Toy Story 5 will win me over if it’s brave enough to do what all the other sequels have avoided

Although I’m a huge fan of the franchise, I can’t help but feel that Toy Story 5 It’s not necessary, but I would be more eagerly awaiting the fourth sequel if the overall storyline took a concrete and intriguing turn. WITH Toy Story 5The release date has been confirmed as June 19, 2026, but there is still a long way to go before the film hits theaters. Details of the story are still very scarce. Although many characters may return Toy Story 5some returns would make a lot more sense than others.

Toy Story 5 As D23 reveals, a core group of characters will play a role, but how prominent they will be remains unclear. The confirmation that Tom Hanks and Tim Allen will reprise their roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear is welcome news. However, the franchise’s potential future may depend on a character overhaul—and that starts with Toy Story 5. Otherwise, other sequels may become even more stagnant. At this point, I have little doubt that they will continue to make Pixar a lot of money, but the long-term creativity of the franchise must be considered.

Toy Story 5: A move away from Woody and Buzz would make the sequel worth it

Pixar needs to introduce new main characters so that the Toy Story franchise can move forward.

Buzz and Woody have long been mascots Toy Story franchise – even if the fourth film was essentially Toy Story 3 an epilogue dedicated to Woody’s attempts to leave Andy. However, Buzz also played a huge role in the series’ success. I grew up watching their dynamic evolve from bitter rivalry to unbreakable friendship. At the same time, I really hope Toy Story 5 begins to move away from both characters for the sake of the longevity of the franchise.

Toy Story 4 already felt like a departure from the cohesive, planned trilogy. So, the very fact that it was made at all suggests that Pixar isn’t averse to continuing to make these films – even if the legacy of the entire series is a little tarnished as a result. WITH Toy Story 5 By the way, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are even more sequels in the future. If so, The sequels, of course, won’t be able to continue bringing Buzz and Woody into the spotlight. when most of their story has already been told.

At some point, new main characters must replace Space Ranger and Cowboy. I think it would be too unexpected if this process happened during execution Toy Story 5but the upcoming sequel could certainly start that process. Thus, speculative Toy Story 6, 7or even more, you won’t have to rely so much on Buzz and Woody. Although their goodbye is at the end Toy Story 4 teases that this change has already occurred, their immediate reunion one film later suggests otherwise.

Toy Story 4 Has Already Said Goodbye to Woody (So What Has Changed?)

Upcoming 2026 sequel undoes Woody’s difficult exit

I’m sure I’m not the only one who admitted to shedding a few tears during Toy Story 3ends. The characters may have been saying goodbye to Andy, but I also knew that he and Bonnie were in good hands. Toy Story 4The ending was also emotional, but for a different reason. When Woody gave up toys to live a property-free life, Tom Hank’s character split from the main cast. In many ways it was sadder than the ending of the third film. However, Pixar is already killing it by bringing back Woody V Toy Story 5.

When another sequel was announced, I was immediately convinced that Woody would be returning. Although Toy Story 5 could (and probably should have) honored Woody’s passingthe thought of making a movie about Bonnie’s toys without him being there is simply inappropriate. I’m sure Pixar felt the same way because the Buzz and Woody dyad is what the franchise lives and breathes. So, at the end of the journey, friends part forever. Toy Story 4 was always intended to be reconnected as soon as Toy Story 5 it turned out that this was happening.

Why Toy Story Will Probably Never Move Beyond Woody, Buzz, and Others

Changing the faces of the Toy Story franchise could hurt the films’ profitability

Despite my strong feelings about Pixar not continuing to produce Buzz and Woody over and over again, I’m also very aware that this is unlikely to stop with future sequels. The characters are too important to the success of the franchise, and putting any other characters at the forefront after so many years would certainly be a recipe for failure. Movies are so successful largely because of the familiarity of the characters and the nostalgia they inspire. This applies not only to Buzz and Woody, but also to Rex, Ham, Slinky and all other toys.

On the other side, Pixar has already shown a willingness to say goodbye to established characters. and replace them with suitable ones. So if the studio wanted to leave Buzz and Woody behind, I truly believe they would do a great job. Some evidence of this can even be found in Toy Story the franchise itself, with Andy replacing Bonnie at the end of the third film. So, Toy Story 5 The beginning of Buzz and Woody’s gradual departure would not be entirely unprecedented.