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ABCs Toy Story: 30 Years and Beyond Special Highlights Legacy Ahead of Toy Story 5 Release
ABC will air a celebratory special, "Toy Story: 30 Years and Beyond," on Friday, June 12 at 8 p.m. ET, giving viewers a nostalgic look back at Pixar’s flagship franchise. The broadcast will be followed by a streaming release on Disney+ and Hulu the next day, allowing audiences to dive deeper into the series’ history and its upcoming chapter.
The special arrives just weeks before the theatrical premiere of "Toy Story 5" on June 19, 2026. The new installment, directed by Andrew Stanton and co‑written with Kenna Harris, brings back the original voice cast—Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack as Jessie, and Tony Hale as Forky—while introducing fresh talent such as Greta Lee, Conan O’Brien, and Scarlett Spears. The soundtrack features a brand‑new track by Taylor Swift and a score from longtime collaborator Randy Newman.
During the special, Hanks shared his enthusiasm about the film’s narrative, describing the experience as "like Christmas morning. What is it going to be? And then when you actually get there and you read it, it’s like, ‘Oh. Oh, this is like a little farther and higher than I thought it was gonna be.’" Allen added that the characters have become inseparable from their voices, saying, "There’s so much of Woody, the character, in Tom Hanks, and I think there’s so much of Buzz in me when we’re together." Greta Lee explained her role as Lilypad, a smart‑tablet toy that serves as the new antagonist, noting that the character was initially conceived as more villainous but ultimately evolved into a more human‑like presence. Tony Hale reflected on the film’s treatment of technology, stating, "They’re not bashing technology. We’re meeting it. But the whole angle of this is that it will never replace true connection. You won’t get away from that." Cusack highlighted the franchise’s generational reach, calling it "the most important thing I’ve done in my whole life."
The original "Toy Story" debuted in 1995 as the first fully computer‑animated feature produced by Pixar in partnership with Disney. Inspired by the 1988 short "Tin Toy," the project was initially storyboarded with Buzz Lightyear named Lunar Larry and Woody called Dummy. A rough cut shown to Disney leadership in 1993 was poorly received, and executives suggested shutting the project down. Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, recalled that the studio was told to "shut it all down, fire all your animators," but a decision was made to give the film another chance. The rewrite softened Woody’s personality, and a second screening was successful, launching a franchise that would later generate three sequels, a spin‑off, theme‑park attractions, and extensive merchandise.
"Toy Story 5" introduces Lilypad, a glossy, frog‑shaped tablet that challenges the toys in a world increasingly dominated by digital play. The plot explores the tension between technology and authentic connection, a theme that the special’s interviewees emphasize as central to the series’ continued relevance.
The broadcast and the forthcoming film underscore the enduring cultural impact of Pixar’s flagship series. With record‑breaking box‑office returns, critical acclaim, and a fan base that spans generations, "Toy Story" remains a cornerstone of Disney’s animation portfolio. ABC’s "Toy Story: 30 Years and Beyond" will air June 12, and "Toy Story 5" will open in theaters on June 19, offering audiences a comprehensive view of the franchise’s past, present, and future.
The special arrives just weeks before the theatrical premiere of "Toy Story 5" on June 19, 2026. The new installment, directed by Andrew Stanton and co‑written with Kenna Harris, brings back the original voice cast—Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack as Jessie, and Tony Hale as Forky—while introducing fresh talent such as Greta Lee, Conan O’Brien, and Scarlett Spears. The soundtrack features a brand‑new track by Taylor Swift and a score from longtime collaborator Randy Newman.
During the special, Hanks shared his enthusiasm about the film’s narrative, describing the experience as "like Christmas morning. What is it going to be? And then when you actually get there and you read it, it’s like, ‘Oh. Oh, this is like a little farther and higher than I thought it was gonna be.’" Allen added that the characters have become inseparable from their voices, saying, "There’s so much of Woody, the character, in Tom Hanks, and I think there’s so much of Buzz in me when we’re together." Greta Lee explained her role as Lilypad, a smart‑tablet toy that serves as the new antagonist, noting that the character was initially conceived as more villainous but ultimately evolved into a more human‑like presence. Tony Hale reflected on the film’s treatment of technology, stating, "They’re not bashing technology. We’re meeting it. But the whole angle of this is that it will never replace true connection. You won’t get away from that." Cusack highlighted the franchise’s generational reach, calling it "the most important thing I’ve done in my whole life."
The original "Toy Story" debuted in 1995 as the first fully computer‑animated feature produced by Pixar in partnership with Disney. Inspired by the 1988 short "Tin Toy," the project was initially storyboarded with Buzz Lightyear named Lunar Larry and Woody called Dummy. A rough cut shown to Disney leadership in 1993 was poorly received, and executives suggested shutting the project down. Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, recalled that the studio was told to "shut it all down, fire all your animators," but a decision was made to give the film another chance. The rewrite softened Woody’s personality, and a second screening was successful, launching a franchise that would later generate three sequels, a spin‑off, theme‑park attractions, and extensive merchandise.
"Toy Story 5" introduces Lilypad, a glossy, frog‑shaped tablet that challenges the toys in a world increasingly dominated by digital play. The plot explores the tension between technology and authentic connection, a theme that the special’s interviewees emphasize as central to the series’ continued relevance.
The broadcast and the forthcoming film underscore the enduring cultural impact of Pixar’s flagship series. With record‑breaking box‑office returns, critical acclaim, and a fan base that spans generations, "Toy Story" remains a cornerstone of Disney’s animation portfolio. ABC’s "Toy Story: 30 Years and Beyond" will air June 12, and "Toy Story 5" will open in theaters on June 19, offering audiences a comprehensive view of the franchise’s past, present, and future.