TOY STORY 5 test selection reaction reveals if it’s an interesting addition to the long-running franchise
After a series of disappointments at the box office (TRON: Ares being the latest), Disney is hoping to get back to what works with its upcoming theatrical releases. That means sequels and more sequels, and Toy Story 5 hits theaters next year.
The film will pit toys against technology; after all, how can Woody and Buzz compete with a tablet?
Jessie will be in charge of Bonnie’s room at the start of the film, with the battle against a frog-like tablet named Lilypad bringing Woody back into the mix. Concept art, meanwhile, revealed that an army of 50 Buzz Lightyears stuck in game mode would pose problems for our heroes.
There has been an understandable level of skepticism around Disney’s decision to make another one. Toy story film, especially since the franchise has already had two fairly perfect farewells with the third and fourth films.
We might have some positive news on that today, as Skyler Shuler of The DisInsider (via Toonado.com) revealed, “Apparently there was a test screening of Toy Story 5 last week, and the people there loved it, and one person said, ‘Again, another heartfelt film in this franchise.'”
So this feels like a victory for the House of Mouse at a time when it could sorely need one. Toy Story 5 has the potential to do something really exciting by exploring the impact of technology on children, and pitting Woody, Buzz and Jessie against Lilypad is undeniably a new direction to take the franchise.
“I think [writer and director] Andrew did a really good job of letting the moments breathe in unexpected ways. » ” Pixar co-chief creative officer Pete Docter told The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year. “The things that [make you think]“Wait, is this a Toy Story movie?” ”, with some of his choices, which I think we need at this point. We’ve already had four. We need to keep people surprised, so it’ll be fun.”
“It was important to us at the time Toy Story came out, there weren’t a lot of films that did that. There were a lot that were like four kids and nothing other than maybe Japan or something for adults.” he added. “And so our goal was, in the same way [Steven] Spielberg did it with Indiana Jones and Star Wars with George Lucas, we’d like to incorporate animation into something that us 20- and 30-year-olds can enjoy. »
Written and directed by Andrew Stanton, Toy Story 5 stars Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack as Jessie, Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl, Tony Hale as Forky, Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants and Anna Faris as Lilypad.
Toy Story 5 is scheduled to hit theaters on June 19, 2026.
