Tim Allen has officially confirmed new plot details for Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated animated sequel, “Toy Story 5,” which is scheduled to hit theaters on June 19, 2026. In a recent interview with WIVB, the longtime voice of Buzz Lightyear gave fans an early glimpse into the story, revealing a dramatic and “unbelievable” opening centered around the iconic space ranger. But the heart of the film, he said, belongs to another beloved character: Jessie.
“I can tell you that it’s a lot about Jessie,” Allen said. “Tom [Hanks] and I do — Woody and I — do realign. And there’s an unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyear. I can give you that, but I can’t give you much more.”
The cowgirl Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, made her first appearance in 1999’s “Toy Story 2” and has remained a fan favorite for her spirited personality and emotional depth. “Toy Story 5” will mark the first time the franchise has centered her as the primary character in a film, suggesting a new narrative direction for the beloved Pixar series.
Allen Returns to Buzz Voice After Five-Year Hiatus
Allen previously spoke with Collider in December 2024 about his return to the recording booth for the role of Buzz Lightyear. He admitted that revisiting the character after several years was both nostalgic and creatively challenging.
“I just finished my first five-hour [recording] session for Buzz,” Allen said at the time. “It was really weird to find that voice again. It’s been five years since ‘Toy Story 4.’”
Despite the gap between films, Allen expressed excitement about the direction of the upcoming sequel and praised the script’s originality.
“It’s a very, very clever story,” he said. “Do you want to do five of these? I don’t really believe it’s about the money. I’m sure they want it to be a success, but that’s not why they did it. Had they not come up with a brilliant script, they wouldn’t have done it, and they wouldn’t have called me and Tom [Hanks]. It’s really clever.”
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New Director, Familiar Writer
“Toy Story 5” will be directed by Andrew Stanton, a Pixar veteran with an impressive resume. Stanton, who has writing credits on all previous “Toy Story” films, also directed the Academy Award-winning features “Finding Nemo” and “WALL-E.” His deep involvement in the Pixar storytelling tradition has raised expectations for another emotionally resonant and visually stunning entry in the series.
This time around, the toys will reportedly face a new kind of adversary: modern electronics. As children’s attention increasingly shifts toward digital devices, the story will explore the evolving relationship between kids and their toys — a theme that feels especially relevant in today’s technology-driven world.
Franchise Legacy and Fan Concerns
With the announcement of “Toy Story 5,” some fans have expressed concern that the franchise might be stretched too far. “Toy Story 4,” released in 2019, was originally considered a fitting and emotional conclusion to the series. Its ending saw Woody choosing a new path apart from Buzz and the rest of the gang, leading many to believe that the toys’ story had finally come to an end.
But Pixar has a history of defying expectations. Despite similar skepticism prior to its release, “Toy Story 4” went on to become a major critical and commercial success. It grossed over $1 billion at the global box office and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also broke records, launching with $244.5 million worldwide — the biggest opening for an animated film at that time.
“Toy Story 3,” released in 2010, achieved similar success. It was the first animated film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide and also won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, solidifying the franchise’s legacy.
Given this track record, Disney and Pixar are likely hoping that “Toy Story 5” will continue the tradition of heartfelt storytelling that appeals to audiences of all ages — not just capitalize on nostalgia.
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What’s Next?
With just over a year until its release, details about “Toy Story 5” remain tightly under wraps. However, the early involvement of original cast members, a shift in focus toward Jessie, and the return of a veteran Pixar director all signal promising developments for what could be another standout chapter in one of the most beloved animated franchises of all time.
“Toy Story 5” is slated for theatrical release on June 19, 2026, from Disney and Pixar.
