Our first look at the upcoming Toy Story 5 has surfaced, and it’s already sparked questions and theories.
The still image features Jessie standing on a bed, seemingly addressing several toys from Toy Story 4, including Mr. Pricklepants, Trixie, Dolly, and Buttercup, along with some of Andy’s old mates, such as Hamm, Rex, and the aliens.
However, some key original characters were notably absent, leaving some to speculate as to why.
So did they just retire Mr/Mrs Potato Head and Slinky due to their voice actors having passed away?
— QG (@theqg24) July 6, 2025
However, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter teased an intriguing new direction for the story, revealing that the toys will face a modern challenge when their now-eight-year-old owner, Bonnie, receives a villainous tablet named Lillypad.
“It’s toys meet tech,” Pete explained, that the storyline will put the toys at odds with the more modern, digital ones.
Director Andrew Stanton added that the toys’ role as protectors becomes exponentially harder as they confront what kids are obsessed with.
The concept has some praising it as a ‘brilliant’ and ‘fresh’, while others have criticised it as ‘too modern’ or ‘uninspired.’
Though Pixar has yet to officially confirm major plot details, both Tom Hanks and Tim Allen have confirmed their return to voice Woody and Buzz.
Toy Story 5 is set to premiere in Australia on June 18, 2026.
