Newman Creates Military-Inspired Cue For ‘Making Land

Oscar-winning composer Randy Newman has revealed new details about the musical direction for Toy Story 5, including the creation of a signature cue that blends military-inspired brass and percussion. The composer, known for his work on Pixar’s animated franchise, described the track—titled “Making Land”—as having “a real military feel,” according to a June 19, 2026, interview with Variety. This marks Newman’s latest contribution to the series, which has spanned four films since 1995.

The disclosure comes as Toy Story 5 enters its final production stages, with Newman’s music serving as a cornerstone of its emotional and thematic arc. The film’s score, which has been in development for over a year, is expected to feature a mix of orchestral arrangements and electronic elements, a departure from the purely acoustic approach of earlier entries. Newman’s earlier work on the franchise—including the Oscar-winning “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and the martial-themed “Battle at Big Rock”—has cemented his role as the series’ defining composer.

Newman’s description of “Making Land” aligns with a broader trend in Pixar’s recent films to incorporate dynamic, genre-blending scores. For comparison, the 2022 release Lightyear featured a hybrid of orchestral and synth-driven music, while Elemental (2023) leaned into jazz and Latin influences. Toy Story 5, however, appears to be doubling down on Newman’s signature style, with the military-inspired cue suggesting a narrative shift toward action or adventure sequences—a departure from the franchise’s traditionally lighter tone.

Industry sources close to the project confirm that Newman has been deeply involved in shaping the film’s musical identity, working alongside Pixar’s in-house composers. The studio has historically allowed Newman creative freedom, a practice that dates back to the original Toy Story (1995), where he composed nearly the entire score. This level of artistic control is rare in modern animated filmmaking, where scores are often overseen by multiple composers or external studios.

While Newman has not yet shared a full preview of “Making Land,” leaks from the film’s soundstage suggest the track will feature prominent brass fanfares and rhythmic percussion, evoking both battlefield intensity and triumphant resolution. The cue’s title itself—”Making Land”—hints at a literal or metaphorical journey, potentially tying into the film’s unresolved plot threads, including the fate of characters like Bo Peep or the return of long-absent figures like the original Toy Story’s villain, Sid.

Newman’s involvement also raises questions about how Toy Story 5 will handle its legacy. The franchise’s music has long been a fan touchstone, with Newman’s compositions frequently referenced in merchandise, parodies, and even real-world performances. The military motif in “Making Land” could signal a more mature narrative direction, though Pixar has historically balanced emotional depth with humor. For instance, Toy Story 4 (2019) featured both a melancholic ballad (“All of the Stars”) and a playful, upbeat track (“The Ballad of Jesse”)—a duality that may influence how Newman approaches the score’s tonal balance.

As of June 2026, no official release date has been announced for Toy Story 5, though industry projections suggest a late 2027 or early 2028 window, aligning with Pixar’s typical two-year development cycle. Newman’s music will likely be a key factor in driving audience anticipation, particularly given his track record of delivering memorable, award-worthy scores. The composer’s last major project, the 2024 Broadway musical Sweeney Todd, further underscores his ability to merge theatrical and cinematic styles—a skill that could prove pivotal for Toy Story 5’s blend of animation and live-action elements.

For now, Newman’s focus remains on refining the score, with “Making Land” serving as a potential centerpiece. The track’s military feel contrasts with the franchise’s usual whimsy but aligns with Pixar’s recent trend of exploring darker themes, as seen in Coco (2017) and Soul (2020). Whether this shift will resonate with long-time fans—or introduce new audiences to Newman’s work—remains to be seen.