(courtesy IMP Awards)
SNAPSHOT
In Toy Story 5, we’re introduced to a new character Lilypad, a high-tech frog-shaped smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee that makes Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang’s jobs exponentially harder when they have to go head to head with the all-new threat to playtime. Tom Hanks returns as ever loyal cowboy Woody, Tim Allen reports for duty as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack saddles up again as the rootin’ tootin’ cowgirl Jessie. It was recently announced that Conan O’Brien will also be a part of the voice cast as toilet training tech toy, Smarty Pants. Pixar’s Toy Story 5 is directed by American filmmaker Andrew Stanton, director of the movies A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, Wall-E, John Carter, Finding Dory, and eps of Stranger Things, Tales from the Loop, For All Mankind, and 3 Body Problem recently. Co-directed by Kenna Harris (of Ciao Alberto). The screenplay is also written by Andrew Stanton. Produced by Lindsey Collins (Turning Red, Wall-E, Finding Dory). Made by Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, CA. ( courtesy First Showing)
With the beloved Toy Story franchise turning 31-years-old next year, the franchise is taking Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the whole rootin’ tootin’ gang to where it all began – a facedown with technology.
This time the threat though, in the form of a smart tablet charmingly called Lilypad, is far more potent than a spaceman with delusions of grandeur and some cool tricks, and it’s going to be interesting to see how everyone deals with a whole new focus for Bonnie’s attention.
Co-directors Andrew Stanton & Kenna Harris had this to say about the looming battle between the toys and their electronically-enhanced new playroom companion.
It’s been a hilarious and poignant journey exploring how our favorite team of legacy toys might respond to today’s world of technology, and we’re thrilled to share this first glimpse with audiences. Having the remarkably talented Greta Lee bring Lilypad to life — balancing a playfully antagonistic tone with humor and heart — has been incredible.
Whatever goes down, and it’s bound to be trademark mix of hilarious slapstick and heart-tugging searing emotional honesty, it’s going to be wonderful to be back in the playroom when Toy Story 5 releases in cinemas on 18 June 2026 in Australia and 19 June in U.S.