The Walt Disney Company has officially confirmed that the film will replace one of their most controversial films to date. Toy history The franchise receives a major update at the biennial D23 Expo in Anaheim, Southern California.
On stage at the Honda Center in Golden State, Disney executives told their excited fans and the press what is in the pipeline for the House of Mouse.
Fresh off its bumpy centenary, Disney is fully focused on continuing the upward trend of success that was set by Pixar’s Inside Out 2 (2024) – the just Frozen 2 (2019) became the most successful animated film of all time – and a box office hit for Marvel Studios with an R rating. Deadpool and Wolverine (2024).
This trend is backed by a compelling selection of intellectual property (IP), which, as Disney announced on its third-quarter earnings call earlier this week, includes its four key franchises: Toy history, Avatar, star Warsand the avenger.
As for the latter, the most important announcements from Kevin Feige’s studio came during their presentation in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con a few weeks ago. There, the president confirmed that the Russo Brothers (Anthony and Joe Russo) would return to direct the newly named Avengers: Endgame (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).
As for the other three flagship brands, new information was revealed on the D23 stage. James Cameron’s Avatar3 is called Avatar: Fire and Ashes (2025), while the first look at Lucasfilms The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) was designed for the star Wars Franchise. Jon Favreau’s film marks the return of the galaxy far, far away to the big screen in six years.
And then there are the toys. Andy’s group of beloved companions started a whole legacy in 1995 with Toy historywith Woody and Buzz (played by Tom Hanks and Tim Allen) becoming household names over the course of two and a half decades.
This film was the first feature-length film created entirely using computer-generated imagery (CGI) and revolutionized the animation industry. The franchise includes four main films, several short films, and various spin-offs, making it one of the most popular and successful animation franchises in history.
And that is why the studios are returning to the world of Toy history with a new entry, Toy Story 5 (2026).
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced Toy Story 5 over a year ago, shortly after he returned to office and replaced Bob Chapek. At that time, Iger also confirmed that Zootopia 2 And Frozen III were also in progress.
John Lasseters Toy history was a huge success and grossed 373 million dollars worldwide. It was followed by Toy Story 2 (1999), also directed by Lasseter, co-directed by Lee Unkrich and Ash Brannon. Toy Story 2 was even more successful at the box office, grossing $497 million worldwide, despite behind-the-scenes chaos that included production drama and the (almost) cancellation of the entire film.
The The early success of the franchise, followed by Lee Unkich’s billion-dollar and Oscar-winning work with Toy Story 3 (2010) and 2019 Toy Story 4, which built on the success of its predecessor, makes it No wonder Disney and Pixar are releasing a fifth installment.
Before the D23 Expo, little was known about the film, but now new information has been confirmed, including where this new chapter will take Woody, Buzz and friends.
“Although there were rumors that Pixar think tank and creative stalwart Andrew Stanton would direct the fifth installment in the long-running animated film series, his involvement was confirmed today at D23,” writes Indie Wire.
Stanton has never directed Toy history feature film, but has been involved in the script for every contribution so far. On stage, the director of Finding Nemo (2003) and Finding Dory (2016) alluded to the new enemy the toys face.
“Stanton said in his speech at D23 that toys, which have always been there for children, will face a major challenge this time when compared directly with electronics,” reports diversity.
In a technology-laden world where children are exposed to technology at an ever-earlier age, it is not unusual that this is the next part of the story for the Toy history Franchise. From a child’s bond with family, to the handover to a new child, to the world of technology, Stanton’s film seems to add a new chapter to the franchise.
Toy historyis not immune to backlash despite its popularity. As in 2022 with the arrival of light yearAudiences were divided about Angus MacLane’s animated film.
light year (2022) is a spin-off of the Toy history Franchise, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film is considered a film within the Toy history Universe that inspired the toy character Buzz Lightyear.
It serves as an origin story for the fictional Space Ranger and focuses on Buzz’s adventures and his quest to return home after being stranded on a hostile planet. Chris Evans voices the title character, replacing Tim Allen, who voiced the Buzz Lightyear toy in the Toy history Movies.
Despite his connection with the beloved Toy history Franchise, light year received a mixed reception at the box office. The film grossed around $226 million worldwide, which was considered disappointing compared to the high expectations for a Pixar film, especially one associated with such a successful franchise.
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Several factors, including competition from other summer blockbusters, mixed reviews, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on moviegoers, contributed to the film’s lower-than-expected box office performance.
The film also sparked controversy, mainly due to two factors.
Initially, the decision to recast Buzz Lightyear with Chris Evans instead of Tim Allen caused debate among fans. Some were disappointed that the original voice actor was not included, while others appreciated the fresh interpretation Evans gave to the character.
The second and larger controversy arose from a brief same-sex kiss in the film, which led to the film being banned in several countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, due to their strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws. This scene also sparked debates in other regions about the inclusion of LGBTQ+ content in children’s films.
These controversies, together with the film’s relatively modest box office results, made light year one of the more polarizing entries in Pixar’s catalog and contributed to the concept of “wokeness” in Disney’s projects. Despite its difficulties, the film was praised for its animation quality, dubbing and ambitious attempt to Toy history Universe into new genres and narrative areas.
The Toy history The franchise has left an indelible mark on both animation and pop culture. It pioneered CGI animation, set a new standard for the industry, and established Pixar as a leading animation studio.
The films are celebrated for their deep emotional resonance, tackling complex themes such as friendship, identity, aging and loss in a way that appeals to both children and adults. Iconic characters such as Woody and Buzz Lightyear have become cultural icons, and memorable phrases such as “To infinity and beyond!” have entered the common vocabulary.
The franchise’s success cemented its place in film history, earned it critical acclaim and numerous awards, and left a legacy that continues to influence the direction of animated film to this day.
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Pixar Animation Studios also announced the original film at the D23 Expo funnel (2026), the original Disney+ series Dream productionsinspired by the Everything is upside down Franchise and confirmation that The Incredibles 3 is in development.
Do you mean Toy Story 5 can erase the controversy left by light year? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!
