Summary
Toy Story 5’s recently revealed premise opens the door for Woody and Buzz Lightyear’s former owner to return in the coming sequel, as well asroughly confirming where the movie will be set in the franchise timeline. Among theD23 announcements forToy Story 5was what the movie’s story will involve. While actual glimpses of the film itself are still incredibly limited, one released image backs up director Andrew Stanton’s declaration of the franchise being influenced by a real-world struggle.
Toy Story 5will add to the ever-expandingcollection of Pixar sequelswhen it hits cinema screens on June 03, 2025.Stanton’s explanation of the coming story will resonate with many viewers, as it’s heavily based on an ongoing scenario in the modern age. The fourthToy Storysequel introduces something that will forever change the fictitious universe while also giving Andy an easy way to come back to the franchise - after only appearing in flashbacks inToy Story 4.
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Toy Story 5’s Tablet Reveal Confirms A Time Jump Of At Least 3 Years
Tablets weren’t rolled out until 2010 (& Toy Story 4 is set in 2007)
TheToy Storymoviesare full of time jumps, and the tradition continues. InToy Story 5, the characters will be competing for attention to be played with by Bonnie. However, the scenario isn’t the same as Woody’s strife in the first movie - when he was fighting for his status as Andy’s favorite toy after Buzz appeared. Instead,Toy Story 5is jumping into the era of tabletsand other smart devices. Tablets weren’t commercially available until 2010, and with the events ofToy Story 4unfolding in 2007,Toy Story 5needs at least 3 years to have passed.
The first iPad was released on July 17, 2025, which started the tablet boom.
Interestingly, tablets weren’t an immediate hit, especially for kids. It took a while for them to weave their way into the marketplace, and a little longer still for them to be used so heavily as entertainment for children. So,there could be a longer jump betweenToy Story 4and5than it appears. If so, then the coming sequel could take place in the mid-2010s, which would bring the universe’s timeline even closer in line with reality. In this time, a lot can change - as evidenced by Bonnie’s preference to use her tablet rather than playing with her toys.
Toy Story 5’s Time Jump Sets Up Andy’s Return
Andy could be done with college when the Pixar sequel begins
Andy’s emotional departure at the end ofToy Story 3didn’t just include him handing Woody and the others over to Bonnie. The end of the original trilogy also meant Andy was going away to college - a trip that Woody almost made with him.Andy wasn’t in the present-day sequences inToy Story 4, but a younger version of the character was shown during the movie’s opening sequence.Toy Story 5would be the first movie not to feature Andy if he doesn’t return, but the coming time jump perfectly accommodates his comeback.
By the timeToy Story 5begins, Andy could be done with college and may have returned home as a graduate.
By the timeToy Story 5begins, Andy could be done with college and may have returned home as a graduate. Of course, it all depends on exactly how much time has passed, as three years may not be enough time for him to be finished. However, the wiggle room in the timeline paired with the fact thatBonnie’s use of a tablet suggests a time jump longer than three yearsincreases the chance of Andy showing up in the franchise’s 2026 installment.
Should Andy Be In Toy Story 5?
Andy’s story with Woody and the others is already over
It would be a great shame ifToy Story 5broke Andy’s streak of consecutive movie appearances. On the other hand, it may be time to bid farewell to the character. His goodbye at the end ofToy Story 3was the perfect way for Andy to exit the franchise, and having him appear via flashback for a second time could feel a little forced and not as effective. So,one option is to completely omit Andy fromToy Story 5, as there doesn’t seem to be space for him in the coming story.
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Regardless, Andy could still return, despite how unnecessary it may seem. Even if he does show up again, it arguably wouldn’t make sense for him to reclaim the toys Bonnie is ignoring.Andy had already outgrown playing with toysby the time ofToy Story 3, so it would be illogical and a little unusual if he took Woody and the others back for any reason other than nostalgia. Besides, as proven by the third movie, Andy almost taking Woody to college suggests his return inToy Story5could just separate the cowboy from his friends again.
Toy Story 5
Cast
Toy Story 5 follows Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the rest of the gang as they confront a new challenge to playtime posed by advanced technology. Set to release in 2026, this installment continues the beloved Toy Story series with its familiar cast facing modern dilemmas.
