I am way more excited about Toy Story 5 after Pixar’s intriguing update, even though bringing back a franchise this popular is always risky. The last we heard from Woody and Buzz, they were parting ways at the end of Toy Story 4, with Woody leaving Buzz behind with Bonnie and the other toys to go and live a life as a lost toy along with Bo Peep. While Pixar boss Pete Docter confirmed Woody and Buzz will return for Toy Story 5, how that will happen remains to be revealed.

However, as Tim Allen gave a Toy Story 5 script tease in December 2024, debunking speculation that the fifth movie was a “cash grab” by stating that “I don’t really believe it’s about the money” as “It’s a really good story.” Now, a recent exciting update via The Hollywood Reporter further s Tim Allen’s statements, as Pixar co-chief creative officer Pete Docter claims that Toy Story 5 will be a very different movie.

Toy Story 5 Will Have People Wondering “Is This A Toy Story Movie?”

Pixar’s Pete Docter Issues Update On Toy Story 5

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter to talk about the Toy Story franchise, the sequel, and the use of AI in animation, Pixar co-chief creative officer Pete Docter said that Toy Story 5 has moments that will make you think, “Wait, is this a Toy Story movie?” Furthermore, Docter praises writer and director Andrew Stanton for his work on Toy Story 5, claiming that “Andrew’s done a really great job of letting moments breathe in unexpected ways,” especially given the current trend of fast-paced movies.

I So I will say Toy Story 5, I think [writer and director] Andrew’s done a really great job of letting moments breathe in unexpected ways. Things that [make you think], Wait, is this a Toy Story movie?, with some of his choices, which I think we need at this point. We’ve had four of ’em already. We got to keep people surprised, so it’s going to be fun.

Considering Toy Story 5 is written and directed by Andrew Stanton, who previously won Academy Awards for best animated picture with Wall-E and Finding Nemo, the movie looks to be heading in a promising new direction. Stanton is cited as a co-creator and predominant writer for the Toy Story franchise, however, Toy Story 5 marks the first time Andrew Stanton has directed a Toy Story movie. Yet that’s not the only reason why Toy Story 5 will feel different from the rest of the Pixar franchise, as Docter emphasized the importance of “letting moments breathe” in the new movie.

What Toy Story 5 “Letting Moments Breathe” Means For The Pixar Sequel

A Slower Narrative Is Reminiscent Of Early 2000s Movies

According to Pete Docter, there has been a recent trend for movies being fast-paced, which is why it is important for Toy Story 5 to be different. In his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Docter says, “I think films have definitely sped up (...) we’re just trying to keep in touch with the rhythms of the world and it’s definitely faster.” This focus on a fast-paced storytelling trend may have arisen from short-form social media platforms like TikTok and the rise of streaming platforms, and it's interesting how the filmmakers behind Toy Story 5 are aware of that.

This slower approach could mean that audiences are in for a more emotionally charged or visually spectacular version of Toy Story that hasn’t really been seen before

Pete Docter seems to recognize the problem with streaming services and other quick-form content, which is why Toy Story 5 “letting moments breathe” is so important. Instead of rushing through a very driven narrative, Toy Story 5 will most likely have quiet moments without dialogue, to emphasize points or simply, so the audience can slow down and focus on the scenery. This slower approach could mean that audiences are in for a more emotionally charged take on the Toy Story franchise that hasn’t really been seen before.

Toy Story 5 Has To Bring Something Different To The Table After Four Movies

D23’s Tease Of Technology Overtaking Toys Is Important

While the Toy Story franchise seems to follow a specific formula, it’s crucial that Toy Story 5 brings something different to the table, as there have been four other movies with a similar narrative. While some have suggested drastic options, such as replacing Woody and Buzz with new toys, a different approach may be all Toy Story 5 needs. With Andrew Stanton directing his first ever Toy Story after years of having a writing-only role, this could be enough of a change to make the new installment different from the first four films.

We learned during D23 2024 that Toy Story 5 will follow a technology plot that will bring the franchise full circle, with Bonnie seemingly more interested in digital gadgets than toys. While this already sets Toy Story 5 apart from the previous movies, Docter and Allen’s statements seem to suggest this plot will be particularly prevalent and explore modern themes. In short, Allen’s previous claims of a “very, very clever story” alongside Docter’s comments about “trying to keep in touch with the rhythms of the world,” hint that Andrew Stanton will come through with a clever deeper message about technology for Toy Story 5.

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter