Toy Story 5: Early Buzz, Plot Twists & That Wild Buzz Story!

Get ready, Toy Story fans! The first reactions for Toy Story 5 are in, and they're sounding super positive, alongside some exciting plot reveals, including a Castaway-inspired Buzz Lightyear B-story!

TL;DR

Early test screenings for Toy Story 5 have received overwhelmingly positive, "heartfelt" reactions.
The plot tackles tech vs. traditional play, with Jessie as a central character and a hilarious B-story featuring 100 Buzz Lightyears.
Original cast members Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are back, joined by new voices like Conan O'Brien and Anna Faris, for a June 19, 2026 release.

The toy box is opening up again, and it sounds like Pixar might be delivering another emotional home run with Toy Story 5! After a bit of a quiet period, the first whispers from early test screenings are starting to make their way around, and the buzz (pun absolutely intended) is overwhelmingly positive. If you’ve been hoping for that classic Pixar magic to return, these early reactions could be just what you needed to hear.

For decades, the Toy Story franchise has held a special place in our hearts (and on Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts an average score of 98.5% across its four films!). Even the "weakest" entry, Toy Story 4, still snagged a fantastic 96%. So, when industry insiders start dropping hints that the next chapter is just as good, it's a huge deal. Let’s dive into what we know so far about Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the whole gang’s next big adventure.

Early Buzz Breakdown: Is Pixar Really Back in Form?

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The word on the street is that Toy Story 5 had its first test screening sometime in mid-October, and attendees were absolutely smitten. Skyler Schuler, a known industry insider, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share some of the initial feedback. He reported that "those in attendance loved it," with one person calling it, "Once again, another heartfelt film in this franchise."

This positive reception doesn't stop there. Another reaction praised the film for its "modern themes," noting that it "brilliantly explores the dynamics of childhood play in a digital age. With sharp animation and engaging storytelling, it addresses themes of friendship, competition." This is fantastic news, especially after a few years where Pixar's box office performance has been a bit mixed following their pandemic-era Disney+ exclusive releases. It seems like the studio might truly be "returning to form" with this one, giving us all the feels we expect from our favorite animated friends.

A Brand New Adventure for Our Favorite Toys: Battling the Digital Age

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So, what’s the big challenge our beloved toys are facing this time around? It’s something many of us can probably relate to in our own homes: the ever-growing presence of technology! Toy Story 5 reportedly pits Woody, Buzz, and the rest against the changing world of gadgets and digital entertainment. Kids today are glued to tablets and screens, and this film will explore how that pulls their attention away from traditional playtime.

This central conflict forces the toys to confront what it truly means to be loved and relevant in a modern age. It sounds like a timely and deeply resonant theme, promising to explore friendship and competition in new ways. How do you compete with a glowing screen when you're a plastic cowboy or a space ranger? We're eager to find out!

Jessie Takes Center Stage and a Wild Buzz Lightyear B-Story Unfurls

While Woody and Buzz are always at the heart of the franchise, Toy Story 5 is shaking things up a bit by putting Jessie, everyone’s favorite yodeling cowgirl, front and center. According to Tim Allen himself (yes, Buzz Lightyear!), "It's all about Jesse, which is really cool. She’s in trouble, and she needs help. We’re all over, so she has to gather everybody." It sounds like Jessie will be in charge of Bonnie's room when the movie kicks off, leading to a crucial mission to reunite the gang.

But wait, there’s more! Allen also spilled the beans on a hilarious B-story that sounds absolutely wild. He revealed a sequence inspired by Tom Hanks' classic film Castaway:

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. They’re trying to find their way back, and there are a hundred of them. I hope they have it in there.

Imagine 100 identical Buzz Lightyears, all stuck in "play mode," trying to navigate an island! Allen even got to ad-lib some lines for the generic Buzzes, like "Why is he giving all the orders?" The thought of so many ego-driven space rangers bumbling about sounds like pure comedic gold and a fantastic nod to the franchise's playful side. This "army of 50 Buzz Lightyears" (as some concept art apparently shows, though Allen mentions 100) will definitely cause some chaotic fun for our heroes!

Who's Back in the Toy Box? The Stellar Voice Cast for Toy Story 5

No Toy Story film would be complete without its iconic voices, and thankfully, most of the gang is returning! Here’s a quick rundown of who you can expect to hear:

Tom Hanks as Woody
Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear
Joan Cusack as Jessie
Tony Hale as Forky
Ernie Hudson

And it wouldn’t be a new adventure without some fresh faces (and voices!). We’re getting two exciting additions:

Conan O'Brien joins the cast as a new toy named Spartypants.
Anna Faris will voice the "witty antagonist" Lilypad, described as a "frog-like tablet" – a perfect fit for the film's tech-focused plot!

It’s great to see such a strong mix of beloved veterans and talented newcomers joining the Pixar family for this much-anticipated sequel.

Pixar's Comeback: Will Toy Story 5 Spark Box Office Magic?

After the positive reactions, the big question for Disney and Pixar is: will Toy Story 5 translate critical praise into box office success? It's no secret that the theatrical landscape has shifted dramatically, and Pixar, once a guaranteed hitmaker, has seen some mixed results post-COVID with films like Lightyear and Elio. Many believe this is partly due to the studio's features frequently going straight to Disney+ during the pandemic, which might have changed audience expectations for theatrical releases.

However, there's a silver lining. Pixar (and Disney as a whole) has found monumental success with numbered sequels recently. Just look at Inside Out 2, which absolutely smashed expectations, raking in nearly $1.7 billion worldwide! This shows that audiences are still willing to flock to theaters for beloved, well-made continuations of their favorite stories.

With its strong early buzz, a compelling modern plot, and the return of a cherished cast, Toy Story 5 is perfectly positioned to be the next numbered sequel mega-hit for Pixar. It could very well be the film that brings the studio back to its past financial glory and reminds everyone why these characters are so special.

Why These Early Reactions Matter for the Future of Pixar Films

These early, positive reactions for Toy Story 5 are more than just exciting news for fans – they're a significant indicator for the future direction of Pixar. In a world where cinematic universes, streaming fatigue, and mixed box office results are common, a "heartfelt" and "nostalgic" return for a beloved franchise can be a powerful statement.

It suggests that Pixar is listening to what audiences love about their classic films: deep emotional resonance, clever storytelling, and characters that feel like family. If Toy Story 5 maintains this positive momentum and delivers on its promise, it won't just be a win for Woody and Buzz; it'll be a win for the kind of soulful, innovative animation that Pixar built its reputation on. Get ready for June 2026 – it sounds like it's going to be a memorable ride back to the toy box!

Frequently Asked Questions About Toy Story 5's Release

When does Toy Story 5 officially come out in theaters?

Mark your calendars! Toy Story 5 is set to be released in theaters on June 19, 2026.

Who are the new characters joining the Toy Story universe?

New voices and characters include Conan O'Brien as a toy named Spartypants and Anna Faris as the witty antagonist, Lilypad, who is described as a frog-like tablet.

What is the main plot of Toy Story 5 about?

The film explores how Woody, Buzz, and the gang deal with the modern challenge of emerging technologies and digital entertainment drawing children's attention away from traditional playtime. Jessie is also a central character, leading a mission to gather everyone.

Will Woody and Buzz Lightyear be back for Toy Story 5?

Absolutely! Tom Hanks will reprise his role as Woody, and Tim Allen is back as Buzz Lightyear, along with many other familiar voices from the franchise.

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