Pixar has struggled to rebound from Bob Chapek's time as Disney CEO. During the pandemic, he decided to bolster Disney+'s streaming offerings by sending the studio's new movies to the platform, either as part of its "Premier Access" service or as free titles for subscribers.
We've since seen Pixar struggle to sell moviegoers on original stories; Elemental exceeded expectations, but Elio bombed, and neither came close to Inside Out 2, a long-awaited sequel. Now, those are what Pixar appears to be focused on delivering as it looks to return to its former glory.
This summer will see the release of Toy Story 5, a franchise that's consistently brought the Disney-owned studio critical acclaim and box office success.
Thanks to USA Today, we have a first look at Bonnie and her mom. The character has seemingly been aged up a little, which makes sense when, like most children, she'd now rather play with a tablet than toys.
Woody and Buzz Lightyear can be seen watching on, clearly worried that they're about to be usurped by Lilypad. Toy Story 4 ended with Woody and Buzz parting ways—with Woody choosing to become a "lost toy"—so how the cowboy finds himself back in Bonnie's house is a big mystery.
Toy Story 5 introduces Lilypad, a high-tech, frog-shaped smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee (TRON: Ares) that makes Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs exponentially harder when they go head-to-head with this all-new threat to playtime.
Tom Hanks returns as the ever-loyal cowboy Woody, Tim Allen reports for duty as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack saddles up again as the rootin'-tootin' cowgirl Jessie, and Tony Hale is back as the voice of the handcrafted toy Forky.
It was recently announced that former late-night host Conan O'Brien will also join the voice cast as the toilet training tech toy, Smarty Pants.
When the first teaser trailer was released, Andrew Stanton and co-director Kenna Harris said, "It’s been a hilarious and poignant journey exploring how our favorite team of legacy toys might respond to today’s world of technology, and we’re thrilled to share this first glimpse with audiences."
"Having the remarkably talented Greta Lee bring Lilypad to life — balancing a playfully antagonistic tone with humor and heart — has been incredible," they added.
Toy Story 5 is directed by Academy Award winner Andrew Stanton (WALL•E, Finding Nemo, Finding Dory), co-directed by Kenna Harris (Ciao Alberto) and produced by Lindsey Collins (Turning Red, WALL•E, Finding Dory).
The animated adventure releases in theaters nationwide on June 19, 2026.