The first trailer for Toy Story 5 has just dropped, and it’s got everyone buzzing. Set to hit theaters next summer, this sequel promises to blend nostalgic characters with new tech challenges.
The teaser introduces a fresh character: a smart tablet named Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee. This adds an interesting twist: “the age of toys is over,” hinting at new dynamics in playtime. Co-directors Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris aim for a “playfully antagonistic tone.” Stanton, renowned for his work on Finding Nemo and Wall-E, teams up with Harris, who is taking the directorial helm for the first time after working on various Pixar projects.
“It’s been a hilarious and poignant journey,” they said, reflecting on how classic toys might react to today’s tech-heavy world.
Returning to lend their voices are Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack. Newcomer Conan O’Brien will voice Smarty Pants, a toilet training tech assistant, while Ernie Hudson steps in as Combat Carl after Carl Weathers’ passing.
Toy Story 5 was confirmed early this year, continuing a franchise that has grossed over $3.3 billion globally. This film will be the first without John Lasseter, who left Pixar in 2018 amid serious allegations.
Interestingly, Pixar had a rough year recently. Their last release, Elio, saw the lowest box office opening in the studio’s history, and its production faced various issues, including reports of reshoots that cut queer themes. Similarly, the spin-off Lightyear was a box office flop, costing Disney an estimated $106 million.
Despite setbacks, Toy Story 5 aims to reconnect with audiences. Its release comes during a busy summer filled with anticipated sequels like The Devil Wears Prada 2, Mortal Kombat II, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
As the release date approaches, fans are eager to see how the beloved characters will adapt to the evolving landscape of childhood play. With technology rapidly changing how children interact with toys, this film could spark important conversations about play and imagination in the digital age.
