Summary

  • New Toy Story 5 details have been unveiled at D23, with a focus on electronics as the next major challenge for the Pixar characters.
  • Andrew Stanton is returning as writer and director for the next installment, bringing an army of 50 Buzz Lightyears stuck in toy mode.
  • Though yet to be confirmed, a first-look image shared after the also seemingly announced the return of Tom Hanks' Woody, alongside other returning characters.

Just a few months after it was confirmed to be in the works, new details have been unveiled for end of Toy Story 4, Woody chose to be with Bo Peep, leaving Buzz, Jessie and others in Bonnie’s care once again. Following its success, and Disney Pixar’s focus on creating sequels, another film seemed inevitable, but little has been known about Toy Story 5 since the announcement.

During the D23 Entertainment Showcase, for which Screen Rant was in attendance, the first story details were revealed for Toy Story 5. In addition to confirming that Andrew Stanton is returning to the franchise as both writer and director for the next installment, it was revealed that the next major challenge for the fan-favorite Pixar family will be that of electronics, with Stanton even pointing out the audience's use of phones during the presentation. It was also revealed that there will be an army of 50 Buzz Lightyears in the movie, all of which are stuck in toy mode. Check out a brief teaser also revealed during the below:

Electronics Could Become Toy Story’s Biggest Hurdle Yet

Throughout the franchise, Woody and Buzz Lightyear have faced various obstacles, including Andy’s departure for college and nearly being destroyed. However, because the movies tend to explore the relationship between children and their toys, electronics could present a greater challenge for Woody and Buzz to overcome. Along with the aforementioned plot details, Pixar also revealed an image for Toy Story 5 that shows the animated characters standing beside Bonnie, who appears infatuated by a glowing screen.

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Pixar's Toy Story franchise has always been about Buzz and Woody, but Toy Story 5 could give other beloved characters time in the spotlight.

Though not much else is known about the sequel, it’s worth wondering how Buzz and company may renew Bonnie’s interest in them. Technology hasn’t rendered dolls and action figures, or other traditional toys obsolete, but it has rivaled them, as more children gain access to digital media and tablets. By incorporating electronics into the film, Woody and Buzz could face abandonment once again, but the narrative in Toy Story 5 will likely give them more purpose and highlight the significance of retaining one’s childhood.

As for the army of Buzz Lightyears, it will be interesting to see how that factors into the story and whether the main group of toys come across them. It could also prove a fun throwback to Toy Story 2's Al's Toy Barn, in which Tim Allen's primary Buzz was tied up by others. With more information being revealed about Toy Story 5, anticipation should continue to grow, and fans can look forward to seeing Woody and Buzz reunite, and tackle technology, when the movie eventually premieres.

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Toy Story 5
Release Date
June 17, 2026
Director
Andrew Stanton
Writers
Andrew Stanton
Producers
Pete Docter
  • Headshot Of Tim Allen
    Tim Allen
    Buzz Lightyear (voice)
  • Headshot Of Tom Hanks In The Los Angeles World Premiere Of Apple TV+ Series 'Masters Of The Air'
    Woody (Voice)
  • Headshot Of Joan Cusack
    Joan Cusack
    Jessie (voice)
  • Headshot Of Ernie Hudson
    Combat Carl (voice)

Toy Story 5 follows Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the rest of the gang as they confront a new challenge to playtime posed by advanced technology. Released in 2026, this installment continues the beloved Toy Story series with its familiar cast facing modern dilemmas.

Main Genre
Animation