The toys are back—and this time, they’re stepping into a whole new kind of playroom. Disney and Pixar have officially confirmed that Toy Story 5 will arrive in theaters on June 19, 2026, marking the next chapter in one of the most iconic animated franchises in cinematic history. This highly anticipated sequel comes seven years after the emotional finale of Toy Story 4 and promises to offer both nostalgia and fresh storytelling for fans new and old.
Toy Story 5 Gets Official Release Date — Here’s What We Know So Far
A Return to the Toy Chest with Familiar Voices
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are set to reprise their legendary roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, continuing a legacy that began nearly three decades ago. Joining them is Anna Faris in a mystery role that has already sparked fan speculation, with some theorizing she may be voicing a new toy with ties to Buzz’s backstory or Woody’s post-Bo Peep journey.
The film will be directed by Andrew Stanton, whose resume includes Finding Nemo and WALL-E, both of which showcase his ability to blend heart, humor, and social commentary. He’ll be joined by co-director McKenna Harris, a rising creative talent at Pixar, with Jessica Choi onboard as producer.
What Will Toy Story 5 Be About?
While full plot details are still under wraps, early teases suggest the film will explore how traditional toys fit into a world dominated by screens and smart devices. In this digital age, where tablets and AI companions are more common than action figures and dolls, the story may tackle themes of relevance, change, and adapting to a new kind of playtime.
This thematic shift echoes Pixar’s recent trend of addressing timely, real-world topics in imaginative ways—much like Inside Out explored emotional growth and Turning Red reflected adolescence and cultural identity.
D23 Expo Teaser Hints at a Bold New Adventure
Though an official trailer has yet to drop, a teaser was privately shown during Disney’s D23 Expo in August 2024, featuring brief glimpses of Buzz in an unfamiliar setting and Woody contemplating a return to his roots. The footage sparked buzz on social media, with many fans pointing out what looked like new toy characters and a visually updated animation style—likely taking full advantage of Pixar’s latest rendering technology.
A Cultural and Commercial Powerhouse
The Toy Story franchise has grossed over $3.3 billion globally and helped solidify Pixar’s dominance in animation. With Toy Story 4 delivering a poignant goodbye to several characters, fans were surprised—but excited—when CEO Bob Iger announced Toy Story 5 was in development in early 2023.
Given Pixar’s recent push to revitalize its biggest IPs—alongside sequels to Inside Out and The Incredibles rumored to be in the works—Toy Story 5 may serve as a bridge between generations of fans and characters.
Get Ready to Rewind
With over a year before its theatrical debut, now’s the perfect time to rewatch the previous four films on Disney+. Whether you’re rediscovering the original 1995 classic or catching up on Woody’s last ride in Toy Story 4, each installment still holds up thanks to its emotional depth, timeless humor, and groundbreaking animation.
Mark your calendar—June 19, 2026. The toys you grew up with are returning, and they’ve got one more story to tell.
Key Takeaways
- Toy Story 5 will release exclusively in theaters on June 19, 2026, directed by Andrew Stanton.
- The film brings back fan-favorite characters including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie for a new adventure.
- This marks the fifth installment in Pixar’s groundbreaking franchise that began in 1995.
Toy Story 5 Release Date Details
Toy Story 5 has been officially scheduled for theatrical release on June 19, 2026. Disney and Pixar have confirmed this date after much anticipation from fans worldwide.
Announcement and Expectations
The announcement of Toy Story 5’s release date came during Disney CEO Bob Iger’s Q1 earnings call in February 2023. This revelation surprised many fans who thought the franchise had concluded with Toy Story 4.
The June 19, 2026 theatrical release positions the film as a major summer blockbuster. Disney is clearly banking on the enduring popularity of beloved characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear to draw audiences back to theaters.
Andrew Stanton will direct the film, with McKenna Harris serving as co-director. Jessica Choi has been announced as the producer, bringing fresh creative energy to the franchise.
The film joins Disney’s growing slate of sequels, including Frozen 3 and Zootopia 2, reflecting the company’s strategy of leveraging successful properties.
Comparison to Previous Installments
Toy Story 5’s release will come seven years after Toy Story 4 (2019), representing a longer gap than between previous sequels. Toy Story 2 arrived four years after the original, while Toy Story 3 took 11 years to follow its predecessor.
