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Toy Story 5 Confronts the Screen-First Childhood as New Preview Showcases Multi-Buzz

Director Andrew Stanton describes an existential story about fading play, with a tablet called Lilypad embodying the threat.

Overview

  • Stanton tells Empire the film is less a battle than a realization that children are no longer playing with toys, framing the sequel as a response to changing childhood.
  • Empire’s new feature and JoBlo’s coverage reveal an army of Buzz Lightyear toys dubbed the Multi-Buzz, highlighted in a fresh image from the 2026 preview issue.
  • Annecy attendees previously saw the opening setup with multiple Buzz Lightyears awakening in isolation and trying to contact Star Command.
  • Marketing has escalated with a character poster for Lilypad, the frog-shaped tablet antagonist voiced by Greta Lee, representing the pull of screens.
  • Pixar lists a June 19, 2026 theatrical release, with Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack returning, Andrew Stanton directing with co-director McKenna Harris, producer Jessica Choi, and cast additions including Ernie Hudson, Anna Faris, and Conan O’Brien.