The question of what purpose toys serve when children spend increasing amounts of time in front of screens is at the heart of the newly released trailer for Toy Story 5.
Seven years after Woody chose to leave Bonnie’s toy box in Toy Story 4, the beloved characters are back. The mission this time: to save Bonnie from her new smart tablet, Lilypad, and prevent technology from overtaking children’s lives.
The trailer, which debuted on , reveals a storyline centered around a battle between toys and technology. Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee, is presented as a potential disruptor of playtime and the very existence of toys as they know it. Jessie reaches out to Woody via walkie-talkie, asking if he’s witnessing a similar phenomenon elsewhere, prompting Woody’s reunion with his former playmates.
Director and screenwriter Andrew Stanton describes the film as an “existential showdown between modern technology and obsolete toys,” according to reports. The trailer showcases Woody sporting a poncho and, notably, a bald spot, suggesting the passage of time and the wear and tear of a life dedicated to bringing joy to children.
The return of Woody and Buzz Lightyear is accompanied by a glimpse of Buzz getting backup in the form of an army of newer Buzz Lightyear models. The trailer also features a charming scene depicting Bonnie’s imaginative wedding ceremony between Forky and a new plastic knife character named Karen Beverly. Jessie’s line, “I now pronounce you husband and knife,” adds a touch of whimsical humor.
Alongside Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprising their roles as Woody and Buzz, the voice cast includes several new additions. Greta Lee joins as Lilypad, and Conan O’Brien lends his voice to an as-yet-unspecified character. Craig Robinson voices Atlas, a cheerful talking GPS hippo toy, while Shelby Rabara plays Snappy, an excitable camera toy. Scarlett Spears voices the eight-year-old Bonnie, and Mykal-Michelle Harris portrays Blaze, an independent eight-year-old girl who loves animals. Matty Matheson voices Dr. Nutcase, a toy fearful of technology. Familiar voices such as John Ratzenberger as Hamm, Wallace Shawn as Rex, Blake Clark as Slinky Dog, Jeff Bergman as Mr. Potato Head, and Anna Vocino as Mrs. Potato Head also return.
The trailer highlights the anxieties surrounding children’s increasing reliance on technology. Jessie’s desperate plea, “I’m losing Bonnie to this device…,” underscores the emotional stakes for the toys, who exist solely to provide happiness to their child. Rex’s exclamation, “Extinction, not again!” hints at the existential threat posed by Lilypad and the broader trend of technological encroachment on traditional play.
The film’s premise taps into a broader cultural conversation about the impact of technology on childhood development and the importance of imaginative play. As screens become increasingly ubiquitous, Toy Story 5 appears to be grappling with the question of whether toys can still hold a meaningful place in children’s lives.
The release of Toy Story 5 marks nearly 30 years since the original animated film captivated audiences in . The franchise has consistently pushed the boundaries of animation and storytelling, and the latest installment promises to continue that tradition. The film is slated for theatrical release on .
