In a moment that has left fans worldwide reaching for tissues and cheering in unison, Disney and Pixar have released the highly anticipated first trailer for Toy Story 5, set to hit theaters on June 19, 2026. The emotional teaser, narrated with the poignant tagline “Every toy gets lost someday… but not every toy gets a second chance,” promises a thrilling road-trip rescue mission that reunites the beloved gang and brings back Woody in a spectacular fashion. Starring the iconic voices of Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Annie Potts as Bo Peep, and Joan Cusack as Jessie, this fifth installment looks poised to deliver the perfect blend of nostalgia, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling that has defined the franchise for nearly three decades.
The trailer opens on a quiet, poignant scene years after the events of Toy Story 4. Bonnie, now a teenager preparing to leave for college, is packing up her childhood belongings. The toy box sits forgotten in the corner, gathering dust as Buzz Lightyear quietly watches the room grow still. The once-vibrant playtime adventures feel like distant memories, and the toys—Jessie, Rex, Hamm, Slinky Dog, and the rest—face the quiet reality of growing up. It’s a tender reminder of the series’ core theme: the bittersweet passage of time and the enduring bonds of friendship.
But hope arrives unexpectedly when a mislabeled box marked “ANDY’S ROOM” shows up at a local charity auction. Buzz, ever the optimistic space ranger, interprets it as a cosmic sign. Convinced that Woody—his best friend who chose a life of freedom with Bo Peep at the end of the previous film—might be inside, Buzz rallies the gang for one last grand adventure. “To infinity and beyond!” he declares, igniting the spark of excitement in his friends. Jessie, Rex, and the others jump on board, embarking on a daring road-trip rescue to find their lost leader.
What follows is a whirlwind of quick-cut action sequences that showcase Pixar’s unparalleled animation prowess. The toys strap themselves to a high-flying drone for a chaotic aerial ride over a glittering nighttime cityscape, lights blurring below as they soar toward danger. Jessie channels her cowgirl spirit, expertly lassoing a runaway wagon loaded with discarded toys to save the day. Buzz dodges massive forklift tines in a sprawling warehouse, his laser reflexes pushed to the limit in a heart-pounding chase. Meanwhile, Bo Peep emerges as a fearless leader, guiding a ragtag squad of “losties”—forgotten toys from donation bins—through a labyrinth of shelves and conveyor belts.
The stakes escalate when Forky, the lovable spork-turned-toy, finds himself dangling precariously from a fast-moving conveyor belt headed straight for an industrial shredder. The trailer’s tension builds masterfully, blending humor with genuine peril as the gang races against time.
The emotional climax arrives on a rainy loading dock, thunder rumbling in the background. A mysterious silhouette steps out from the shadows of a battered box. As lightning flashes, Woody’s unmistakable voice rings out: “You didn’t think I’d let you fly solo, did ya, partner?” Buzz’s visor reflects the iconic cowboy hat, and the two friends share a moment of pure reunion joy. The screen fades to black as Woody’s classic pull-string activates, starting the familiar line “You’ve got a friend…” only to be dramatically cut off by a thunderclap, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
This trailer masterfully captures the essence of the Toy Story series: high-stakes adventure wrapped in profound emotional depth. Directed by Andrew Stanton, a veteran of the franchise who co-wrote the original films and helmed classics like Finding Nemo and WALL-E, Toy Story 5 promises to honor the legacy while charting new territory. Stanton’s vision brings Woody back into the fold, exploring themes of second chances, loyalty, and the fear of being left behind—not just for toys, but for the children who love them.
Tom Hanks reprises his role as Woody with the warmth and wisdom that made the character an instant icon. After choosing independence in Toy Story 4, Woody’s return feels earned and poignant, hinting at personal growth during his time as a “lost toy” with Bo Peep. Annie Potts shines as Bo, evolving from supporting player to action hero, leading her band of misfit toys with confidence and grace. Tim Allen’s Buzz Lightyear remains the earnest, heroic heart of the group, his unwavering belief in signs from the universe driving the plot forward. Joan Cusack’s Jessie brings energy and heart, her lasso skills highlighting the film’s action-packed sequences.
The supporting cast rounds out the family feel, with returning voices like Wallace Shawn as Rex, John Ratzenberger in his traditional Pixar cameo role, and Tony Hale as the ever-enthusiastic Forky. New additions are teased subtly, promising fresh dynamics among the “losties” Bo has assembled.
Visually, the trailer is stunning. Pixar’s animation has evolved tremendously since the groundbreaking original in 1995, yet it retains the charm of those early designs. The glowing city drone flight is breathtaking, with dynamic camera work that immerses viewers in the toys’ perilous perspective. The warehouse chase evokes the intensity of past escapes, like the airport sequence in Toy Story 2, but amplified with modern effects. Rain-slicked surfaces and dramatic lighting in the final reunion scene amplify the emotion, making Woody’s reveal one of the most goosebump-inducing moments in franchise history.
Fan reaction to the trailer has been overwhelming. Social media exploded upon release, with millions of views in the first hours. Longtime devotees praised the respectful nod to Andy’s room, evoking tears for those who grew up with the series. Parents shared stories of watching with their kids, noting how the theme of growing up resonates across generations. The thunderclap cutoff of “You’ve got a friend in me” became an instant meme, symbolizing the unfinished business between Woody and Buzz.
Toy Story 5 arrives at a perfect time for Pixar. Following the massive success of recent hits and the emotional closure of Toy Story 4, this chapter feels like a loving epilogue rather than a forced continuation. It addresses fan demands for Woody’s return while introducing high-stakes adventure that appeals to new audiences. The road-trip structure allows for expansive world-building, exploring charity shops, warehouses, and urban landscapes from a toy’s-eye view.
Thematically, the film delves deeper into loss and rediscovery. Every toy faces the fear of obsolescence as children outgrow them, but the trailer suggests hope lies in friendship and second chances. Buzz’s conviction that the auction box is a sign mirrors the series’ optimistic spirit, reminding us that true bonds endure.
Production on Toy Story 5 has been shrouded in secrecy, but the trailer reveals a score that blends Randy Newman’s classic motifs with fresh, adventurous orchestration. The voice performances feel timeless—Hanks’ folksy drawl, Allen’s enthusiastic delivery, Potts’ empowered tone—all elevating the material.
As the June 2026 release approaches, anticipation builds for what could be the franchise’s most emotional entry yet. Will Woody rejoin the gang permanently? How will Bo’s independent life intersect with Bonnie’s toys? The trailer teases answers while leaving plenty to the imagination.
Nearly 30 years after revolutionizing animation, Toy Story remains a cultural touchstone. This first trailer proves the magic is still alive: laughter, tears, thrills, and the unbreakable power of friendship. When Woody steps out on that rainy dock, it’s not just a reunion—it’s a homecoming for millions. To infinity, and beyond, indeed.
