Tom Hanks Returns as Woody in ‘First Day of Work’ in ‘Toy Story 5’ 

As work on ‘Toy Story 5’ gets underway, Tom Hanks is finally back in the recording booth, providing the voice of the legendary cowboy Woody.  Recently, Hanks teased fans on Instagram with a picture of his hand taken inside a studio, suggesting that it was his first day of work on the new movie.  He referred to Disney and “Story Number 5” in his mysterious caption, which excited people on social media.

 The fifth instalment of the adored Pixar series is now in production and is scheduled to open in theatres on 19th June, 2026.  As the plot progresses, fans of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, who are voiced by Hanks and Tim Allen, will have a lot to look forward to.

Plot specifics are still being kept very secret, but some teasers were leaked at Disney’s D23 Expo in August 2024.  According to director Andrew Stanton, the upcoming instalment will focus on contemporary issues, specifically how children’s play is being impacted by modern technology.  A teaser film showed Woody, Buzz, and Jessie waving at onlookers, and concept art displayed at the event showed the toys unhappily watching as their master was engrossed in a tablet.

Image Courtesy: Tom Hanks/ Instagram

 McKenna Harris, who produced ‘Elemental’, and Andrew Stanton, who is renowned for Pixar films including ‘Finding Nemo’ and ‘A Bug’s Life’, will co-direct the movie.  Harris took to social media to share her enthusiasm for the project and to celebrate the chance to work with Stanton and the film’s creative team.

Tim Allen previously said that the plot will move the focus away from Woody and Buzz and toward Joan Cusack’s character, the vivacious cowgirl Jessie.  Woody and Buzz continue to appear in the movie, although their roles become less significant as Jessie assumes a more prominent one.  Allen also hinted at a spectacular opening sequence with Buzz Lightyear.

–Farheen Ali