It’s amazing to think that it’s now 28 years since the original first movie Toy Story came onto our screens and introduced the now iconic characters of Sheriff Woody (Tom Hanks), Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), and more favourites back in 1995.

Speculating about what it would be like if toys came to life when owners weren’t looking or around, it was an instant hit and has remained popular over the years with each sequel continuing to grow the popularity of the franchise.

Now the fifth instalment has been announced.

Just when we had stowed away our cowboy hats and space ranger wings, it looks like Toy Story will be back. At Disney’s recent Q1 Earnings Call, The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger announced that, in addition to Zootopia 2 and Frozen 3, Toy Story 5 is officially in development at Pixar.

The surprise announcement means there’s not very much information on the plots for Toy Story 5 or which characters will make a return.

On the docket for later in 2023 is Elemental, a story set in a world where elements come to life and coexist, where a young man made of water and a young woman made of fire defy their differences to fall in love.

2024 brings new Pixar projects Elio, a sci-fi epic following a young human boy who becomes an alien ambassador, as well as Inside Out 2, the sequel to the 2015 hit about Riley and her emotions.

We don’t yet know when Toy Story 5 will be released, but based on previous releases we can get an idea. For example, Toy Story 4 was announced in 2014, and arrived on screens in 2019. If Toy Story 5 takes a similar time in production it could be out in cinemas in 2028. Mind you, they could speed up production to bring it out sooner.

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Tim Allen took to Twitter, “See ya soon Woody, you are a sad strange little man and you have my pity. And off we go to a number 5! To infinity and beyond!” so it looks as though Toy Story 5 will reunite Woody and Buzz following their goodbye at the end of the last film.

As you may remember, Toy Story 4 ended with Woody deciding to go off into the sunset with Bo Peep instead of going with Buzz and the gang back to Bonnie’s house.

Hopefully Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) will be joined by some of Bonnie’s other toys including Jessie, Rex, Hamm, Slinky Dog, Mr. Pricklepants, Trixie and Forky.

Sadly, actors Don Rickles and Estelle Harris who voiced Mr and Mrs Potato Head have both passed away so we are not sure we will see them recast for an appearance.

It’s now been four years since we last saw the gang in full on the big screen, while some fans may be happy that there’s another movie in the works, others feel it’s time for a change.

Some people thought Toy Story 3 was the most perfect sequel and then Toy Story 4 took a move away from the previous films with its storyline about one toy, Woody’s happiness.

We are definitely curious to find out more about what’s planned for the 5th movie, and hope it’s not just rehashing and trying to keep a good thing going past its sell by date. At the same time, we’re excited about seeing some of our favourite characters return!

After all, they “are all toys. Unique and Beautiful toys.”