Pixar has released the teaser trailer for Toy Story 5, which features Woody and Buzz Lightyear reuniting with their old friends. The trailer introduces a new character, a tablet named Lilypad, and suggests a storyline about technology's impact on toys and playtime, with the text "In summer 2026, the age of toys is over?" appearing on screen.
Fans have expressed confusion and disappointment regarding the apparent return of Woody, who in Toy Story 4 chose to stay behind with Bo Peep to live a new life away from being a child's toy. His reappearance alongside Buzz and the other toys in the Toy Story 5 trailer is seen by many as a plot hole that undoes the emotional closure of the previous film.
Some viewers are frustrated by this perceived contradiction, with some suggesting Pixar should have created a new story with different characters rather than revisiting the established arcs of Woody and Buzz. Despite these concerns, excitement for the franchise remains high, with many fans anticipating the film's exploration of technology's role in modern childhood and its potential to highlight the importance of imaginative play. The film's theme of screens overshadowing real-world experiences aligns with contemporary concerns about children's screen time.