Summary
Five years after its wildly successful release,Toy Story 4’s emotional ending still sticks in my mind, but recent news aboutToy Story 5makes me think the previous movie’s conclusion is about to be rendered inert.The fourth movie in theToy Storyseries took over $1 billionat the box office, making it one of thehighest-grossing Pixar movies of all time. The movie’s financial triumph is one thing, but I think its emotional ending to the saga was actually pretty fitting. Unfortunately, the upcoming sequel seems like it wants to take the series back on itself.
TheToy Story 5reveals at D23included Andrew Stanton being confirmed as the writer and director. Stanton didn’t direct the 2019Toy Storyeffort, but he did help pen the screenplay. The long-standing Pixar figure has been heavily involved with projects by the studio, including directing 2008’sWALL-Eand 2016’sFinding Dory. So, whileI have faith thatToy Story 5will be an enjoyable ride, I can’t shake the feeling that part of its premise is something of a Woody retcon.
Toy Story 5: Release Date, Cast, Story & Everything We Know
Despite Toy Story 4’s perfect ending between Buzz and Woody, Disney has announced Toy Story 5, and here’s everything we know so far.
Toy Story 5’s First Look Hints Woody Reunites With The Other Toys
Woody’s last Toy Story outing ended with the cowboy as a lost toy
Toy Story 4ends with Woody parting ways with many of his oldest friends, opting for a life of freedom without an owner. I remember the heartfelt farewell between Woody and Buzz Lightyear feeling like the last time the legendary duo would ever interact. Weirdly, the first released image fromToy Story 5has Woody back with the others. To me, this undercutsToy Story4’s final scene - and what I truly believe was intended to be the final installment of theToy Storyfranchise at the time.
Toy Story 5does seem to be treading on the toes of its predecessor by bringing Woody back into the fold.
I’ve always seenToy Story 4as an epilogue for Woody as he tries to come to terms with losing Andy - despite having a new owner in Bonnie. I was nervous when the movie was announced because of how perfectToy Story 3’s endingwas. Thankfully, I found myself won over by the project upon release. I don’t thinkToy Story 4’s ending undoes the previous installment’s conclusion but rather extends it. However,Toy Story 5does seem to be treading on the toes of its predecessorby bringing Woody back into the fold.
Toy Story 5’s Reunion Tease May Be Misleading
Woody’s comeback may come with a twist
TheToy Story 5teaser image may not be exactly what it seems to be. At first glance, it looks as though Woody has been fully reunited with his old friends for the upcoming sequel. In all likelihood, I think this is Stanton’s plan. On the other hand, there are alternatives. The released image may not be a screenshot at all, or even truly representative of what will happen inToy Story 5. It could be strictly for promotional purposes, to aid in the announcement of the premise thatBonnie will be distracted from her toys by a tablet.
Daunted by the fact of not being played with because of Bonnie’s new device, the toys may have sought out Woody for help.
Alternatively,Woody’s reunion may not be permanent. Daunted by the fact of not being played with because of Bonnie’s new device, the toys may have sought out Woody for help, hoping their friend and former leader can help them enact a plan that will result in them being favored again over the tablet. If so, this opens the door for Woody to depart again at the end of the movie or even decide to stay again on a full-time basis. With little context surrounding the image, there’s no way of knowing until more information is made public.
Should Toy Story 5 Undo Toy Story 4’s Ending?
There are positives and negatives to Woody’s potential return
I’m very torn aboutToy Story 4’s ending being undermined by the story continuing. It felt like a perfect way to leave the story. Unfortunately, I don’t think making another movie would work if the characters are in the same situation as they were when we last saw them.Buzz and Woody’s friendship has always been at the heart of the saga, and the thought of them having separate adventures for an entire movie just doesn’t sit well with me.
Toy Story 5 Must Give These 2 Characters Bigger Roles To Avoid A Pixar Sequel Problem
The upcoming Toy Story movie needs to take steps to prevent Pixar from falling into a trap, and it all comes down to two sparingly-used characters.
As a result, I think the only real solution is to bring them back together. So, although I’m uneasy about Andrew Stanton essentially unwriting his own ending from the previous movie, it’s something of a necessity if another movie is to be produced. IfToy Story 4’s ending is respected too heavily,Toy Story 5would stick out like a sore thumb among the other entries in the franchise, and I want it to work.
Toy Story 5
Cast
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. Set to release in 2026, this installment continues the beloved Toy Story series with its familiar cast facing modern dilemmas.
