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Toy Story 5 Returns Woody After Early Drafts Planned His Absence
On June 9, 2026, Toy Story 5 rolled into Los Angeles, and by June 19 it opened nationwide. Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie return to protect Bonnie’s new obsession, Lilypad—a sleek tablet that becomes her favorite toy—while navigating the bonds that tie them together.
The creative team initially drafted a version that omitted Woody. Kenna Harris, co‑writer, said they were “talking a lot about the lost toys” and wanted to explore Woody’s life after Toy Story 4. The original concept focused on Jessie’s insecurity over Bonnie’s attachment to Lilypad, and the writers decided Woody would be the natural ally Jessie would call in crisis. The team also explored scenarios where Woody would appear only in flashbacks, but ultimately decided his presence was essential to maintain continuity.
Producer Lindsey Collins noted that early plans “pushed to understand” how the story would look without Woody, but the team knew “Woody’s gonna be in the movie” regardless. Collins highlighted Jessie’s relationship with Woody as distinct from her bond with Buzz, a dynamic that anchored the decision to bring him back.
Tom Hanks, who voices Woody, said the character’s motivation has evolved since Toy Story 4. He explained Woody’s original drive was to serve his owner, starting with Andy and then Bonnie. After Toy Story 4, Woody joined Bo Peep on a quest to find discarded toys and has since adopted a similar purpose for the toys he meets.
Director and co‑writer Andrew Stanton revealed that the initial plan to exclude Woody stemmed from uncertainty about how to weave Hanks’ character into the story organically. He said the team wanted to test whether the film could work without Woody, but they ultimately found a way to include him that strengthened the narrative.
The early teaser trailer for Toy Story 5 omitted Woody, sparking speculation that the franchise might end without him, echoing the absence of Andy in Toy Story 4. The trailer showed the toys reacting to Lilypad, but Woody’s absence led to discussions about new characters such as Duke Caboom, voiced by Keanu Reeves, and Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee. Fans compared the absence to the earlier removal of Andy, sparking debate about whether the franchise could survive without its iconic protagonist.
Critics welcomed Toy Story 5 with enthusiasm, earning a 94 % “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Early box‑office projections estimated an opening weekend of at least $150 million, a franchise‑high for the series.
The film’s production involved a $250 million budget, making it one of the most expensive animated films ever made. Randy Newman returned as composer, marking his tenth collaboration with Pixar. Taylor Swift contributed the single “I Knew It, I Knew You” to the soundtrack.
Toy Story 5 is the first main entry in the series without any involvement from co‑creator John Lasseter, who left Pixar in 2018. The cast includes returning voices such as Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear), Joan Cusack (Jessie), John Ratzenberger (Hamm), Wallace Shawn (Rex), and new additions like Conan O’Brien and Bad Bunny. New voices include Conan O’Brien, who lends his humor to a supporting role, and Bad Bunny, whose cameo adds contemporary pop culture flair.
Set two years after Toy Story 4, the narrative follows the toys as they navigate Lilypad’s challenges while preserving their bonds with Bonnie and each other. Jessie’s leadership crisis drives the plot, as the group strives to protect Bonnie’s new favorite plaything. Jessie grapples with feelings of inadequacy as she struggles to assert leadership, prompting the group to rally together and protect Bonnie’s new favorite.
In short, Toy Story 5 returns Woody after early drafts had planned his absence, a decision rooted in Jessie’s arc and the desire to keep the franchise’s core dynamics. The film’s release, critical acclaim, and strong box‑office performance underscore Pixar’s enduring appeal.
The creative team initially drafted a version that omitted Woody. Kenna Harris, co‑writer, said they were “talking a lot about the lost toys” and wanted to explore Woody’s life after Toy Story 4. The original concept focused on Jessie’s insecurity over Bonnie’s attachment to Lilypad, and the writers decided Woody would be the natural ally Jessie would call in crisis. The team also explored scenarios where Woody would appear only in flashbacks, but ultimately decided his presence was essential to maintain continuity.
Producer Lindsey Collins noted that early plans “pushed to understand” how the story would look without Woody, but the team knew “Woody’s gonna be in the movie” regardless. Collins highlighted Jessie’s relationship with Woody as distinct from her bond with Buzz, a dynamic that anchored the decision to bring him back.
Tom Hanks, who voices Woody, said the character’s motivation has evolved since Toy Story 4. He explained Woody’s original drive was to serve his owner, starting with Andy and then Bonnie. After Toy Story 4, Woody joined Bo Peep on a quest to find discarded toys and has since adopted a similar purpose for the toys he meets.
Director and co‑writer Andrew Stanton revealed that the initial plan to exclude Woody stemmed from uncertainty about how to weave Hanks’ character into the story organically. He said the team wanted to test whether the film could work without Woody, but they ultimately found a way to include him that strengthened the narrative.
The early teaser trailer for Toy Story 5 omitted Woody, sparking speculation that the franchise might end without him, echoing the absence of Andy in Toy Story 4. The trailer showed the toys reacting to Lilypad, but Woody’s absence led to discussions about new characters such as Duke Caboom, voiced by Keanu Reeves, and Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee. Fans compared the absence to the earlier removal of Andy, sparking debate about whether the franchise could survive without its iconic protagonist.
Critics welcomed Toy Story 5 with enthusiasm, earning a 94 % “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Early box‑office projections estimated an opening weekend of at least $150 million, a franchise‑high for the series.
The film’s production involved a $250 million budget, making it one of the most expensive animated films ever made. Randy Newman returned as composer, marking his tenth collaboration with Pixar. Taylor Swift contributed the single “I Knew It, I Knew You” to the soundtrack.
Toy Story 5 is the first main entry in the series without any involvement from co‑creator John Lasseter, who left Pixar in 2018. The cast includes returning voices such as Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear), Joan Cusack (Jessie), John Ratzenberger (Hamm), Wallace Shawn (Rex), and new additions like Conan O’Brien and Bad Bunny. New voices include Conan O’Brien, who lends his humor to a supporting role, and Bad Bunny, whose cameo adds contemporary pop culture flair.
Set two years after Toy Story 4, the narrative follows the toys as they navigate Lilypad’s challenges while preserving their bonds with Bonnie and each other. Jessie’s leadership crisis drives the plot, as the group strives to protect Bonnie’s new favorite plaything. Jessie grapples with feelings of inadequacy as she struggles to assert leadership, prompting the group to rally together and protect Bonnie’s new favorite.
In short, Toy Story 5 returns Woody after early drafts had planned his absence, a decision rooted in Jessie’s arc and the desire to keep the franchise’s core dynamics. The film’s release, critical acclaim, and strong box‑office performance underscore Pixar’s enduring appeal.