Toy Story 5 Buzz Lightyear Teases Wild Plot & Great Early Buzz

Your favorite space ranger, Tim Allen, just dropped some exciting details about the upcoming Toy Story 5, and it sounds like Pixar might be cooking up another emotional masterpiece. Plus, the first reactions from test screenings are already making us grab the tissues!

TL;DR

Tim Allen teased a hilarious B-story involving 100 Buzz Lightyear dolls stranded à la Cast Away.
Jessie is set to take center stage, facing new tech challenges that bring all the toys together.
Early test screenings are overwhelmingly positive, with viewers calling it "another heartfelt film."

To Infinity and Beyond, But With a Catch! Tim Allen Spills the Beans

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Alright, fellow toy enthusiasts, get ready because Buzz Lightyear himself, Tim Allen, has given us a peek behind the curtain of Toy Story 5, and it sounds absolutely wild. While chatting on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Allen, who's been the iconic voice of Buzz since 1995, confirmed he's back and spilled some truly exciting (and funny) plot specifics.

He's especially hyped about a B-storyline that sounds like pure comedic genius. Imagine this: a plane crashes on an island, much like that famous Tom Hanks movie (Cast Away, anyone?), but instead of just one person, there are a hundred Buzz Lightyear dolls onboard, all lost and trying to find their way back! Allen even mentioned he had a blast doing some ad-libs for those scene-stealing Buzzes, like one asking, "Why is he giving all the orders?" Honestly, the thought of an island full of ego-driven Buzzes is enough to get us hyped.

"The funniest thing to me is that there’s a plane crash like that Hanks movie - I dunno, Tom somebody - on the island where a FedEx plane or something with 100 Buzz dolls lands, and they’re all lost. They’re the B story. It’s hysterical."

– Tim Allen on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Jessie's Big Moment: Leading the Toys in a Digital Age

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But it's not all about Buzz's doppelgängers. Allen also revealed that Toy Story 5 will put our favorite yodeling cowgirl, Jessie, in the spotlight. "It’s all about Jessie, which is really cool. She’s in trouble, and she needs help. We’re all over, so she has to gather everybody," Allen explained. This is a fantastic evolution for a beloved character who's always brought so much heart to the franchise.

The main plot sounds super relevant for today's kids (and adults!). It seems the toys will be facing off against the challenges of a "digital age" and emerging technologies. The big bad (or at least the big challenge) this time around is reportedly a frog-like tablet named Lilypad, voiced by the hilarious Anna Faris. This feels like a clever way to keep the series fresh, exploring how modern gadgets compete for children's attention against traditional toys.

Woody's Grand Return: The Gang's All Back Together

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Fans might have wondered if Woody would be back after his poignant goodbye with Bo Peep in Toy Story 4, but fear not! Tom Hanks will be reprising his iconic role as Woody, joining Tim Allen's Buzz, Joan Cusack's Jessie, and a host of other familiar voices. This reunion is exactly what we need, especially with Jessie needing her friends' help. It’s comforting to know the whole gang will be assembled to tackle whatever tech-based trouble comes their way.

The film is being written and directed by Andrew Stanton, a Pixar legend known for his work on classics like Finding Nemo. Pixar's Chief Creative Officer, Pete Docter, even hinted at Stanton's fresh approach, saying he's done a "really great job of letting moments breathe in unexpected ways." Sounds like we're in for some surprises!

"I think [writer and director] Andrew’s done a really great job of letting moments breathe in unexpected ways... Things that [make you think], ‘Wait, is this a Toy Story movie?’"

– Pete Docter, Pixar Chief Creative Officer

Early Test Screenings Hint at Another Emotional Pixar Classic

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The best news? It seems Pixar has truly done it again. Unofficial reactions from early test screenings, which reportedly happened in mid-October, are incredibly positive. Insiders like Skyler Shuler of The DisInsider reported that attendees "loved it," with one person remarking, "Once again, another heartfelt film in this franchise."

This is music to any long-time Toy Story fan's ears, especially after some skepticism about continuing the series after what felt like perfect endings with Toy Story 3 and 4. The franchise has an incredible critical track record, averaging 98.5% on Rotten Tomatoes across its first four films, so if early viewers are saying Toy Story 5 lives up to that legacy, we're definitely in for a treat.

The feedback specifically highlighted the film's ability to "brilliantly explore the dynamics of childhood play in a digital age" with "sharp animation and engaging storytelling" that addresses "themes of friendship, competition." This suggests Pixar is tackling modern challenges while staying true to the emotional core we all love. It's the kind of hopeful news Disney and Pixar have been longing for after a few box office stumbles for some of their recent original animated features.

The Star-Studded Voice Cast Returning for More Adventures

Get ready to hear some familiar and fresh voices!

Woody: Tom Hanks
Buzz Lightyear: Tim Allen
Jessie: Joan Cusack
Forky: Tony Hale
Combat Carl: Ernie Hudson
Lilypad: Anna Faris (new character, frog-like tablet)
Smarty Pants: Conan O'Brien (new character)

It's great to see the core team back, and the addition of Anna Faris and Conan O'Brien promises some fresh energy and humor. This blend of classic charm and new talent is exactly what could make Toy Story 5 a memorable return to the big screen for our favorite toys.

Can Toy Story 5 Reignite Pixar's Box Office Magic?

After a few years where some Pixar films went straight to Disney+ or struggled theatrically post-COVID (Lightyear, Elio), the studio is undoubtedly hoping Toy Story 5 can replicate the massive success of their numbered sequels, like Inside Out 2, which smashed box office records. The initial positive buzz is a great sign that this beloved franchise could be the one to bring Pixar back to its past glory, reminding audiences why nothing beats seeing these stories on the big screen.

Tim Allen himself has said that he's "with Tarantino" in thinking Toy Story 3 was one of the best Movies ever made, and that Toy Story 4 "stretched a lot of things." This suggests a keen awareness of fan expectations and a desire to deliver something truly special this time around. With Andrew Stanton at the helm, and a plot that blends classic toy dilemmas with modern tech, Toy Story 5 seems poised to capture that unique mix of humor, emotion, and heart that fans have cherished for decades.

So mark your calendars! We'll be heading back to the toy box for another heartfelt adventure when Toy Story 5 lands in theaters in June 2026. It sounds like it's going to be worth the wait!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Toy Story 5 Answered When is Toy Story 5 coming out? Toy Story 5 is currently scheduled to be released in theaters on June 19, 2026. Who are the main voice actors returning for Toy Story 5? The main cast includes Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, and Joan Cusack as Jessie. What is Toy Story 5 about? The plot centers around Jessie needing help from Woody, Buzz, and their friends. They will reportedly face new challenges related to technology and a digital age, with a frog-like tablet named Lilypad as a key new character. There's also a B-story involving 100 lost Buzz Lightyear dolls! Are there any new characters in Toy Story 5? Yes! New characters include Lilypad, a frog-like tablet voiced by Anna Faris, and Smarty Pants, voiced by Conan O'Brien. Sources