TheToy Storysaga isn’t over yet asToy Story 5is on its way, and while much is unknown about the upcoming movie’s story, a tease from one of its actors suggests Buzz is stepping into the spotlight. Pixar’s multi-billion-dollar franchise kicked off in1995 with the premiere ofToy Story, the animation studio’s first feature film. Since then, Pixar has released five movies in the franchise, including three sequels and one spin-off. SinceToy Storyis so popular (and brings in a lot of revenue),the studio is developing a fourth sequel featuring the return of Woody and Buzz Lightyear.
Toy Story 5, starring Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, is scheduled to be released in theaters on June 07, 2025.
Pixar announcedToy Story 5was in productionin early 2023, withAndrew Stanton (who has worked on every film’s script in the franchise, aside fromLightyear) directing and writing the next sequel.Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are also confirmed to return to voice their respective characters. However, other than that minimal information, the cast and crew haven’t revealed much aboutToy Story 5’s story. Allen did tease one intriguing detail about Buzz and Jessie, though.
Tim Allen Teases Toy Story 5’s Story
While speaking withGood Morning America(viaCollider),Tim Allen shared a tidbit of information aboutToy Story 5. Essentially,Jessie is in danger in the upcoming movie and Buzz’s story is full of “intrigue.“When asked aboutToy Story 5, Allen shared:
“I’ve already begun. I’m in the third act now. It’s remarkable what they’ve done… with Pixar they didn’t say I couldn’t say anything but… I wish I could… There’s a lot of real intrigue with Buzz. Jessie’s got a big trouble, she needs help, so it’s a really cool thing.”
Buzz’s story has been intertwined with Jessie’sever sincethe end ofToy Story2. He’s had a crush on her from the moment they met, and Buzz and Jessie’s romance deepened much further in the third film (while the fourth mostly ignored it). So, if the red-headed cowgirl is in trouble, the man from space must be working hard to help her in whatever way possible. PerhapsToy Story 5will explore Buzz and Jessie’s relationship in the same way thatToy Story 4did with Woody and Bo Peep, suggesting Buzz would take the reins from Woody.
Buzz Needs A Bigger Role After Toy Story 4 Focused On Woody
Toy Story 4 Pushed Buzz To The Background
Given howToy Story 4regulated Buzz to essentially be a background characteramongst the other toys, he needs to have a more significant presence in the fifth movie. Woody was clearly the star, a role he has filled since 1995. Tom Hanks' character was the focus, which meant his story got proper closure (despite Woody returning inToy Story 5). Meanwhile,Buzz didn’t even feel like Woody’s sidekick inToy Story 4(as he was in the first three films), meaning he’s due for more screen time in the upcoming sequel.
Tony Hale
Forky
Toy Story 4failed Buzz, butToy Story 5can redeem him. Based on Tim Allen’s comments, it sounds as ifBuzz will finally step into the spotlight in Pixar’s 2026 animated feature.Of course, the actor didn’t reveal too much about Buzz’s story, just that it was intriguing and “really cool.” Allen also suggested that his character’s arc inToy Story 5was tied to the danger that Jessie is in, which will likely be a major plot point in the movie. As for what exactly happens to Jessie, only theories can attempt to explain the aforementioned “trouble.”
10 Best Musical Moments In The Toy Story Franchise, Ranked
“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is only one of many memorable songs and musical moments in Pixar’s four beloved and timeless Toy Story movies.
Why Jessie Might Be In Trouble In Toy Story 5
Plot Details Surrounding The Upcoming Pixar Film Are Scarce
Jessie could find herself in a similar situation that Woody and Buzz have been in many times before— she becomes a lost toy. In the first film, Woody accidentally pushes Buzz out of Andy’s bedroom window and they both later end up in Sid’s possession. Then, inToy Story 2, Al steals Woody from a yard sale, and Bonnie loses the cowboy during her family’s road trip in the fourth movie. Perhaps Jessie somehow gets separated from the group, leaving Buzz responsible for finding her. Only time will tell what happens to Jessie inToy Story 5, though.
Toy Story 5
Cast
Toy Story 5 follows Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the rest of the gang as they confront a new challenge to playtime posed by advanced technology. Set to release in 2026, this installment continues the beloved Toy Story series with its familiar cast facing modern dilemmas.
