The first time Andy wrote his name on the bottom of Woody’s boot, it felt like a pinky promise to every kid in the 90s. We grew up. We went to uni. We cried in 2010 when Andy drove away. Then we cried again in 2019 when Woody handed his badge to Jessie. Most of us thought that was it. The story was cooked. Done. Dusted.
But then yesterday, Feb. 19, 2026, Pixar released the first full trailer for Toy Story 5, and now the “toy box” has been blown wide open. Within minutes, social media was inundated with clips of a high-tech frog, a bald cowboy, and an army of Buzz Lightyears. This is not a sequel that exists just for the sake of existing. This film sounds like a showdown between the toys we adore and the gadgets that have crashed our living rooms.
They’re calling it the “Toy meets Tech” war. After watching the trailer, it’s clear: Pixar is tackling the one thing all parents these days struggle with – the iPad. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect in theatres next week (June 19, 2026).
The New Face of Evil: Meet Lilypad
Every great story needs someone you love to hate. Sid had his rocket. Lotso had his strawberry scent. Who is the main villain of Toy Story 5? Well, she’s small, she’s green, and let’s face it: She’s pretty much definitely more powerful than all of Bonnie’s toys combined.
The villain is Lilypad, a technologically enhanced frog-shaped smart tablet. She’s played by Greta Lee, whom you may recognise from the movie Past Lives. Lilypad is no mean toy; she’s an existential menace. She represents “Big Tech.”
In the trailer, Lilypad is shown recording Bonnie’s private conversations and subtly manipulating the child’s attention. She tells the old-school toys, “Bonnie needs help from someone, at least from the same century. ” It’s cold. It’s calculated. And honestly?
It’s a little bit scary because it’s so close to home. As the recent BBC News piece on Pixar’s 2026 slate points out, this is a movie aiming to bridge the nostalgia and digital reality of childhood these days.
The Return of the Sheriff
We finally know the answer to the biggest question on everyone’s lips since the film was first announced. Will Tom Hanks return as Woody in Toy Story 5? The answer is a massive yes.
It’s official. The trailer opens with a big reunion. Jessie has become the sheriff of Bonnie’s room, but the influence of Lilypad is so intense that even the toys recognise they are outgunned. Jessie sends out a “call for help” that is picked up by the travelling carnival, where Woody has been living with Bo Peep.
Tom Hanks is returning to the recording booth. He even posted a “first day of work” shot on social media back in late 2025 to get the fans buzzing. But there’s a catch. Woody isn’t quite the pristine cowboy he used to be.
The internet has gone absolutely mental over a scene where Woody takes his hat off, revealing a “receding hairline” or a bald spot. It’s become an instant meme. People are joking that even fictional toys can’t escape the stresses of middle age.
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Is This the End or Just a New Beginning?
When Disney gets a hit, they usually keep the wheels spinning. So, of course, fans are now wondering: Will there be a Toy Story 6? As of now, Disney and Pixar haven’t given the go-ahead for a sixth film. They’re playing it cool. But just in numbers, it is pretty much a dead cert. Toy Story 3 and 4 each shattered the $1 billion barrier at the global box office.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has also been pretty open about how they’re relying on their massive franchises to right the ship. Industry sources quoted in a Sky News business report believe that if Toy Story 5 grosses as expected this summer, a sixth instalment will be confirmed by the end of the year. For now, the only date that matters is June 19, 2026.
Smarty Pants and 50 Buzz Lightyears
The trailer gave us a few more “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” moments that have the fan forums going wild.
- The Buzz Army: There’s an opening sequence involving a crashed shipping container. We see an army of roughly 50 Buzz Lightyears—all stuck in “demo mode”—trying to build a raft on a tropical island. It looks like absolute chaos and quintessential Pixar comedy.
- New Voices: Conan O’Brien has joined the cast as Smarty Pants, a toilet-training tech toy. Just imagine Conan’s frantic energy coming out of a plastic gadget.
- A Touching Handover: Ernie Hudson has taken over the role of Combat Carl. This follows the sad passing of the legendary Carl Weathers. It’s a nice nod to the character’s history.
The Struggle for Bonnie’s Room
What makes this film feel different is the “Real World” tension. The trailer depicts Bonnie perpetually distracted by Lilypad’s screen. The toys — Buzz, Rex, Slinky, and the gang — are literally gathering dust in the corner.
It’s a tale about being replaced not by a better toy, but by an algorithm. It looks like director Andrew Stanton, who is returning to the franchise, is ramping up his whole “Toy meets Tech” theme hard. After all, the objective isn’t just to defeat a villain; it’s to remind a child that real-life tactile play matters.
Toy Story 5: Quick Reference Guide
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 19 June 2026 |
| Main Villain | Lilypad (Smart Tablet) |
| Lead Voice | Tom Hanks (Woody) |
| Director | Andrew Stanton |
| New Cast Member | Conan O’Brien (Smarty Pants) |
The Verdict So Far
Look, I was sceptical. I felt like Toy Story 4 was a perfect, albeit heart-wrenching, ending. But having the toys fight a tablet seems like the right “final boss” for this series. It’s relevant. It’s funny. And seeing Woody and Buzz reunited on the big screen again just feels right.
Anyway, I’ve already got my tickets pencilled in for June. If you’re a parent, a 90s kid, or just someone who likes a good cry in a dark room with strangers, you probably will too.
The real question is, can Woody actually win against an iPad? Or is the age of the plastic cowboy finally over? Guess we’ll find out this summer.
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Frequently Asked Question
Who is the main villain of Toy Story 5?
The main villain here is Lilypad, a frog-shaped smart tablet (voiced by Greta Lee). She symbolises the invasive quality of present-day tech and tries to get Bonnie to abandon her physical toys.
Will Tom Hanks return as Woody in Toy Story 5?
Tom Hanks will officially return to voice Woody. The trailer indicates he gets back together with Buzz and the gang when Jessie ropes him in to handle the tech threat in Bonnie’s room.
Will there be a Toy Story 6?
As of February 2026, no sixth film has been officially confirmed. But Disney has hinted that if franchises are still popular and lucrative, they will continue.
Why is Woody’s hair a trending topic?
In the new trailer, there’s a humorous moment where Woody removes his hat and reveals a thinning patch on his head. This has caused the “Woody’s bald spot” meme to trend across the UK and US.
Is Tim Allen back as Buzz Lightyear?
Yes, Tim Allen is returning to voice Buzz. Contrary to some speculation prompted by an earlier teaser and new photos/footage, his iconic voice is well-represented in the trailer as he guides the toys alongside Jessie.
