D23 was packed with Disneytastic news, and I was particularly excited about the updates on one project.
Well, we have known about Toy Story 5 for some time now, and I admit that I am a little scared of the fifth sequel. After all, both Toy Story 3 And Toy Story 4 had a perfect send-off for the gang, and the fourth film even split up the dynamic duo of Buzz and Woody. How could a fifth installment even make sense, especially after Lightyear was a bit of a flop?
Well, it was announced at D23 that the film will be directed by Andrew Stanton, one of Pixar’s best creative minds. He has lent his writing talents to WALL-E, Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc., as well as all the previous Toy Story films. He is also Pixar’s Vice President of Creative, which means he oversees the studio’s production. In short, the fifth sequel is in the safest hands.
Additionally, the first plot details were revealed at the convention, and the film will pit the toys we know and love against their toughest opponent yet: technology. In the first look at the film, which you can see above, concept art shows young Bonnie under the covers, entranced by a tablet, while the toys look on in confusion and dismay. Exploring childhood’s shift from traditional toys to the digital world is something new for the franchise, and certainly timely.
Interestingly, Woody is also back after saying goodbye to the gang in the last film. How he comes back is something I’m very interested to see, especially as it might undermine the tear-jerking ending of Toy Story 4. But I trust the filmmakers will create another outstanding entry in one of the best animated sagas, and I couldn’t imagine another Toy Story film without Woody anyway.
Toy Story 5 is out on June 19, 2026. While you wait, check out our guide to all upcoming Disney movies to find out everything else the House of Mouse has on the way. We also have a guide to the best Pixar movies.
