Jessie the yodeling cowgirl, voiced by Joan Cusack, has been a beloved member of the Toy Story gang since her debut in 1999’s Toy Story 2. Known for her vintage charm and her role as the star of the 1950s television show “Woody’s Roundup,” Jessie quickly captured the hearts of audiences with her poignant backstory about her previous owner, Emily. This emotional connection was beautifully illustrated in a moving sequence set to Sarah McLachlan’s song “When She Loved Me.” Over the years, Jessie has become an integral part of the franchise, joining Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) on their adventures.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Toy Story 5, fans are eager to learn more about the new plot developments. Tim Allen recently shared insights during an interview with WIVB, revealing that the new film will focus significantly on Jessie. “I can tell you that it’s a lot about Jessie,” Allen stated. He also mentioned that Woody and Buzz will “realign” in the story, teasing an “unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyear.”
The previous installment, Toy Story 4, saw Woody reunite with his long-lost love, Bo Peep (Annie Potts), but ultimately ended with them parting ways from the rest of Bonnie’s toys. This shift set the stage for new dynamics in Toy Story 5, which is directed by Andrew Stanton, known for his work on Finding Nemo and Wall-E. Stanton, who has been a part of the Pixar family since the beginning, expressed his excitement at the D23 convention last year, stating, “As you can imagine, Toy Story holds a special place in my heart. Through the experiences of these toys, we’ve all learned about loyalty, belonging, and friendship.”
Stanton further elaborated on the challenges the toys will face in the new film, stating, “In Toy Story 5, the toys’ jobs get exponentially harder when our toy crew goes head-to-head with what kids are obsessed with today: electronics.” This theme reflects a contemporary struggle for toys as they compete with the allure of digital devices. A first look at the film showed the familiar gang—Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Bullseye, Rex, Slinky Dog, Hamm, and Forky—watching Bonnie as she plays with a tablet, highlighting the clash between traditional play and modern technology.
In addition to the returning favorites, Stanton teased an intriguing plot twist involving “50 rogue commemorative Buzz Lightyear action figures stuck in toy mode that will make considerable problems for everyone.” This nod to the franchise's history connects back to the boxed Buzz figures seen in Toy Story 2, promising a mix of nostalgia and new challenges.
As the film gears up for its release, Pixar’s chief creative officer, Pete Docter, has also shared his thoughts on the evolution of storytelling within the franchise. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter in March, Docter remarked on the changing pace of films. “If you go back and look at Bambi—I’m picking an extreme that’s kind of intentionally slow because it is about nature and watching the changes in seasons and things—I think films have definitely sped up,” he explained. He emphasized that even from the first Toy Story to Toy Story 4, the level of visual sophistication and pacing has evolved to keep pace with the rhythms of contemporary life.
Despite the rapid changes in storytelling and technology, Docter believes that Stanton has successfully captured the essence of what makes the Toy Story series resonate with audiences. “So, I will say Toy Story 5, I think Andrew’s done a really great job of letting moments breathe in unexpected ways,” he added, hinting at a balance between fast-paced action and emotional depth.
Disney and Pixar have officially set the release date for Toy Story 5 in theaters on June 19, 2026, marking another chapter in this iconic franchise. With its rich history and beloved characters, the film is poised to explore new themes while staying true to the core values that have endeared it to fans for over two decades.
As excitement builds among fans of all ages, it's clear that Toy Story 5 promises to deliver a fresh yet familiar experience, inviting audiences back into a world where toys come to life and the bonds of friendship are tested in the face of modern challenges. With a focus on Jessie and the evolving dynamics between the characters, this installment aims to resonate with both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
In the end, as the toys navigate the complexities of their roles in a world increasingly dominated by technology, the heartwarming messages of loyalty, friendship, and the importance of play remain at the forefront. As Stanton poignantly stated, “In all the Toy Story films, above anything else, the job of the toys has been to be there for their kids.”
