It used to be said: “You have a friend in me.” But today, wherever you look, it is more likely to be said: “You have a friend in the screens.” That is at least the essence of Pixar’s upcoming Toy Story 5. During Disney’s D23 Expo panel, Pixar boss Pete Docter took the stage to give a major update on Buzz, Woody and Jessie’s next big-screen adventure – not only did he confirm studio legend Andrew Stanton as the film’s director, but he also revealed a first concept image. This image shows in broad strokes what the fifth outing will explore: the idea that kids today are increasingly more fascinated by technology than traditional toys.
On the D23 stage, Stanton confirmed that his Toy Story 5 will explore “what kids are obsessed with today: electronics.” And the accompanying art shows Woody and his friends looking particularly sad as they go unnoticed at the foot of a child’s bed (is that Bonnie?) and opt for a tablet screen instead. Of course, there’s a lot more to discover here – especially how Woody reunites with his toy friends after deciding to start a new chapter with Bo Peep at the end of Toy Story 4. It was also hinted at at D23 that the film will feature a marauding army of programmable Buzz Lightyear toys.
We hope Stanton can offer some nuanced ideas about the evolving relationship of younger generations with technology and what that means for toys and ideas around traditional play – without getting caught up in mere “screens are bad” ideas. As the filmmaker behind beloved classics such as Finding Nemo And Wall-Eyou might think he has an impressive story to tell. We will find out when Toy Story 5 will be released in summer 2026.
