Toy Story 5: The Iconic Toys Face a New Digital Dilemma

Get ready for a whole new kind of playtime battle! Pixar's beloved toys, Woody and Buzz, are back to confront their scariest threat yet: modern technology, embodied by a sleek new tablet named Lilypad.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Toy Story 5

• Toy Story 5 arrives in theaters nationwide on June 19, 2026, featuring a clash between classic toys and new tech.
• A new character, Lilypad, a high-tech frog-shaped tablet voiced by Greta Lee, becomes the primary antagonist, threatening the relevance of Bonnie's original toys.
• Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz), and Joan Cusack (Jessie) are all returning, with Jessie set to take on a larger leadership role.

Imagine a world where your cherished, handcrafted action figures suddenly find themselves competing with a shiny, talking screen for your child's attention. That's the core question posed by the first teaser trailer for Toy Story 5, released by Pixar. After nearly 30 years of adventures, Woody, Buzz, and the gang are diving headfirst into a very modern parenting conundrum: the allure of screentime versus the timeless joy of traditional play.

The teaser, which hit on November 11, 2025, showcases the familiar cast of characters – including Woody, Buzz, Rex, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, and Jessie – looking on in collective "anticipatory horror" as a new package is delivered to Bonnie, their current owner. Inside? A sleek, frog-framed tablet named Lilypad, voiced by Past Lives star Greta Lee, who confidently beckons, “Let’s play!”

Classic Characters Return for a Cutting-Edge Confrontation

Fans will be thrilled to know that many familiar voices are returning to bring their favorite characters to life. Tom Hanks is back as the ever-loyal cowboy Woody, Tim Allen reports for duty as Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, and Joan Cusack saddles up again as the rootin'-tootin' cowgirl Jessie. Tony Hale also returns as the endearingly anxious spork-turned-toy, Forky. It seems Woody's journey at the end of Toy Story 4, where he rode off with Bo Peep to help lost toys, has somehow led him back to Bonnie's room, a detail that many fans are eager to see explained.

Beyond the core group, the film also brings back other beloved characters. Blake Clark will reprise his role as Slinky Dog, a role he took over from the late Jim Varney. While specific voice actors for Rex, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Hamm, and The Aliens haven't been fully confirmed across all sources, their presence in the trailer and cast lists suggests they'll be part of the adventure. Ernie Hudson joins the cast as Combat Carl, taking over from the late Carl Weathers. Additionally, Conan O’Brien joins the voice cast as a new character called Smarty Pants, described as a "toilet training tech toy," and Anna Faris is also on board in an undisclosed role. Source: [BuzzFeed, "Toy Story 5 is still a few months away...", November 13, 2025]

A New Nemesis: Lilypad, the High-Tech Tablet

The true star of the teaser, and the catalyst for the film's conflict, is Lilypad. Voiced by the "remarkably talented Greta Lee," Lilypad is described as a "high-tech, frog-shaped smart tablet" that makes the traditional toys' lives "exponentially harder" when they go "head to head with the all-new threat to playtime." Directors Andrew Stanton and Kenna Harris lauded Lee's performance for "balancing a playfully antagonistic tone with humor and heart." Source: [Disney and Pixar Press Release, as quoted by multiple articles, November 11, 2025]

“It’s been a hilarious and poignant journey exploring how our favorite team of legacy toys might respond to today’s world of technology, and we’re thrilled to share this first glimpse with audiences,” said director Andrew Stanton and co-director Kenna Harris. “Having the remarkably talented Greta Lee bring Lilypad to life — balancing a playfully antagonistic tone with humor and heart — has been incredible.”

— Andrew Stanton and Kenna Harris, Co-Directors of Toy Story 5

This "toy meets tech" premise is a stark evolution of the franchise's enduring theme: the fear of obsolescence. From Woody's jealousy over Buzz Lightyear in the original 1995 film to Jessie's abandonment in Toy Story 2, the core crew has often grappled with the question, "Is our time over?" This time, however, the threat isn't just a newer, cooler toy; it's an entirely different kind of plaything, one that embodies the digital shift in children's entertainment.

Revisiting Familiar Themes with a Modern Twist

The film is directed by Academy Award® winner Andrew Stanton (known for WALL-E, Finding Nemo) and co-directed by Kenna Harris (Ciao Alberto), with Lindsey Collins (Turning Red) producing. Their vision for Toy Story 5 promises to explore what happens when the beloved, tactile toys from our childhood confront the sleek, screen-based gadgets that define today’s playtime. Tim Allen hinted that the film will be "a lot about Jessie," who becomes the leader of Bonnie’s room after Woody’s departure in Toy Story 4, suggesting she'll be at the forefront of this digital dilemma. He also teased an "unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyears." Source: [WIVB interview with Tim Allen, as quoted by Deadline, November 11, 2025]

This return to the "is our time over?" concept has garnered mixed reactions online. Some Reddit users have pointed out the similarity to the first movie's premise (toys worried about being replaced), while others are simply impressed by the animation's polished look. One user noted, "Concept aside, can we just take a moment and admire how real and polished the animation looks?"

Addressing the Continuity Conundrum and Fan Expectations

One of the most immediate questions for long-time fans revolves around Woody's return. At the end of Toy Story 4, he made the profound choice to live his own life alongside Bo Peep, helping other abandoned toys. Seeing him back in Bonnie's room with Buzz and the rest of the gang in the teaser creates a "curiosity moment" for many. While some might view this as an "inconsistency," the general sentiment is that director Andrew Stanton and co-director Kenna Harris "didn't just forget about the current status quo" and will address how Woody ends up back with the crew within the plot.

