “plastic” after 30 years, while another quipped: “Haven’t aged a day!” Naturally, the internet didn’t disappoint, lighting up with a flood of “Botox jokes” about the beloved toys.

What’s the Storyline for Toy Story 5?

Toy Story 5 dives headfirst into every modern parent’s worst fear: kids preferring screens over classic toys. The film centres on eight-year-old Bonnie, who gets a new tablet named Lilypad. This frog-shaped device immediately starts telling the other toys they are obsolete. Talk about a brutal enemy!

The opening sequence is already creating buzz: Buzz Lightyear wakes up on a beach surrounded by dozens of identical Buzz Lightyears—a whole container of fifty commemorative figures! After their shipping container crashes, they must search for Star Command by building rafts and sailing out into the ocean.

Director Andrew Stanton explained the higher stakes, saying: “The toys’ jobs get exponentially harder with this new threat.” Adding to the hype, Pete Docter promised fans would see “Cool things you’ve never seen before.” The Chief Creative Officer clearly knows how to build anticipation!

The drama ramps up when Jessie calls Woody, desperately needing backup. However, Buzz doesn’t sound thrilled about Woody’s unexpected return, a tension that should fuel some compelling character moments. Tim Allen teased the quality of the script to Jimmy Fallon, stating: “The writer wrote one of the better ones.”

Test screening attendees have confirmed the film explores the concept of “childhood play in a digital age.” One viewer summarised their experience: “Once again, another heartfelt film in this franchise.” The early buzz is overwhelmingly positive!

Social Media Reactions to the Sequel

Twitter user @SketchesbyBoze became instantly viral for writing: “I’m glad the villain is a child’s tablet.” The post quickly earned 4.4 million views, with the user adding: “I hope the film shows how screens eat up children’s literacy.” That comment certainly hits close to home for many!

The initial 2023 announcement from Disney caused an eruption of conversation across Reddit and Twitter. Many devoted fans questioned if a fifth film was even necessary. One person tweeted: “Pixar promised original films!” while another complained: “Why not Monsters, Inc. 2 instead?”

BuzzFeed rounded up a selection of hilarious fan reactions to the first look at Woody and Buzz. User @Travless_ joked: “It’s disgusting how much pressure society puts on celebrities to maintain youthful appearances!” Another deadpanned: “The Botox isn’t fooling anyone!”

Meanwhile, industry insider Skyler Schuler shared encouraging news on X: “Test screening attendees loved it.” He backed that up by adding, “One person said it’s another heartfelt film.” This kind of positive insider buzz is a great sign; Pixar rarely disappoints when it comes to emotion.

However, not everyone is excited. When Toy Story 5 was first announced, fan reactions were mixed. Plenty of people felt Toy Story 3 was the perfect, conclusive ending, and others even thought Toy Story 4 had already pushed the franchise too far.

In a move that won over many sceptical fans, Tim Allen posted enthusiastically on Twitter: “See ya soon, Woody! Off we go to number 5! To infinity and beyond!” If Buzz Lightyear believes in it, perhaps we all should too!

Behind the Scenes: A New Pixar Era

Andrew Stanton is both the writer and director for the film, building on his previous work co-writing the first four Toy Story movies. Given his track record directing classics like Finding Nemo, WALL-E, and Finding Dory, the movie is in excellent hands! He is joined by co-director McKenna Harris, who recently helmed the short film Ciao Alberto.

Jessica Choi and Lindsey Collins are producing Toy Story 5. This production marks the first core Toy Story film without John Lasseter, who left Pixar in late 2018. The franchise is officially moving into a new era!

Based on Pixar’s recent budgets, production is rumoured to cost between $50 and $60 million per sequence. That’s a serious investment, but Pixar always delivers incredible animation quality. Reports suggest the beach scene featuring fifty Buzz Lightyears looks absolutely stunning!

Voice recording for animated features typically takes 18 to 24 months. Tom Hanks posted on Instagram in April 2025 that he had started his sessions, which strongly suggests the film is right on schedule!

Will this finally be the last film? No one knows for sure yet! Pixar once thought Toy Story 2 would be the end, and then Toy Story 3 felt conclusive. If the story demands it, you can definitely expect a Toy Story 6!

The franchise has already amassed over $3 billion worldwide across just four films. Toy Story 5 could easily push that total past the $4 billion mark. That is the enduring power of Woody and Buzz!

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