The biggest animated franchises when it comes to box office numbers and fan following has to be Toy Story. The infamous franchise began all the way back in 1995 and the imminent success of the first film spawned a sequel which was received with the same love and more financial success. This was the first time that fans thought the franchise would end considering the ending of the second film. Everyone assumed the makers had planned a duology and we won’t see anymore from Woody and Buzz. However, after a gap of eleven years Toy Story returned with the third installment in its saga and once again was super successful. It even crossed the $1 billion mark globally. This was the second time fans felt that the franchise had ended for good. It seemed natural to end with a trilogy.
However, nine years later we got the fourth instalment, which once again did great at the box office, becoming the second film in the franchise to cross $1 billion. The fourth film ended on a bittersweet note where Woody rode off into the sunset with Bo Peep and her sheep. This was a near perfect end and fans thought the franchise has truly signed off. Following Toy Story 4, a new Disney+ series debuted starring the franchise’s new icon Forky along with the big screen spin-off of Buzz Lightyear. The world of Toy Story continued in various forms but fans were left wondering if the story of the main characters is over? Well, Disney cleared that earlier year when they announced Toy Story 5 and here’s everything we know about it.
When Will Toy Story 5 Release?
In the new revamp that Disney had in February for its animated department, many new movies and release dates were announced. Pixar has several dates reserved for untitled films set for the next few years, with Inside Out 2 and Elio set for June 2024 and 2025, respectively. Toy Story 5 remains to be the only titled film that doesn’t have a release date. So, it is more than likely that the film will debut on either March 6th, 2026 or June 19th, 2026 as these dates are reserved but not assigned to any film.
Considering the film is in early development stages, it also gives creators enough time to cook up something extraordinary. The last two entries of the franchise have released during the summer and grossed a billion dollars. It is only logical that Disney opts for the same. Considering that June 19th, 2026 looks like the best option.
Will Tom Hanks and Tim Allen Return?
A new Toy Story means Woody and Buzz. Woody is voiced by Hollywood legend Tom Hanks and Buzz by Tim Allen. Fans shouldn’t worry whether the legends are reprising their roles or not. Hanks is expected to return in the definitive voice-acting role of his career. While speaking with Variety, Pete Docter, Pixar’s creative chief officer, said, “We have another Toy Story, so Woody and Buzz are back.” There is no Woody without Hanks, so expect the claimed actor’s return.
The last time we saw Buzz he was not voiced by Tim Allen, rather Chris Evans took over in last year’s Lightyear. The film was a disappointment overall so, I don’t think Disney is planning to bring back Evans. Anyways, Allen has already confirmed he’ll be back as Buzz for the fifth Toy Story installment: “See ya soon Woody, you are a sad strange little man and you have my pity. And off we go to a number 5! To infinity and beyond!” So no need to worry both the legends are returning. Other then Hanks and Allen, most of the original and featured cast is expected to return to reprise their roles.
What Will Be The Plot Of Toy Story 5?
Speaking about the plot of Toy Story 5, it is pretty much under wraps but I think we can piece some things together based on how the last film ended. At the end of Toy Story 4, Woody chooses to leave Bonnie and the other toys and stay with the newly re-introduced Bo Peep and the other “Lost Toys.” This definitive ending for Woody puts the fifth movie in an interesting place.Toy Story 5 will be the first film in the franchise that begins with Woody not owned by a kid unless something has happened since the events of 4 ended.
Bonnie will have aged a bit but she’ll still have Buzz, Forky, Jessie, Rex, and the gang. Pixar CEO Pete Docter has already hinted at a “surprising” direction for the next film. He said, “I think it’ll be surprising. It’s got some really cool stuff that you haven’t seen before.” Tim Allen in an interview with The Movie Dweeb revealed a Toy Story 5 plot pitch he had, “I don’t know if this is where the story is going, but what if the whole story was [about] Andy as an adult, he has children, and they just happen to be online and the kids goes ‘have you ever seen this toy?’ Andy sees that Buzz has got a hand missing, and they’re selling these vintage toys. And Andy goes and gathers all the toys up.”
Allen went on top to explain, “He has to go out, find each one of them, and put them back together, [and] bring them back to his house. It starts the whole thing over again with his son. And I said ‘What a wonderful idea.’ He brings it, it’s all through Andy’s eyes. We made his life, and now he’s returning that favor.”
Toy Story 5 doesn’t have a release date at the time of writing.
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