Another point of discussion among audiences is whether a fifth installment is even necessary after the emotionally resonant ending of Toy Story 3, which many considered a perfect conclusion. However, Pixar's track record for quality in the franchise is exceptional, with even Toy Story 4—arguably the "weakest" film in the series by some metrics—still holding a stellar 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. By returning to the foundational "threat of obsolescence" narrative that underpinned the first three movies, Toy Story 5 might be aiming to "recoup that missing 4%" and resonate deeply with the core themes that made the franchise so beloved.

A Real-World Parallel: The Screen Time Struggle

Consider a scenario familiar to many modern parents: A child, let's call her Maya, used to spend hours arranging her toy cars, dressing her dolls, or building intricate structures with blocks. Her room buzzed with imaginary stories. Then, on her birthday, she receives a sleek new tablet. For the first few days, the physical toys are forgotten, cast aside in favor of the captivating glow and interactive games of the screen. Maya’s beloved teddy bear sits on the shelf, its buttons un-hugged, its fur un-stroked, while Maya’s fingers dance across the tablet. The shift is immediate and palpable, creating a silent dilemma for the toys (and the parents!). This is precisely the kind of tension Toy Story 5 aims to explore, translating a universal experience into the heartfelt, animated narrative Pixar is known for.

What This Digital Dilemma Means for Audiences

The choice of INXS's iconic "Never Tear Us Apart" for the teaser trailer's soundtrack is particularly poignant, hinting at the potential emotional stakes of the toys' struggle to stay together and remain relevant in Bonnie's life. The track, a major international hit, adds a "romantic and melancholic atmosphere" that resonates with the toys' potential fear of being separated or forgotten. Source: [MusicRow, "INXS' 'Never Tear Us Apart' Featured In 'Toy Story 5' Teaser," November 16, 2025]

Toy Story 5 is set to release on June 19, 2026, putting it in a prime position to be one of the top-grossing films of that summer. Its themes of friendship, loyalty, and adapting to change, now viewed through the lens of rapidly evolving technology, are likely to connect with audiences of all ages, from those who grew up with Woody and Buzz to today's tablet-savvy kids.

Practical Takeaways for Anticipating Toy Story 5

• Prepare for a timely story: The film directly tackles the "screens vs. toys" debate, offering a narrative that many parents and children will find relatable.
• Expect emotional depth: With Andrew Stanton at the helm and the recurring theme of obsolescence, anticipate the signature Pixar blend of humor and heartfelt moments.
• Witness character evolution: Keep an eye on Jessie's expanded leadership role and the explanation for Woody's return to the main gang after his previous journey.
• Mark your calendars: Set for a June 19, 2026 release, Toy Story 5 promises to be a major summer event for moviegoers.
• Revisit the past: Before the new film drops, consider rewatching the previous installments to fully appreciate the characters' journey and the subtle nods to franchise history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Toy Story 5

When does Toy Story 5 come out in theaters?

Toy Story 5 is scheduled to be released in theaters nationwide on June 19, 2026.

Who are the new characters in Toy Story 5?

The main new character is Lilypad, a high-tech, frog-shaped smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee. Conan O'Brien also joins as Smarty Pants, a toilet-training tech toy, and Anna Faris is in an undisclosed role.

Is the original cast returning for Toy Story 5?

Yes, Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear), Joan Cusack (Jessie), and Tony Hale (Forky) are all confirmed to return. Other returning characters include Bullseye, Slinky Dog, Rex, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Hamm, Combat Carl (now voiced by Ernie Hudson), Karen Beverly, and the Aliens.

What is the plot of Toy Story 5 about?

The film centers on a "toy meets tech" conflict, where Bonnie's traditional toys, led by Woody and Buzz, must confront the arrival of Lilypad, a modern, high-tech tablet that threatens their relevance and the nature of playtime itself.

Sources:

• Disney and Pixar (various press releases and official announcements, as quoted across multiple articles)
• Deadline, "Pixar Drops First Teaser Trailer for ‘Toy Story 5’," Patrick Hipes, November 11, 2025.
• CNN, "Screens are the enemy in new ‘Toy Story 5’ teaser trailer," Dan Heching, November 11, 2025.
• Creative Bloq, "Screens are the enemy in new ‘Toy Story 5’ teaser trailer," Georgia Coggan, November 13, 2025.
• ScreenRant, "Toy Story 5 Teaser Trailer Reveals Woody Back With Buzz & The Gang After His Departure," November 11, 2025.
• Beebom, "Toy Story 5: Release Date, Cast, Story & More," Aparna Ukil, November 15, 2025.
• TheMovieBox, "‘Toy Story 5’ Teaser: Woody, Buzz, and the Gang Face a Digital Dilemma," November 12, 2025.
• Scott Mendelson, "Toy Story 5 trailer teases a new status quo," November 12, 2025.
• BuzzFeed, "Toy Story 5 is still a few months away, but the internet is already buzzing with excitement over the return of everyone's favorite toys," November 13, 2025.
• MusicRow, "INXS’ ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ Featured In ‘Toy Story 5’ Teaser," Buddy Iahn, November 16, 2025.
• WIVB interview with Tim Allen (as quoted by Deadline).