Pixar’s Toy Story 5 took center stage at Disney’s Destination D23 event, offering fans a first glimpse at the highly anticipated sequel. Attendees were treated to the film’s opening scene, featuring what has been dubbed the “Multi Buzz”—dozens of Buzz Lightyear action figures stranded on a deserted island after a shipping container washes ashore.
The studio also revealed two new characters joining the lineup: Smarty Pants, a potty training toy voiced by Conan O’Brien, and Lilly Pad, whose details remain under wraps for now. Pixar further confirmed that Buzz Lightyear will be featured in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the Toy Story 30th anniversary celebration, adding to the growing anticipation for the film.
Directed and written by Andrew Stanton, Toy Story 5 will be produced by Jessica Choi. Returning cast members include Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, Joan Cusack as Jessie, and Tony Hale as Forky. Newcomers Anna Faris, Ernie Hudson, and O’Brien will round out the ensemble. The film marks the first main installment in the series without involvement from co-creator John Lasseter, who departed Pixar in 2018.
The journey to a fifth film has been long discussed. Allen voiced his interest as early as 2019, while Hanks once suggested that Toy Story 4 might close out the saga. Speculation finally ended when Disney officially confirmed development in February 2023. Stanton was announced as director in mid-2024, and he later took on writing duties as well.
Toy Story 5, the follow-up to the highly-regarded Toy Story 4, is set to be released on June 19, 2026. Fans have high expectations for the movie, especially after Toy Story 4 was widely seen as a perfect goodbye for the characters. With a history of almost three decades, the franchise is still one of Pixar’s most beloved and successful series.
