Pixar Animation Studios is putting the finishing touches on Toy Story 5, the highly anticipated fifth installment in the beloved franchise, with the film now in the final stages of editing. Recent test screenings have taken place, and early reactions from attendees have been overwhelmingly positive, with one viewer describing it as “once again, another heartfelt film in this franchise.” These screenings, which occurred in late 2025, suggest that the movie is shaping up to deliver the emotional depth and nostalgic charm that fans expect from the series, even as it introduces bold new themes and challenges for the iconic toys.
Scheduled for theatrical release on June 19, 2026, Toy Story 5 is directed and written by Andrew Stanton, who previously helmed Finding Nemo and WALL-E, with McKenna Harris serving as co-director and Lindsey Collins producing. The film reunites the core voice cast, including Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack as Jessie, and others like Wallace Shawn (Rex), John Ratzenberger (Hamm), and Tony Hale (Forky). New additions to the ensemble include Greta Lee as Lilypad (a frog-shaped smart tablet), Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants (a tech toy), Anna Faris in an undisclosed role, and Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl.
The plot centers on the toys facing an existential crisis in a world where children increasingly prefer electronics over traditional playthings. Since Woody left Bonnie at the end of Toy Story 4 to help lost toys find new owners, Jessie has taken charge of Bonnie’s room, with Buzz serving as her second-in-command. The gang’s purpose is challenged when Bonnie, now around eight years old, becomes enamored with her new favorite gadget: Lilypad, a high-tech tablet that offers interactive games, stories, and endless entertainment. This “Toy meets Tech” dynamic forces the toys to confront obsolescence, as kids turn to screens instead of physical toys.
Adding to the chaos is an army of fifty commemorative Buzz Lightyear action figures, all stuck in “toy mode” (demo mode) and searching for Star Command. These high-tech duplicates create considerable problems, leading to comedic and action-packed sequences where the original Buzz must deal with his own mass-produced clones. Tim Allen has teased an “unbelievable opening scene” with Buzz, hinting at a reboot-like element that shakes up the status quo. The story explores how the toys adapt to this new reality, with Woody potentially being called back to help, leading to reunions and conflicts with his old friends.
The film emphasizes Jessie’s leadership, with Allen noting that the story focuses significantly on her, while Woody and Buzz “realign” after their separation. The emotional core remains the enduring bonds between the toys, blended with timely commentary on technology’s impact on childhood and play. Concept art and official descriptions highlight the toys’ struggle against digital distractions, with Lilypad serving as the primary “threat” to their relevance—though not necessarily a villain in the traditional sense.
Among the returning elements, Lotso (the pink bear from Toy Story 3) makes a comeback in a supporting capacity, adding tension from the past. More intriguingly, Sid Phillips—the destructive neighbor from the original Toy Story—is set to return in a significant role. Now an adult, Sid could play a pivotal part in the story, potentially as the only human who truly understands the toys’ sentience due to his traumatic childhood experiences. His involvement might provide unexpected help to Woody or the gang, exploring themes of redemption and growth. While not officially detailed in every source, fan theories and leaks suggest Sid’s arc could involve confronting his past actions in a mature, reflective way.
New characters enrich the narrative, including Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee), who represents the allure of modern tech, and others like Smarty Pants (Conan O’Brien) and additional tech-inspired toys. The ensemble also features Forky, who continues to offer his quirky wisdom, and the classic crew like Rex, Hamm, and Slinky Dog, whose sassy attitudes remain intact.
Early test screenings have generated buzz, with reports indicating that the film delivers the heartfelt moments fans love, balancing humor, adventure, and emotional punches. Attendees have praised the blend of nostalgia and fresh ideas, suggesting Pixar has avoided the pitfalls of unnecessary sequels by crafting a story that feels relevant and meaningful. The positive feedback from these screenings bodes well for the film’s reception, especially after some skepticism about revisiting the series post the emotional farewells in Toy Story 3 and 4.
As Pixar enters the final editing phase, the focus is on polishing the animation, timing the comedy beats, and ensuring the emotional arcs resonate. With a summer 2026 release, Toy Story 5 aims to recapture the magic of the franchise while addressing contemporary issues like screen time and the evolution of play. Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the gang are ready for one more adventure—proving that even in a digital age, the heart of friendship and imagination endures.
