In an exciting update for fans of the beloved “Toy Story” franchise, Disney CEO Bob Iger has announced that “Toy Story 5” is in the works and set to hit theaters in 2026. The news comes almost a year after Iger’s initial confirmation of a new installment in the series, and it has certainly got fans buzzing with excitement.
The “Toy Story” franchise has been a massive success for Disney, grossing over $3.3 billion at the box office. With the last film being released in 2019, fans have been eagerly waiting for news of a fifth installment. And now, with the confirmation from the CEO himself, it seems their wish has finally been granted.
While details about the cast and plot are still under wraps, it has been confirmed that lead voice actors Tim Allen and Tom Hanks will be reprising their beloved roles as Buzz Lightyear and Woody. In fact, Allen had previously hinted at their return, sharing a post on social media saying, “See ya soon Woody” and “off we go to a number 5! To infinity and beyond!”
Upcoming animated sequels from Disney:
● Inside Out 2 – June 14, 2024
● Moana 2 – November 27, 2024
● Zootopia 2 – 2025
● Toy Story 5 – 2026
● Frozen 3 – 2026 pic.twitter.com/recAWUHJ8l— Disney Animation Promos (@DisneyAPromos) February 7, 2024
However, not much has been revealed about the potential storyline of “Toy Story 5.” Some have speculated that it could focus on the children of Andy, the original protagonist, while others believe it may introduce new characters and adventures for the toys. But with Iger’s recent statement that the writer wouldn’t be pursuing the project if it wasn’t done right, fans can rest assured that the upcoming film will be nothing short of amazing.
Chief Creative Officer of Pixar, Pete Docter, has also confirmed that the franchise’s beloved characters, Buzz and Woody, will be back. In an interview with Variety, Docter coyly stated, “We have another ‘Toy Story,’ so Woody and Buzz are back.” This news has only added to the excitement and anticipation for the new film.
With a release date set for 2026, it will have been over 30 years since the original “Toy Story” film captivated audiences back in 1995. The film was not only a first for Pixar, being their debut feature, but it also became the first computer-animated feature film to be released. Its success paved the way for future animated films and earned itself a Special Achievement Academy Award in 1996.
Since then, the “Toy Story” franchise has continued to captivate audiences of all ages, with each film receiving critical acclaim and awards. Its success has also expanded beyond the big screen, with merchandise, spin-off films, and theme park rides. It has become a cultural phenomenon, and it’s no wonder that fans are eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
While there may be a long wait ahead for “Toy Story 5,” fans can at least take comfort in the fact that the series’ chief creative officer, Pete Docter, has promised that it will be worth the wait. In fact, he has even dropped hints that the film will have some surprises in store for fans, saying that it will have “some really cool stuff that you haven’t seen before.”
The news of “Toy Story 5” has created a buzz of excitement, with fans eagerly awaiting its release in 2026. With the return of beloved characters and a promise of new surprises from the franchise’s creators, it’s safe to say that “Toy Story 5” is already shaping up to be a massive success.