The 2026 release follows the disappointing performance of the spin-off film Lightyear (2022), which may have influenced Disney’s decision to return to the main storyline.
Each previous Toy Story film has been a commercial success. Toy Story 3 and 4 both grossed over $1 billion worldwide, setting a high bar for the fifth installment.
The June release mirrors the summer release pattern of Toy Story 3 and 4, which both opened in mid-June and dominated the box office.
Cast and Characters
Toy Story 5 is bringing back beloved voice actors along with introducing new talent to the franchise. The film, scheduled for release on June 19, 2026, will feature familiar characters while adding fresh faces to the toy box.
Returning Cast Members
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are confirmed to return as the voices of Woody and Buzz Lightyear. These actors have been the heart of the franchise since the original film debuted in 1995. Their chemistry and iconic performances have defined the series for generations of viewers.
Joan Cusack is expected to reprise her role as Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl who joined the franchise in Toy Story 2. Wallace Shawn will likely return as the nervous Rex, bringing his distinctive voice to the anxious dinosaur once again.
Annie Potts, who voices Bo Peep, is anticipated to return following her prominent role in Toy Story 4. Other returning voice actors may include Tony Hale as Forky, the craft project who became a toy in the previous installment.
New Voice Talents
While official announcements about new cast members remain limited, industry insiders suggest several high-profile additions to the toy box. Rumors point to Keanu Reeves taking on a significant role, building on Hollywood’s trend of casting major stars in animated features.
Jordan Peele is another name mentioned in connection with the project, potentially bringing his unique comedic talents to a new character. His involvement would add fresh energy to the established franchise.
The film may also feature connections to other Pixar properties. Some reports suggest a character from the film “Elio” might make an appearance, continuing Pixar’s tradition of creating an interconnected universe across their movies.
Tribute to Don Rickles
The production team faces a poignant challenge regarding Mr. Potato Head, as voice actor Don Rickles passed away in 2017. For Toy Story 4, Pixar used archived recordings to include the character in a limited capacity.
Director Andrew Stanton and the production team are reportedly planning a special tribute to Rickles while determining how to handle the beloved character. Options include repurposing additional archived material, recruiting a sound-alike voice actor, or addressing the character’s absence within the story.
Mr. Potato Head has been an essential part of the franchise since the beginning, known for his cranky personality and removable parts. Whatever approach they choose, the filmmakers have expressed commitment to honoring Rickles’ legacy and his contribution to making Mr. Potato Head a fan favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans have been eager to learn details about the upcoming fifth installment in the beloved Toy Story franchise. Here are answers to the most common questions about this anticipated release.
When is the official release date for Toy Story 5?
Toy Story 5 is scheduled to release on June 19, 2026. Disney and Pixar have confirmed this theatrical release date, giving fans a specific day to mark on their calendars.
The film will be a theatrical exclusive, meaning it will debut only in movie theaters before eventually making its way to streaming platforms.
Which characters are returning for Toy Story 5?
While full cast details haven’t been officially announced, fans expect Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and other beloved toys to return in some capacity.
The core cast of toys has been central to the franchise’s success since the original film debuted in 1995.
Has a trailer for Toy Story 5 been released?
No trailer for Toy Story 5 has been released yet. Given the 2026 release date, a trailer likely won’t appear until late 2025 or early 2026.
Pixar typically releases teasers about 6-12 months before a film’s premiere, with full trailers following closer to the release date.
What are the new additions to the cast of Toy Story 5?
No new cast additions have been officially announced for Toy Story 5 at this time. The film is still in early production stages.
Pixar often brings in new voice talent for each installment, so announcements about new characters and voice actors will likely come as the release date approaches.
What insights has Tim Allen provided regarding Toy Story 5?
Tim Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear, hasn’t shared specific insights about Toy Story 5’s plot or production yet.
Official statements from the cast typically begin appearing closer to the film’s marketing campaign launch.
How does Toy Story 5’s release timeline compare to previous installments?
Toy Story 5’s June 2026 release comes about seven years after Toy Story 4, which was released in 2019. This gap is longer than the nine-year wait between Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3.
The film is being directed by Andrew Stanton with McKenna Harris as co-director and Jessica Choi producing, bringing both experienced and new talent to the franchise.
