The Gang's All Back — And Then Some

It's the sequel nobody thought was coming — and now it might just be the most exciting animated film in years. Toy Story 5 is officially heading to cinemas in summer 2026, with Pixar pulling out all the stops for what promises to be a spectacular return to the beloved franchise. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are both reprising their iconic roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, alongside a stellar returning cast including Joan Cusack, Keanu Reeves, and Annie Potts. Joining them is a frankly ridiculous roster of new talent, including Greta Lee, Conan O'Brien, Craig Robinson, Bad Bunny, Ernie Hudson, and Alan Cumming.

So What's The Story?

With Woody having ridden off into the sunset at the end of Toy Story 4, Jessie steps up as the leader of Bonnie's room, with Buzz Lightyear loyally by her side. But trouble arrives in the form of Lilypad — a frog-like tablet gifted to a now eight-year-old Bonnie, who becomes utterly obsessed with her new gadget. The toys must go head-to-head with this shiny new threat to playtime itself. Honestly, as a metaphor for modern childhood, it couldn't be more timely.

A Very British Touch

Here's a fun one for UK fans — Capital Breakfast presenters Jordan North and Siân Welby have bagged cameos in the British version of the film, voicing a Garden Gnome and an Inflatable Flamingo respectively. Only in Britain, eh? The film is directed by Andrew Stanton, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Finding Nemo and WALL·E, who co-wrote the script with Kenna Harris. Randy Newman also returns to compose the score, marking his tenth collaboration with Pixar.

A Long Time Coming

The road to Toy Story 5 has been anything but straightforward. Back in 2019, Tom Hanks himself told Ellen DeGeneres that the fourth film would be the last — full stop. But Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed in February 2023 that a fifth instalment was very much in active development. Tim Allen, for his part, had been cheerleading for a sequel all along.

"Once you've gotten to four, you're past that trilogy point, so I don't see any reason why they wouldn't do it, certainly. If you ask me, I'd say do five." — Tim Allen, 2019

Toy Story 5 is set for a world premiere in Los Angeles on 9th June 2026, with a full theatrical release following on 19th June. Mark your calendars.