I am way more excited aboutToy Story 5after Pixar’s intriguing update, even though bringing back a franchise this popular is always risky. The last we heard from Woody and Buzz, they were parting ways at the end ofToy Story 4, with Woody leaving Buzz behind with Bonnie and the other toys to go and live a life as a lost toy along with Bo Peep. While Pixar boss Pete Docter confirmedWoody and Buzz will return forToy Story 5, how that will happen remains to be revealed.
However, asToy Story 5’s2026 release dateedges closer and closer, more details are being released about the upcoming sequel, and it’s looking surprisingly promising. In fact,Tim Allen gave aToy Story 5script teasein December 2024, debunking speculation that the fifth movie was a “cash grab” by stating that “I don’t really believe it’s about the money” as “It’s a really good story.” Now, a recent exciting update viaThe Hollywood Reporterfurther supports Tim Allen’s statements, asPixar co-chief creative officer Pete Docter claims thatToy Story 5will be a very different movie.
Toy Story 5 Will Have People Wondering “Is This A Toy Story Movie?”
Pixar’s Pete Docter Issues Update On Toy Story 5
In a recent interview withThe Hollywood Reporterto talk about the Toy Story franchise, the upcoming sequel, and the use of AI in animation,Pixar co-chief creative officer Pete Docter said thatToy Story 5has moments that will make you think, “Wait, is this a Toy Story movie?”Furthermore, Docter praises writer and director Andrew Stanton for his work onToy Story 5, claiming that “Andrew’s done a really great job of letting moments breathe in unexpected ways,” especially given the current trend of fast-paced movies.
I So I will say Toy Story 5, I think [writer and director] Andrew’s done a really great job of letting moments breathe in unexpected ways. Things that [make you think], Wait, is this a Toy Story movie?, with some of his choices, which I think we need at this point. We’ve had four of ’em already. We got to keep people surprised, so it’s going to be fun.
ConsideringToy Story 5is written and directed by Andrew Stanton, who previously won Academy Awards for best animated picture withWall-EandFinding Nemo, the movie looks to be heading in a promising new direction. Stanton is cited as a co-creator and predominant writer for theToy Storyfranchise, however,Toy Story 5marks the first time Andrew Stanton has directed aToy Storymovie. Yet that’s not the only reasonwhyToy Story 5will feel different from the rest of the Pixar franchise, as Docter emphasized the importance of “letting moments breathe” in the new movie.
What Toy Story 5 “Letting Moments Breathe” Means For The Pixar Sequel
A Slower Narrative Is Reminiscent Of Early 2000s Movies
According to Pete Docter,there has been a recent trend for movies being fast-paced, which is why it is important forToy Story 5to be different. In his interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, Docter says, “I think films have definitely sped up (…) we’re just trying to keep in touch with the rhythms of the world and it’s definitely faster.” This focus on a fast-paced storytelling trend may have arisen from short-form social media platforms like TikTok and the rise of streaming platforms, and it’s interesting how the filmmakers behindToy Story 5are aware of that.
This slower approach could mean that audiences are in for a more emotionally charged or visually spectacular version ofToy Storythat hasn’t really been seen before
Pete Docter seems to recognize the problem with streaming services and other quick-form content, which is whyToy Story 5“letting moments breathe” is so important. Instead of rushing through a very driven narrative,Toy Story 5will most likely have quiet moments without dialogue, to emphasize points or simply, so the audience can slow down and focus on the scenery. This slower approach could mean that audiences are in for a more emotionally charged take on theToy Storyfranchisethat hasn’t really been seen before.
Toy Story 5 Has To Bring Something Different To The Table After Four Movies
D23’s Tease Of Technology Overtaking Toys Is Important
While theToy Storyfranchise seems to follow a specific formula, it’s crucial thatToy Story 5brings something different to the table, as there have been four other movies with a similar narrative. While some have suggested drastic options, such as replacing Woody and Buzz with new toys,a different approach may be allToy Story 5needs. With Andrew Stanton directing his first everToy Storyafter years of having a writing-only role, this could be enough of a change to make the new installmentdifferent from the first four films.
10 Best Toy Story 5 Theories: What Will Happen In The 2026 Sequel?
With Toy Story 5 arriving in 2026, there are plenty of theories on what will be next for Woody and Buzz, Andy’s possible return, and more.
We learned during D23 2024 thatToy Story 5will follow a technology plot that will bring the franchise full circle, with Bonnie seemingly more interested in digital gadgets than toys. While this already setsToy Story 5apart from the previous movies, Docter and Allen’s statements seem to suggest this plot will be particularly prevalent and explore modern themes. In short, Allen’s previous claims of a “very, very clever story” alongside Docter’s comments about “trying to keep in touch with the rhythms of the world,” hint that Andrew Stanton will come through with a clever deeper message about technology forToy Story 5.
