Summary
After teasing one of its main character’s villainous side in the first twoToy Storymovies,Toy Story 5is finally embracing this compelling-yet-unexplored arc. Although few details were revealed duringD23’s announcements forToy Story 5, it’s been confirmed that Pixar’s latest sequel will see the toys grappling with a new threat to their existence: technology. Although the Toy Story franchise has tackled a ton of interesting topics, from toy collectors to what happens to toys at preschool,the fifth installment will explore how the generation of so-called “iPad kids” affects traditional toys' experiencesand purposes.
Directed by Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo),Toy Story 5sees the franchise’s biggest characters returning for the tale. Tom Hanks will once again voice the toys' de facto leader, Sheriff Woody, whileTim Allen will return as Buzz Lightyear— something that’s being applauded by fans after the failure of the Chris Evans-starringLightyearspin-off. WhileToy Story 5may make room for Andy’s return, it seems like Bonnie will be the tech-obsessed kid that the toys have to contend with. However, Stanton made clear that technology isn’t the movie’s only looming threat to the toys' existences.
Buzz Lightyear Is The Official Villain Of Toy Story 5
Although Technology Is An Existential Threat, An Army Of Malfunctioning Buzz Lightyears Will Also Play A Role
While the toys versus tech angle is an incredibly compelling thread, it’s far fromToy Story 5’s only interesting wrinkle. At D23, theToy Story 5panel confirmed that Allen’s Buzz Lightyear won’t just be one of the movie’s protagonists. After a fairly lackluster role in the otherwise well-receivedToy Story 4, Buzz will return in a very new way for the fifth outing. Evidently,an army of 50 Buzz Lightyear action figures, all of which are malfunctioning, will serve as additional antagonists. Although Buzz may not be as big a threat as technology, the Lightyear army is intriguing.
[There’s] no denying that Buzz’s villainy has been showcased in previous outings — whether intentionally or not…
However, in the wake of the D23 panel, fans' reactions have been decidedly mixed, with many fearing that Pixar is recycling old plot points (viaInside the Magic). Given how fresh otherToy Storymoviesfelt,some would-be viewers are concerned thatToy Story 5isn’t introducing a brand-new villain, à la the Prospector from the second movie or Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear from the third outing. Still, there’s no denying that Buzz’s villainy has been showcased in previous outings — whether intentionally or not — so it’s nice to see Pixar committing to this idea.
Pixar Just Admitted To Its Biggest Lightyear Mistake With This Toy Story 5 Reveal
Pixar has finally revealed important information about Toy Story 5, and it corrects a recent issue with Buzz that’s arisen in recent years.
Toy Story 1 & 2 Teased Buzz As A Villain But Changed Course
Buzz’s Other Modes Have Caused Problems For Woody & The Gang
When Buzz is introduced in the originalToy Story, he’s an antagonist — at least from Woody’s point of view. The sheriff has long been Andy’s favorite toy, but Buzz, with his flashy features, is positioned to replace Woody. Even Andy’s other toys admire Buzz’s cool traits and inherent leadership skills. Of course,Woody and Buzz unite against the threatof Sid, Andy’s sadistic neighbor who becomes the movie’s main villain. Even the sequels tease Buzz’s antagonistic appeal:Toy Story 2’s factory-mode Buzz causes major issues, whileToy Story 3’s Spanish-mode Buzz hinders the toys' daring daycare escape.
Pixar Forgot It Already Told Buzz Lightyear’s Origin Story
Lightyear is an exciting look at the movie that inspired the toy, but Pixar copies the Space Ranger’s character arc from Buzz’s first origin movie.
Toy Story 5’s Buzz Lightyear Villain Story Can’t Copy The First Two Movies
The Buzz Army Should Be Truly Evil In Toy Story 5
FromBuzz Lightyear’s arc inToy Storyto the character’s missteps in the first two sequels, Pixar has always redeemed Tim Allen’s lovable action figure. However, to stand out and keep things feeling fresh,Toy Story 5can’t follow the same road map. Instead,the fifthToy Storyouting should keep the Buzz army villainous; just because they share the same face as Woody’s Buzz, that doesn’t mean they need to suddenly see the light. If Pixar is really going to commit to Buzz Lightyear being a villain inToy Story 5, it must go all the way.
Toy Story 5is slated to be released on July 12, 2025.
Toy Story 5
Toy Story 5 follows Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the rest of the gang as they confront a new challenge to playtime posed by advanced technology. Set to release in 2026, this installment continues the beloved Toy Story series with its familiar cast facing modern dilemmas.
