Pixar released this Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the first teaser trailer for Toy Story 5, which hits theaters on June 19, 2026. The video introduces Lilypad, a frog-shaped smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee, as a new threat to the classic characters’ playtime. Directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris, the film explores the clash between traditional toys and modern technological devices.
Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tim Allen, and Jessie, played by Joan Cusack, react with surprise to the gadget’s arrival at Bonnie’s house. The trailer, lasting about 50 seconds, uses INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart” soundtrack to highlight the initial tension between the items. This premise reflects current discussions about the impact of technology on children’s entertainment.
The directors described the project as a hilarious and touching journey about adapting toys to the contemporary world. Stanton, known for Finding Nemo and Wall-E, wrote the script alone, while Harris made his directorial debut after working on Pixar shorts. The production features Lindsey Collins, responsible for hits such as Finding Dory.
- Lilypad emerges from a special delivery box, immediately attracting Bonnie’s attention.
- Toys like Forky, voiced by Tony Hale, and Bullseye watch the new competitor from afar.
- The slogan “The age of toys is over” reinforces the central theme of digital replacement.
Cast reinforces franchise legacy
Tom Hanks returns as cowboy Woody, an icon of the series since 1995. Tim Allen once again voices space ranger Buzz Lightyear, while Joan Cusack voices cowgirl Jessie. Tony Hale reprises the role of Forky, the handmade toy from Toy Story 4.
Ernie Hudson takes over the character of Combat Carl after the death of Carl Weathers in 2024. Conan O’Brien enters as Smarty Pants, a technological assistant for toilet training. Greta Lee, from Past Lives, animates Lilypad with a friendly but challenging tone.
Other names include Jeff Pidgeon as Aliens and Annie Potts as Bo Peep. The mixed cast of veterans and newcomers guarantees continuity and freshness to the narrative. The dubbing in Brazilian Portuguese has not yet been confirmed, but it should follow the standard of previous editions.
Behind the scenes of Pixar production
Andrew Stanton leads the direction for the first time on a Toy Story sequel. He co-wrote the previous four films and won Oscars for previous animations. Kenna Harris, from Ciao Alberto, contributes to co-direction and brings a young vision to the team.
Lindsey Collins produces the film, with experience in projects such as Virando a Mesa. Pixar invested in advanced animation to contrast the textures of plastic toys with interfacessmooth fingerprints. The studio avoided involvement from John Lasseter, who left in 2018 over allegations of misconduct.
Recent challenges include reshoots on Elio, which had poor box office sales in 2025. Lightyear, the 2022 spin-off, recorded a loss of US$106 million. Despite this, Toy Story remains strong with US$3.3 billion grossed globally.
The teaser was released almost 30 years after the original, in November 1995. This coincidence marks the franchise’s pioneering spirit as the first fully computerized feature film. Pixar plans promotional events, such as Buzz’s balloon at the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade.
New characters shake up momentum
Lilypad dominates the trailer as the spotlight-stealing high-tech gadget. Designed like a green frog, the tablet offers interactive gaming and learning via AI. Her voice, by Greta Lee, sounds welcoming, contrasting with the panic of the toys.
Smarty Pants appears as a technological ally, helping with children’s routines. Voiced by Conan O’Brien, the character uses humor to teach hygiene. Atlas and Snappy, mentioned in concept art, could expand the gadget roster.
- Lilypad integrates educational apps and unlimited entertainment.
- Smarty Pants focuses on hands-on interactions with young children.
- Other tech items promise to complicate alliances between toys.
The introduction of these elements updates the universe without abandoning the emotional essence. Bonnie, now older, tests loyalades when dividing attention. The conflict generates scenes of creative improvisation between the protagonists.
Sequel season at the movies
Toy Story 5 premieres in June 2026, competing with The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Minions 3. Mortal Kombat II and A Quiet Place: Day 1 also mark the calendar. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day attracts family audiences in the same period.
Pixar is betting on nostalgia to catch its breath after setbacks. Hoppers, originally from March 2026, tests new waters. Franchises like Toy Story perform better than recent originals, according to box office data.
Events like D23 Destination boosted advance announcements. The original Toy Story returns to theaters in September 2025 to celebrate 30 years. This strategy expands reach before the new launch.
Current themes in the animated universe
The plot addresses replacing toys with screens, echoing global children’s habits. Studies indicate that children spend more than two hours a day on devices. The film uses humor to illustrate necessary adaptations in this transition.
Classic characters like Rex and Slinky Dog question relevance. Forky, from 2019, represents manual creativity versus digital. The directors emphasize balance between tradition and innovation in the narrative.
Pixar incorporates subtle messages about human connections. Without queer elements removed, like in Elio, the focus is on group unity. This approach maintains universal appeal for families.
