Toy Story 5 Teaser Trailer Introduces New Characters, What's the Threat This Time?

The first teaser trailer for Toy Story 5, released on November 11, 2025.

The trailer dramatically introduced Lilypad, a frog-shaped smart tablet depicted as a new threat to playtime.

The character is voiced by Greta Lee.

In the trailer, beloved classic toys like Rex, Slinky, Forky, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Jessie, Bullseye, and Alien are seen reacting with obvious fear to Lilypad's arrival.

This moment is accentuated by the song "Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS.

The teaser also carries the provocative tagline: "the toy era is over," hinting at the film's central conflict.

Directors Andrew Stanton and Kenna Harris explained that the teaser is a glimpse into how the old toys will face challenges in an era of ever-evolving technology.

The development of the fifth film in the Toy Story series was first confirmed in February 2023 by Disney CEO Bob Iger.

After much anticipation, the official release date for Toy Story 5 was announced for June 19, 2026, in US theaters.

Andrew Stanton, a Pixar veteran who previously wrote the original screenplay for Toy Story and directed successful films like Finding Nemo and WALL-E, was announced as director in June 2024.

Kenna Harris, known for her work on Ciao Alberto, will serve as co-director, while Lindsey Collins (producer of Turning Red and WALL-E) will produce.

Toy Story 5 will be the first major film in the series without the involvement of John Lasseter, one of the co-creators who left Pixar in late 2018.

However, Pete Docter, Pixar's chief creative officer, stated in February 2023 that the film will be "surprising" and have "cool things you've never seen before," promising innovation despite changes in the core creative team.

The main plot of Toy Story 5 will center on the theme of "toy meets tech."

The new character, Lilypad, a smart tablet introduced in the teaser, will be the main antagonist.

She aims to disrupt playtime and separate Bonnie from her existing toys.

Jessie, now the leader of Bonnie's toy collection, will face an uphill battle to keep the original toys happy amidst feelings of abandonment.

Tim Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear, hinted that the story will focus more on Jessie's character arc.

He also confirmed that Woody and Buzz will reunite for this grand adventure, with Allen noting the "amazing" opening scene for Buzz Lightyear.

The film will also pick up where Toy Story 4 left off.

Concept art suggests Woody will return with a new look, including the addition of a poncho to his cowboy outfit.

There are also hints of an army of 50 Buzz Lightyears stuck in play mode.

Toy Story 5 will bring back the iconic voice cast that has become endearing to fans.

Tom Hanks will return as Woody, while Tim Allen will reprise the character of Buzz Lightyear.

Joan Cusack will also return as Jessie, and Tony Hale as Forky.

Blake Clark will return as the voice of Slinky Dog.

In addition to familiar faces, Toy Story 5 also introduces exciting new characters. Greta Lee, known for films like Past Lives, will voice Lilypad, a frog-shaped smart tablet who serves as the main antagonist.

Conan O'Brien will voice Smarty Pants, a potty-training technology toy.

Ghostbusters' Ernie Hudson will take over the role of Combat Carl, replacing the late Carl Weathers, while Anna Faris will play an undisclosed role.

Three other new additions seen in the promo art are Atlas, Smarty Pants, and Snappy.

Tim Allen revealed in mid-December 2024 that he had begun recording dialogue, stating that the story was "really good."

Tom Hanks also confirmed that he had begun recording dialogue in April 2025.