When Disney announced Toy Story 5, a lot of people had the same reaction. “Why?” Seriously. How many endings does one franchise need?
We had Toy Story 3 that left audiences emotionally damaged in the best possible way. Then came Toy Story 4 that somehow justified reopening a story that everybody felt done. By the time Toy Story 5 was announced, many fans were asking if a fifth movie was even necessary. I mean after that, what else could there be? Turns out, quite a bit, if early reactions are anything to go by.
The film was recently unveiled for members of the press and early reactions are bloody fantastic. In fact, the biggest surprise isn’t that people just enjoyed it but it’s that many seem genuinely moved by it. And bear in mind that this isn’t necessarily what people expected going in. Well what do you know, seems like Pixar may have another winner on its hands. Critics and attendees are praising the sequel for being funny, emotional, and surprisingly meaningful. One of the recurring comments coming out of the screening is that Pixar has found a story that is extremely relevant and relatable. The movie is being described as an “absolute home run,” while others praised its balance of heart, humour, and fresh ideas. That’s a pretty encouraging start for a franchise that many believed had already told its final chapter.
Now when you go to watch Toy Story 5 don’t be expecting to go on an adventure across town or looking for ways to get back home. Oh no, here the focus is on something every parent is watching happen in real time. “Technology”. Bonnie becomes attached to a tablet called Lilypad, leaving Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang wondering where exactly they fit into a world filled with glowing screens and endless distractions. And this is exactly what sells this movie. It is a brilliant set-up and one that is very relevant in today’s world.
If you remember, the original Toy Story explored a child’s connection to physical toys. Fast forward three decades and kids are growing up in a completely different environment. The attention grabbers now are tablets, phones and gaming devices. Heck, some of them even make it to the dinner table. So whether you’re a parent, an aunt, an uncle or just somebody who’s watched a child completely ignore a room full of toys in favour of YouTube, you’ll probably recognise the struggle. Pixar is calling it “Toy meets Tech”.
The returning cast includes Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack and Tony Hale, while Greta Lee joins the franchise as Lilypad. Conan O’Brien also appears in the film because apparently every Toy Story movie now has to introduce at least one character that instantly becomes merchandise. I am not at all surprised that the strongest reaction though is the emotional side of the story. The studio has spent decades mastering the art of sneaking emotional damage into family entertainment. One minute you’re laughing at a joke and the next, you’re questioning your life choices while trying not to cry into a bucket of popcorn. Well with the reactions received many suggest Toy Story 5 is continuing the tradition.
Of course, early reactions should always come with a small warning label. We’ve all seen movies receive glowing first impressions only for reality to arrive later. But judging by the responses so far, this feels encouraging, especially for a sequel that many people weren’t asking for in the first place. That’s probably the strangest thing about Toy Story. Every time it looks finished, Pixar finds another reason to open the toy chest. And here we are still willing to climb back inside.
Toy Story 5 arrives in cinemas on 19 June 2026.
