Toy Story 5: Jessie Takes Lead, Woody Gets a New Look & More!

Get ready for a fresh chapter with your favorite toys! Toy Story 5 is shaking things up, putting Jessie in the driver's seat and introducing some wild new characters (and looks!) to the gang. Here's everything we know so far about Pixar's return to the toy box!

TL;DR - Quick Hits for Toy Story 5 Fans

Jessie is taking the lead! Our favorite cowgirl, voiced by Joan Cusack, is now the main character and leader of Bonnie's toys.
Woody gets a brand-new look! Expect to see Tom Hanks' iconic cowboy sporting a cool red poncho, a first-ever major costume change for the character.
New tech-savvy toys are coming! The gang will face off against electronic challengers like Lilypad (a tablet voiced by Anna Faris) for Bonnie's attention.
A "hundred Buzzes" adventure! Tim Allen teased a hilarious subplot involving 100 Buzz Lightyear dolls stranded on an island after a plane crash.
Mark your calendars: Toy Story 5 is set to hit theaters on June 19, 2026.

The Beloved Toy Story Crew is Back, But With Some Fresh Twists!

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Just when we thought Woody and Buzz had ridden off into the sunset (or, well, found their forever homes), Pixar is bringing our beloved plastic pals back for another adventure! While some fans have expressed a little skepticism about a fifth film after what felt like perfect goodbyes in Toy Story 3 and 4, the latest reveals suggest Toy Story 5 isn't just a retread. Instead, it's promising some seriously exciting changes that could make this sequel feel truly fresh and necessary.

Disney's CEO, Bob Iger, confirmed the movie back in 2023, and since then, details have slowly but surely been trickling out. We've had glimpses from concept art, some juicy tidbits from voice actors, and even merchandise leaks that are spilling some major tea about what's coming. And let's be honest, who can resist a peek into Bonnie's toy box when new stories are brewing?

Jessie Steps Into the Spotlight as Bonnie's New Leader

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If you're wondering who's calling the shots in Bonnie's room now, get ready to shout "Yee-haw!" because Jessie, our favorite energetic cowgirl, is officially taking the lead! Tim Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear, confirmed this exciting shift in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel. He mentioned, "They reboot everything. 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."

This makes perfect sense given how Toy Story 4 ended. Woody, in a heartfelt moment, passed his iconic sheriff's badge to Jessie before he went off to find new purpose as a "lost toy" with Bo Peep. Now, it seems that trust will be tested as Jessie steps up to guide her friends through their latest challenges. It's a fantastic move that promises to flesh out Jessie's character in ways we haven't seen before, moving her from a strong supporting role to the absolute star of the show.

Merchandise images have even reinforced this, featuring apparel that proudly labels Jessie as the "Cowgirl in Charge." We're thrilled to see her shine!

Woody's Unexpected Makeover: Sporting a Cool New Red Poncho!

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Our favorite pull-string cowboy, Woody, has always been pretty consistent with his look: plaid shirt, cowboy hat, boots. Classic, right? Well, get ready for a visual shake-up in Toy Story 5! Leaked merchandise photos, shared by Cosmic Media on X and Reddit user steamboatwillie1241, reveal Woody rocking a stylish red poncho.

This is the first major change to Woody's appearance across the entire series, and it's got us speculating! Given that Toy Story 4 left Woody embracing life as a "lost toy" with Bo Peep, this poncho could symbolize his journey into the "vast frontier of the outside world." Is he a new kind of cowboy outlaw? A protector? The context is still a mystery, but it certainly suggests a new chapter and a visually distinct Woody ready for whatever adventures come his way.

Buzz Lightyear's Hilarious Hundred-Man Army Subplot Revealed

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Hold onto your wings, Space Rangers, because Buzz Lightyear is about to have a very, very unique adventure! Tim Allen spilled some fantastic details about a potential B-storyline that sounds like pure comedic gold. Imagine this: a plane crash (a playful jab at Tom Hanks' Cast Away), and suddenly, a hundred Buzz Lightyear dolls are stranded on an island, trying to find their way back home.

"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."

— Tim Allen on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Allen even mentioned ad-libbing lines for the various Buzzes, like one questioning, "Why is he giving all the orders?" The idea of dozens of identical, ego-driven Buzzes bumbling through an unfamiliar environment promises a visual spectacle and plenty of laughs. This clever subplot could bring a fresh layer of humor and teamwork themes, perfectly balancing the main emotional arc centered around Jessie.

