By Sama Marwan,
“Toy Story 5” is officially scheduled to hit theaters on June 19, 2026, bringing back beloved characters Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie for a new adventure that delves into a “Toy meets Tech” theme. Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, Pete Docter, teased new plot details and revealed a first look at the film during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2025.
Key Plot Details and Returning Characters:
The film picks up where “Toy Story 4” left off, with Bonnie Anderson now eight years old. However, her attention has shifted from traditional toys to a new tech tablet named Lily Pad. This tablet is described as having “very different opinions” about what Bonnie needs and becomes a central antagonist, wanting Bonnie to move on from toys and focus on being more socially connected through technology.
The core cast of toys will be seen battling this growing influence of technology. Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) are confirmed to return, and after their separate paths in “Toy Story 4,” they will “realign.” Intriguingly, Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack) is set to take a more central role in this installment, having taken charge of Bonnie’s room after Woody’s departure.Woody is called back to help when Jessie realizes they need his unique leadership and knowledge to deal with the challenges posed by Lily Pad. Other familiar faces like Hamm, Rex, Slinky, and Mr. Potato Head are also expected to return.
New Voice for Combat Carl:
A significant new casting detail confirms that Eric Hudson (known for “Ghostbusters”) will take over the voice role of Combat Carl, a G.I. Joe-inspired action figure. Hudson replaces the late Carl Weathers, who previously voiced the character in “Toy Story of Terror!” and “Toy Story 4.” This marks a respectful transition for the character following Weathers’ passing.7 Combat Carl, and reportedly Combat Carl Jr., will be part of this new technological challenge the toys face.
New Characters and Directors:
Beyond Lily Pad, new characters are also being introduced. Comedian Conan O’Brien will join the cast as a new character named Smarty Pants, and Anna Faris has been cast in an undisclosed role.8
“Toy Story 5” is being directed by Andrew Stanton, who co-wrote the first four “Toy Story” films and previously directed Pixar classics like “Finding Nemo” and “WALL-E.” McKenna Harris is also credited as a director.
The film’s opening scene, which was previewed at the Annecy festival, reportedly features a shipment of Buzz Lightyear toys crash-landing on a deserted island, where they band together to build a raft to return to Star Command. This suggests a blend of familiar adventurous elements with the new “Toy meets Tech” thematic focus.
Pixar aims to deliver a “surprising” story with “cool things you’ve never seen before,” promising a fresh yet familiar adventure for fans of the beloved franchise.
