Toy Story 5 Confirmed for June 2026 Release, Pitting Beloved Veterans Against the Digital Age

Disney and Pixar have officially set the global premiere date for the highly anticipated animated sequel, Toy Story 5. The film is slated to hit theaters on June 19, 2026. This fifth main installment of the beloved franchise, which first captivated audiences in November 1995, promises a fresh narrative chapter where the familiar ensemble of toys must grapple with the complex challenges posed by the digital era. The development of this new entry was initially confirmed back in February 2023.

Taking the helm as director and co-writer is Andrew Stanton. This marks Stanton’s return to directing a core Toy Story feature since the original movie, bringing a sense of continuity and legacy to the project. The production is being overseen by Jessica Choi and Lindsey Collins. Notably, Toy Story 5 will be the first primary installment in the series developed without the involvement of co-founder John Lasseter, who departed Pixar at the end of 2018.

Fans will be thrilled to learn that the franchise's foundational voice talent is making a grand return. Tom Hanks is set to reprise his iconic role as the loyal cowboy, Woody, while Tim Allen will once again lend his voice to the space ranger, Buzz Lightyear. Furthermore, Joan Cusack is confirmed to return as Jessie, and Tony Hale will be back as the spork-turned-toy, Forky. The reunion of these key figures underscores the film's focus on the enduring friendships forged across four decades of storytelling.

The plot of Toy Story 5 hinges on a central conflict described as “Toy vs. Tech,” introducing new characters that embody the digital threat. Actress Greta Lee joins the cast to voice Lilypad, a high-tech, frog-shaped tablet described as having a “playfully antagonistic tone.” Director Andrew Stanton and co-director Kenna Harris have indicated that the movie will deeply explore how the veteran toys react to a world fundamentally transformed by modern technology. The storyline will revolve around the classic toys struggling to retain the affection of their owner, Bonnie, who is increasingly captivated by various electronic gadgets.

Adding further depth to the cast are several notable newcomers. Comedian Conan O’Brien is set to voice “Smarty Pants,” a toilet training toy designed to inject significant comedic relief into the narrative. In a poignant shift, Earl Hudson will assume the role of Battle CARL, stepping in for the late Carl Weathers, who passed away in February 2024 at the age of 76. Weathers first brought the character to life in the 2013 television special, Toy Story of Terror!

The Toy Story franchise stands as a monumental success in cinematic history, having accumulated over $3.3 billion at the global box office to date. Both Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4 achieved critical acclaim, securing the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Toy Story 5 will mark Pixar’s 31st feature-length film. The immense public excitement surrounding the return of Woody and Buzz was clearly demonstrated when the first teaser trailer dropped on November 12, 2025, racking up an astonishing 140 million views within just 24 hours of its release. This overwhelming response confirms that audience interest in the beloved toys remains exceptionally high.