Tim Allen Says ‘Toy Story 5’ Is ‘a Lot About Jessie,’ Teases ‘Unbelievable’ Opening Scene

Tim Allen is offering fans a hint about which protagonist might be stepping into the spotlight for “Toy Story 5.”

In a new interview with WIVB in Buffalo to promote his upcoming stand-up comedy tour, Allen revealed that he has been spending time in the studio recording dialogue for the upcoming Pixar sequel. And while he could not disclose many specific plot items, he made it clear that Woody and Buzz would be teaming up again and that Joan Cusack’s Jessie could be playing a bigger role.

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“I can tell you that it’s a lot about Jessie,” Allen said. “Tom [Hanks] and I do — Woody and I — do realign. And there’s an unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyears. I can give you that, but I can’t give you much more.”

Note the plural “Lightyears” as well.

“Toy Story 5” was announced at the 2024 D23 Expo. Longtime Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, who contributed to the stories of all four previous “Toy Story” installments but has never directed one, is finally in the director’s chair for this one. Stanton previously directed Pixar hits “WALL-E” and “Finding Nemo” along with the live-action “John Carter” and episodes of “Stranger Things” and “Better Call Saul.”

The announcement of “Toy Story 5” at D23 was accompanied by a still of Bonnie hunched over a tablet while eight of her toys — Woody, Buzz, Rex, Slinky Dog, Hamm, Jessie, Bullseye, and Forky — look on in dismay. In addition to seemingly confirming the return of those characters, the photo suggested that “Toy Story 5” will focus on what happens when children get addicted to technology.

Allen has previously praised the script for “Toy Story 5,” first speaking about it in a 2024 interview with Collider. The actor and comedian explained that he felt the project had enough creative justification to exist, noting that he did not feel like it was a cash grab.

“It’s a very, very clever story,” Allen said of the project “I don’t really believe it’s about the money. I’m sure they want it to be a success, but that’s not why they did it. Had they not come up with a brilliant script, they wouldn’t have done it and they wouldn’t have called me and Tom. It’s really clever.”

“Toy Story 5” is scheduled to hit theaters on June 19, 2026.

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