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Everything to know about ‘Toy Story 5': the Pixar franchise returns June 2026 with new themes and familiar faces
Pixar is preparing to revisit one of its most iconic franchises, with Toy Story 5, the continuation of the beloved animated series that has been a cornerstone of the studio's legacy since 1995.
According to early details shared by the filmmakers, Toy Story 5 will explore the role of toys in an age dominated by screens. Bonnie, last seen as a young child in Toy Story 3, is now eight years old and spending more of her time with a new tech tablet she's named Lillypad. Her growing attachment to the device has led to a gradual disinterest in her traditional toys, sparking an identity crisis among her longtime favorites. The situation comes to a head with the arrival of Lilly, a sleek, voice-interactive AI character who quickly becomes the center of Bonnie's attention.
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Meanwhile, Woody (Tom Hanks) —who chose to live as a 'lost toy' with Bo Peep (Annie Potts) at the end of Toy Story 4 — is drawn back into the fold as the situation with Bonnie escalates. His return reunites him with Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the rest of the gang. While details about the film's central quest are still under wraps, the thematic undercurrents reflect a growing concern shared by many parents and creators: what happens to imagination when screen time takes over?
A sneak peek of the film's opening scene was shown during a presentation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. According to The Wrap, the scene begins with a first-person POV shot that mirrors the original Toy Story film — this time from the perspective of a Buzz Lightyear action figure waking up on a mysterious, deserted island. Surrounding him are dozens of other Buzz figures, each outfitted with glowing LED screens. As they attempt to reestablish contact with "Star Command," the sequence builds to a haunting yet playful campfire moment, where the Buzzes chant 'Star Command' under the night sky.
Several familiar voices will return for the latest chapter, including Hanks, Allen, and Cusack, who will be joined by newcomers Ernie Hudson, who steps into the role of Combat Carl following the death of Carl Weathers, and Conan O'Brien, who lends his voice to a new character named Smarty Pants.
Also at Annecy, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter previewed not only Toy Story 5 but also teased what's next for the studio. In addition to showcasing footage from their upcoming 2025 release Elio, Docter offered a first look at Gatto, a new original feature slated for summer 2027. Directed by the team behind Luca, Gatto takes place in Italy and centers on a mysterious black cat named Nero. The announcement underscores Pixar's dual commitment to franchise storytelling and original content—a balancing act the studio has managed for years with critical and box office success.
With Toy Story 5, Pixar is returning to its roots while asking timely questions about growing up, moving on, and the ever-changing definition of play. If early glimpses are any indication, the film aims to capture the emotional resonance that made its predecessors beloved by audiences of all ages, while reimagining what a toy's purpose can be in a digital world.
Veteran Pixar director Andrew Stanton is at the helm and McKenna Harris joining as codirector.
Also at Annecy, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter previewed not only Toy Story 5 but also teased what's next for the studio. In addition to showcasing footage from their upcoming 2025 release Elio, Docter offered a first look at Gatto, a new original feature slated for summer 2027. Directed by the team behind Luca, Gatto takes place in Italy and centers on a mysterious black cat named Nero. The announcement underscores Pixar's dual commitment to franchise storytelling and original content — a balancing act the studio has managed for years with critical and box-office success.
With Toy Story 5, Pixar is returning to its roots while asking timely questions about growing up, moving on, and the ever-changing definition of play. If early glimpses are any indication, the film aims to capture the emotional resonance that made its predecessors beloved by audiences of all ages, while reimagining what a toy's purpose can be in a digital world.
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