Pixar’s Toy Story resurges from the depths of their movie vault. Toy Story 5 brings viewers the next chapter in Bonnie’s life, as she enters her pre-teen years. This time, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie are facing Kids Tech, represented by the Lilypad. After Disney released the official trailer, how do audiences feel about the next installment of the saga?
Toy Story 5 is Obviously a ‘Cash Cow’
Toy Story 5 seems to be struggling with an identity crisis with the story it wants to portray. Toy Story 3 acted as a proper closure for Woody’s original owner, Andy, who departed for university. He and the toys found a new purpose with their current owner, Bonnie. Then its sequel, Toy Story 4, felt like an epilogue for Woody, who chose to reunite with his lover, Bo Peep. In this new chapter, Jessie requested help from the cowboy sheriff to prevent Lilypad’s influence on Bonnie.
Disney’s message is very conflicting in the movie. Toy Story 5 gets its message across about technology being more invasive and that parents should stop relying on it to raise their children. However, they knew Pixar’s golden child can sell merchandise. In 2019, the BBC reported that Toy Story 3 outsold their ticket sales through toy marketing alone, generating £104 million in the UK. The Lilypad could become a real product once the year draws close to the premiere.
The franchise is also confident about producing multi-million-dollar box office sales. Toy Story 4 grossed over $1 billion worldwide and added an additional $58 million in DVD and Blu-ray sales. This is because Disney understands the adults who grew up on Toy Story are more likely to watch it with their families. The studio relies on nostalgia to generate revenue more than original ideas.
Does Toy Story 5 Affect the Production Quality?
The animation quality demonstrates how far Pixar has come in adapting new techniques as technology advances over time. The visuals are an exact replica of what was seen in Inside Out’s mini-series, Dream Productions. The lighting is vibrant and changes well with scene tones. Bonnie’s imagination is depicted as whimsical compared to Toy Story 3’s CGI introduction.
The only fear is how much of the animation could be AI-enhanced or generated, as 2025 saw the rise of content generator, Sora. Critics have nitpicked about certain animations and details that may not match a toy’s design. Lilypad and Forky are sometimes levitating off the ground despite the world of Toy Story having no magic. Woody and the Lost Toys feel too clean even though they clearly been traveling in the wild.
The viewers also recognized a shift in the audio compilation as certain lines were spoken. Some believed the cast members were phoned in during production, with the exception of the walkie-talkie scene. There are times when voices sound deeper and like their original selves. Part of it could be due to the fact that a majority of the voice cast reached near elderly age.
The most noticeable problem the audience learned from Toy Story 5’s trailer is the writing. As mentioned earlier, the third and fourth films acted as closure for two storylines. This plot will primarily focus on Woody’s and Jessie’s perspectives. Buzz will be playing a role on the cowboy sheriff’s side. For now, it’s too early to tell where the direction is going with toy abandonment growing.
Many people pointed out that multiple elements from Toy Story’s past are present in this film. Jessie is reminded of her previous owner, Emily, as she sees herself in her hands between scene transitions. The Buzz Lightyear army returns from that film to fight against Kids Tech. Woody and Buzz brought back their bickering from the original Toy Story. And the toys meet the storage box again from Toy Story 3. Overall, Toy Story 5 raises questions about Pixar’s future.
Is Toy Story 5 Releasing This Year?
The film is set to premiere this summer around Father’s Day weekend on June 19. Toy Story 5 will mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary, alongside Pixar’s 40th birthday. Catch the official trailer here and let us know your thoughts below!
