It’s hard to believe that Toy Story, the film that revolutionized animation and introduced us to Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and a world where toys come to life, turns 30 this year. As Pixar prepares to celebrate this milestone, Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to reflect on the franchise’s legacy and offer an intriguing glimpse into its future with Toy Story 5, set to hit theaters on June 19, 2026.
Docter, a Pixar veteran who joined the studio as its third animator in 1990, was there from the beginning. He served as the supervising animator on the original Toy Story, a project he describes as a labor of love among “a bunch of us nerds” working in what felt like a garage. “The fact that [Toy Story] hit the popular culture was never [expected],” Docter admitted, underscoring the humble origins of a film that would go on to redefine the industry.
Now, three decades and four films later, Pixar is gearing up for a fifth installment—and Docter promises it’s unlike anything fans have seen before. “Things that you’re like, wait, is this a Toy Story movie?” he teased. “But I think it’s exciting to let some of these moments breathe in ways that might be unexpected.” This hint at a slower, more contemplative pace stands in contrast to the accelerating rhythms of modern animation, a shift Docter acknowledges. “Even Toy Story one to Toy Story 4, the level of visual sophistication, including the pacing, we’re just trying to keep in touch with the rhythms of the world and it’s definitely faster,” he explained.
What might this mean for Woody, Buzz, and the gang? While details remain under wraps, Docter’s comments suggest Toy Story 5 could blend the franchise’s signature heart and humor with a fresh storytelling approach, potentially giving audiences time to linger on emotional beats in a way that defies expectations. It’s a bold move for a series that has consistently pushed boundaries since its 1995 debut as the first fully computer-animated feature film.
Docter, whose own resume boasts Oscar-winning hits like Up, Inside Out, and Soul, also touched on the role of artificial intelligence in animation’s future. “Anything we can do to make our lives easier and do some of that heavy lifting is awesome,” he said, embracing AI’s potential to streamline technical processes. Yet he was quick to add a caveat: “At the end of the day, I don’t see it replacing the human storytelling part.” For Docter and Pixar, technology may evolve, but the human touch remains the heartbeat of their work.
Reflecting on the original Toy Story’s enduring appeal, Docter credited its success to more than just pioneering visuals. “Thirty years later you look at it, and to be honest, it sort of looks like a video game now given how far computer animation has come,” he noted. “But I think that’s just a testament to the great acting.” It’s that emotional resonance—brought to life by stellar voice performances from Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and the ensemble cast—that has kept the franchise thriving on Disney+ and beyond.
As anticipation builds for Toy Story 5, fans can also look forward to new merchandise celebrating the franchise’s legacy. A ColourPop x Pixar Toy Story makeup collection and Adidas collaborations are among the offerings rolling out, giving devotees a chance to wear their love for Buzz and Woody on their sleeves—or their faces.
With Pete Docter at the helm of Pixar’s creative vision since 2018, Toy Story 5 promises to honor the past while venturing into uncharted territory. As the studio balances innovation with its storied history, one thing is clear: the toys still have plenty of stories to tell—and surprises up their sleeves. Stay tuned to Trevor Decker News for more updates as this next chapter unfolds.
- Tim Allen Shares Exciting Plot Details for Toy Story 5 - April 17, 2025
- The King of Kings Expands to 3,535 Theaters After $19.3M Box Office Opening - April 17, 2025
- The Life of Chuck Trailer Reveals a Genre-Bending Emotional Journey - April 15, 2025
