Close to 30 years after the first movie, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of the characters of the beloved “Toy Story” franchise are heading to another adventure in the latest installment of the series: “Toy Story 5”. Disney and Pixar announced the development of the fifth movie back in February of 2023, and it will be playing in theaters this year, set to release on June 19, 2026.
With the first movie coming out back in November 1995, the “Toy Story” film series has been strongly centered around friendship, growing up, and change. The latest installment of the franchise, Toy Story 4, released in 2019, ended with Woody, played by Tom Hanks, ultimately leaving his group to become a “lost toy” after a road trip with the group’s new owner, Bonnie.
In “Toy Story 5”, the original voice actors of Buzz Lightyear and Woody, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, are expected to return.
Carmella Davies ‘28 says, “I am very excited to watch the original Buzz and Woody stay for this new movie, and I can’t wait to see it in theaters.” Having Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprising their roles makes the movie all the more special and adds to the nostalgic feel.
A big question and topic surrounding the upcoming film is how new technology will play a role in the storyline. In the trailer, Bonnie, played by Scarlett Spears, receives a tablet. This movie resembles today’s world, with many children and young adults spending large amounts of time on screens like tablets, computers, televisions, and phones, and “Toy Story 5” might take a deeper dive into this epidemic.
“I am excited to see how the tablet story will play out and how it will affect the original characters,” Arielle Calicchio ‘28 says. Fans of the franchise are interested in seeing how this new LilyPad tablet character will add to the storyline.
Lifelong Toy Story franchise enthusiast Nolan Baker ’26 says, “I cannot wait to see the 2pm showing of Toy Story 5 before graduation.”
This new storyline surrounding the tablet could continue the emotional, growing theme of the earlier movies. “Toy Story 5” is set to further focus on its continuous theme of friendship, moving on, and growing older. This same theme, mixed with the new technology aspect, may bring together many generations.
