LOS ANGELES, CA – The iconic animated franchise Toy Story is preparing for its fifth instalment, with star Tim Allen, who voices the beloved Buzz Lightyear, offering a revealing glimpse into the film’s core narrative focus.
Appearing on the Live with Kelly and Mark show, Allen confirmed that the upcoming story will pivot to feature the spirited yodeling cowgirl, Jessie, as its central figure. The shift signals a new direction for a franchise traditionally anchored by the partnership between Buzz Lightyear and Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks.
“It’s such a great story. I can only tell a little bit of it,” Allen shared, maintaining the studio’s tight-lipped approach to the plot. He then disclosed, “It’s a Jessie story, Tom and I have to reunite, and there’s just the funniest thing, because there’s a whole bunch of Buzzes involved.”
Allen added a surprising detail that is sure to intrigue fans: “And there’s a reason why there’s a whole bunch of me, so there’s 100 of me in a separate story, and I’m having so much fun.”
While plot details remain sparse, industry reports suggest that the fifth chapter will also introduce a new character, Lilypad, one of Bonnie’s table toys, to be voiced by Anna Faris.
The creative team behind the project has promised a fresh experience. Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar, the studio responsible for the animated giant, previously teased that the new instalment “will be surprising,” containing “some really cool stuff that you haven’t seen before.”
The confirmed cast list for Toy Story 5 is a mix of returning fan favourites and new voices, including Joan Cusack as Jessie, Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl, Tony Hale as Forky, and Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants.
Toy Story 5 is scheduled to be released in cinemas on June 19, 2026.
