The beloved toys of our childhood are facing their most modern challenge yet, as the first teaser trailer for Toy Story 5 declares 'the age of toys is over'. Released by Disney and Pixar, the brief glimpse sets the stage for the highly anticipated sequel scheduled for release next summer.
A New Technological Antagonist
The teaser introduces a sleek new foe that threatens to disrupt the nostalgic world of Woody, Buzz, and the gang: a smart tablet named Lilypad. This 'all-new threat to playtime' is voiced by acclaimed actor Greta Lee, known for her roles in Past Lives and the upcoming Tron: Ares.
Co-directors Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris have promised a 'playfully antagonistic tone' for the film. Stanton, the veteran director behind classics like Finding Nemo and Wall-E, is collaborating with Harris, for whom this project marks her directorial debut after years of contributing to other Pixar productions.
'It’s been a hilarious and poignant journey exploring how our favourite team of legacy toys might respond to today’s world of technology, and we’re thrilled to share this first glimpse with audiences,' the directors said in a joint statement.
Returning Favourites and Fresh Faces
The core voice cast is set to return, with Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprising their iconic roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Joan Cusack will also be back as Jessie.
They will be joined by several new characters. Comedian Conan O’Brien joins the franchise as a toilet training tech assistant called Smarty Pants. Furthermore, following the passing of Carl Weathers in 2023, Ernie Hudson will take over the voice of Combat Carl.
High Stakes for a Blockbuster Franchise
The confirmation of a fifth film came in early 2023, continuing a cinematic journey that has so far generated a staggering $3.3 billion in worldwide box office revenue. This instalment will be the first in the main series created without the involvement of John Lasseter, who departed Pixar in 2018 following allegations of sexual misconduct.
The pressure is on for Toy Story 5 to perform well after a difficult period for its studio. Pixar's most recent release, the sci-fi adventure Elio, experienced the worst box office opening in the company's history. Prior to that, the 2022 Toy Story spin-off, Lightyear, was a major financial disappointment, reportedly costing Disney around $106 million.
When it arrives next summer, Toy Story 5 will enter a crowded marketplace of sequels, competing with the premieres of The Devil Wears Prada 2, Mortal Kombat II, Scary Movie 6, Minions 3, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
