The first teaser trailer for Toy Story 5 has arrived, presenting a modern dilemma for Woody and Buzz: the battle for a child’s attention against a high-tech tablet. Released by Pixar on November 11, 2025, the trailer introduces a sleek, new character that threatens to make our favorite classic toys obsolete.
The brief clip, set to the song “Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS, shows a package being delivered to Bonnie Anderson, the little girl who inherited Andy’s toys. As Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang watch in anticipation, the package is opened to reveal a frog-framed smart tablet named Lilypad, who cheerfully beckons to Bonnie, “Let’s play!” The toys look on in horror as Bonnie reacts with sheer delight, leaving them facing an uncertain future. The trailer’s tagline drives the conflict home: “The age of toys is over.”
The New Digital Character
The central new character, Lilypad, is a high-tech, frog-shaped smart tablet. Pixar describes her as an “all-new threat to playtime” who makes the jobs of Buzz, Woody, and the gang “exponentially harder.” She is voiced by Greta Lee, known for her roles in Past Lives and Tron: Ares.
The directors of the film, Andrew Stanton and Kenna Harris, shared their excitement about the new character.
“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,” they said in a statement. “Having the remarkably talented Greta Lee bring Lilypad to life — balancing a playfully antagonistic tone with humor and heart — has been incredible.”
Returning Favorites and New Voices
The film brings back the iconic voice cast that fans have loved for decades. Tom Hanks returns as Sheriff Woody, and Tim Allen is back as space ranger Buzz Lightyear. They are joined by Joan Cusack as Jessie, with other returning cast including Blake Clark as Slinky Dog and Tony Hale as Forky.
The movie also introduces several new voices to the franchise. Comedian Conan O’Brien joins as a toilet training tech assistant called Smarty Pants. Following the passing of Carl Weathers, Ernie Hudson will take over the role of Combat Carl.
Behind the Scenes and Thematic Conflict
Andrew Stanton, who has a long history with the Toy Story franchise as a writer on the first four films and as the director of Finding Nemo and Wall-E, directs the fifth installment. This film marks the directorial debut of Kenna Harris, who has previously worked on other Pixar projects. The film is produced by Lindsey Collins.
The core theme of toys versus technology is a direct reflection of contemporary parental concerns about children’s screen time. The storyline explores how traditional physical toys stay relevant in a world where digital devices increasingly captivate children. This plot grounds the animated sequel in a relatable, real-world challenge.
Release Date and Franchise Context
Toy Story 5 is scheduled for release in theaters on June 19, 2026. This will place the film’s debut nearly 31 years after the original Toy Story movie revolutionized animation in 1995.
The Toy Story franchise is Pixar’s most successful, with the previous four films having grossed more than $3.3 billion worldwide. The upcoming film arrives at a pivotal time for Pixar. Its most recent release, Elio, had the worst box office opening in the company’s history. The 2022 spin-off film Lightyear was also a box-office disappointment. The performance of Toy Story 5 will be closely watched as the studio returns to one of its most beloved and profitable franchises.
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