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

Even though I'm a massive fan of the franchise, I can't help but feel like Toy Story 5 is pretty unnecessary, but I would look forward to the fourth sequel a lot more if the overall arc took a specific and intriguing turn. with Toy Story 5The release date confirmed as June 19, 2026, there is still a notable wait until the movie hits cinema screens. The story details so far are very sparse. While many characters may return Toy Story 5Some comebacks would make a lot more sense than others.

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

Toy Story 5 moving away from Woody and Buzz would make the sequel worth it

Pixar needs to introduce new main characters to make sure the Toy Story franchise can continue

Buzz and Woody have long been the talismans of the Toy Story Franchise - even if the fourth movie was essentially a Toy Story 3 Epilogue focusing on Woody's struggle to move on from Andy. Regardless, Buzz also played a huge role in making the series a success. I have grown to see their dynamic evolve from bitter rivalry and become an unbreakable friendship. That being said, I really hope so Toy Story 5 Starts to move away from both characters for the longevity of the franchise.

Toy Story 4 Already felt like a deviation from a solid, planned trilogy. The fact that it was made at all suggests that Pixar isn't averse to continuing to make these movies — even if the overall series has its legacy somewhat tarnished as a result. with Toy Story 5 Along the way, I wouldn't be surprised if more sequels materialize along the line. if so, The follow-ups surely cannot continue to thrust Buzz and Woody into the limelight When so much of their story has already been told.

At a certain point, new main characters need to replace the Space Ranger and the Cowboy. I think It would be a bit too abrupt for this process to happen at runtime Toy Story 5But the upcoming sequel can certainly start the process. That way, a speculative Toy Story 6, 7Or next wouldn't need to rely so heavily on Buzz and Woody. While their farewell at the end of Toy Story 4 Teasing that the change has already happened, their immediate reunion one movie later suggests the opposite.

Toy Story 4 already said goodbye to Woody (so what changed?)

The upcoming 2026 sequel obscures Woody's difficult exit

I'm sure I'm not alone in admitting to shedding a tear or two during it Toy Story 3It's the end. The letters might be saying goodbye to Andy, but I also knew they were in safe hands with Bonnie. Toy Story 4Its ending is also emotional but for a different reason. With Woody breaking away from the toys to live free from ownership, Tom Hank's character was separating himself from the main cast. It was, in many ways, sadder than the end of the third movie. however, Pixar is already restoring the moment by bringing Woody back in Toy Story 5.

When a sequel was announced, I was immediately convinced that Woody would return. Although Toy Story 5 Could (and probably should) have honored Woody's departureThe idea of ​​making a movie about Bonnie's toys without his presence is just not right. I'm sure Pixar felt similarly because the dyad of Buzz and Woody is what the franchise lives and breathes through. So, the friends participating about forever in the end of Toy Story 4 Was always destined to be recounted as soon as Toy Story 5 was revealed to be happening.

Why Toy Story will probably never move away from Woody, Buzz and the others

Replacing the faces of the Toy Story franchise could hurt the profitability of the movies

Despite my strong feelings about Pixar not continuing to churn out Buzz and Woody over and over again, I'm also very aware that it's unlikely to hold up in future sequels. These characters are just too integral to the franchise's success, and placing any other character at the forefront after so many years would surely be a recipe for failure. These movies are so successful in large part due to the familiarity of the characters and the nostalgia they instill. This is not only true for Buzz and Woody, but also for Rex, Ham, Slinky and all the other toys.

on the other hand, Pixar has already demonstrated a willingness to say goodbye to established characters and exchange them for suitable replacements. Therefore, if the studio were to leave Buzz and Woody behind, I really believe they would do a great job of pulling it off. Some evidence for this can even be found in the Toy Story franchise itself, with Andy replaced by Bonnie at the end of the third movie. so, Toy Story 5 The gradual exit of Buzz and Woody would not be entirely unprecedented.