Meet the New Faces Joining the Toy Story Universe

No Toy Story film is complete without some memorable new characters, and Toy Story 5 is set to introduce a whole new crew! The core conflict revolves around Bonnie growing older and becoming interested in electronic toys, which challenge the classic gang for her attention. Leading this new tech-savvy faction is a character known as Lilypad.

Lilypad: This is a tablet modeled after a frog, and she's described as the primary antagonist, voiced by the hilarious Anna Faris. She and the other electronic toys have "very different opinions on what Bonnie needs" compared to Woody's friends.
Smarty Pants: Comedian Conan O'Brien joins the cast to voice this new toy. While details are scarce, his involvement guarantees some sharp wit!
Atlas: Revealed through merchandise, Atlas is a blue plastic hippo, affectionately described as a "chatty hippo."
Snappy: Another merchandise reveal, Snappy is a small purple camera, labeled the "cutest camera."

These new characters, especially Lilypad and her electronic squad, represent a fascinating dynamic. Unlike past villains who had complex, understandable motives, these new toys might not be malicious. Instead, they simply exist to entertain Bonnie in a modern way, setting up an intriguing conflict of "warring factions of toys" within the same room.

Familiar Faces Confirmed to Return (and a Quick Note on the Potato Heads!)

While new characters are exciting, we all love seeing our old friends! Pixar has confirmed that a solid lineup of fan favorites will be back:

Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks)
Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen)
Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack)
Forky (voiced by Tony Hale)
Slinky Dog (confirmed to return)
Bullseye (confirmed to return)
Rex, Hamm, Dolly, and the Aliens (seen in early promotional materials with Jessie)

One notable absence from some early promotional art led to online speculation about the Potato Heads. However, this was quickly clarified: Don Rickles (Mr. Potato Head) passed away in 2017, and Estelle Harris (Mrs. Potato Head) in 2022. While Pixar ingeniously used archival recordings for Rickles in Toy Story 4, it's a natural progression that their roles might be scaled back or written out entirely in future films due to the loss of their iconic voices.

We'll also hear a new voice for an old friend: Ernie Hudson will take over the role of Combat Carl, previously voiced by the late Carl Weathers.

The Early Buzz on Toy Story 5: Test Screenings Are a Huge Hit!

Perhaps the most exciting news for skeptical fans comes from early test screenings! According to industry insider Skyler Shuler of The DisInsider, Toy Story 5 was screened for select audiences in October, and the reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees reportedly "loved it," with one person stating, "Once again, another heartfelt film in this franchise."

Another early reaction praised the film's modern themes, noting 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, suggesting that Pixar isn't just making another sequel for the sake of it, but genuinely exploring timely themes with the heart and humor we expect.

Pixar's Chief Creative Officer, Pete Docter, echoed this sentiment, hinting that the film will "let moments breathe in unexpected ways," keeping audiences surprised and engaged. It sounds like Toy Story 5 is shaping up to deliver that classic blend of laughter, tears, and timely social commentary that has defined the franchise for decades.

When Can You Catch Toy Story 5 in Theaters?

Get ready to mark your calendars! Toy Story 5 is officially scheduled to hit theaters on June 19, 2026. That's a little over a year away, giving us plenty of time to build up our excitement.

While we haven't seen a full trailer yet, fans are eagerly anticipating its release. Many speculate that Disney might drop a teaser around the release of Zootopia 2, which is set for November 28, 2025. This would follow a similar pattern to how Toy Story 4's first look was unveiled back in 2018. Keep an eye out—you won't want to miss that first official glimpse!

Frequently Asked Questions About Toy Story 5

When is the Toy Story 5 release date?

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

Who is the main character in Toy Story 5?

Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, will be the primary focus and new leader of Bonnie's toys in Toy Story 5.

Will Woody and Buzz Lightyear be in Toy Story 5?

Yes! Tom Hanks will return as Woody, and Tim Allen will return as Buzz Lightyear. While Jessie takes the lead, Woody and Buzz are still key characters in the film.

Are there any new villains or challenges in Toy Story 5?

The toys will face a new challenge: electronic toys, particularly a tablet named Lilypad (voiced by Anna Faris), who represent a shift in how children play and compete for Bonnie's attention.

What's up with Woody's new look?

Merchandise leaks show Woody wearing a red poncho, a brand-new costume element that suggests a visual evolution for the character, possibly tied to his adventures as a "lost toy."

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