Disney and Pixar have officially confirmed that *Toy Story 5* is currently in production, with a theatrical release scheduled for June 19, 2026. Directed by Andrew Stanton, the upcoming sequel continues the iconic franchise that launched in 1995, following the events of the 2019 installment, *Toy Story 4*.
What to Expect from Toy Story 5
Disney CEO Bob Iger first announced the development of a fifth *Toy Story* film during a quarterly earnings call in February 2023. According to official announcements from Disney’s D23 event, the plot will shift the focus toward the toys facing off against modern technology. Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter confirmed that the film will feature a storyline where the characters encounter a group of malfunctioning toys, specifically “the 50” units of the Buzz Lightyear action figure that have gone rogue. This marks a tonal shift for the series, which has historically centered on the relationship between toys and their human owners.
The Creative Team Behind the Sequel
Andrew Stanton, who served as a writer on all four previous *Toy Story* films and directed *Finding Nemo* and *WALL-E*, is returning to direct the fifth chapter. His involvement is viewed by industry analysts as a strategic move to maintain the franchise’s emotional resonance. While the voice cast for the main ensemble, including Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, has not been finalized in official press releases, both actors have expressed public interest in returning to their roles.
How Toy Story 5 Fits into Pixar’s Current Slate
The release of *Toy Story 5* is part of a broader shift at Pixar Animation Studios to prioritize established intellectual property. This strategy follows the box-office performance of *Inside Out 2*, which became the highest-grossing animated film of all time in 2024, according to [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt22022452/).
| Feature | Details |
| :— | :— |
| Release Date | June 19, 2026 |
| Director | Andrew Stanton |
| Primary Studio | Pixar Animation Studios |
| Distribution | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toy Story 5 a reboot?
No, it is a direct sequel to the existing franchise, continuing the narrative established in the previous four films.
Will the original characters return?
While Disney has not released a comprehensive cast list, the studio has confirmed the return of core characters, and the film is intended to be a continuation of the main saga.
Why is Pixar focusing on sequels?
According to statements made by Pete Docter in interviews with [Variety](https://variety.com/2023/film/news/pixar-sequels-original-movies-pete-docter-1235641775/), the studio is balancing original storytelling with audience demand for established characters, aiming to leverage the strong emotional connection viewers have with legacy brands.