Summary

• Toy Story 5 teased at D23 2024 brings full circle conflict between toys and technology, creating modern storytelling.
• The concept image unveiled hints at a central theme of toys vs. screens, mirroring the original film's conflict.
• While Toy Story 5 may resolve the franchise, the timeless theme of imagination suggests Pixar could continue storytelling.

Disney teased the plot of Toy Story 5, and the gang's new great obstacle will bring the movie franchise full circle. D23 2024 came with a concept image and some story details, allowing audiences to get excited about this installment. While there is still a lot to learn, it appears that the approaching Toy Story 5 will explore a very modern problem—technology. As screens become all the more accessible and appealing for children, toys may be pushed to the wayside. How will Buzz, Woody, and the rest handle such an obstacle? Only time will tell.

The Toy Story 4's ending saw Woody head out with Bo Peep to be a lost toy while Buzz and the rest returned to Bonnie's room. It will be interesting to see if Woody really does return or whether this concept art is meant not to be taken literally. Regardless, the central point is clear: technology will be the new big problem in Toy Story 5.

Toy Story 5's Technology Problem Perfectly Reflects The First Movie

Toy Story 5 Is Mirroring The Conflict From The Original Movie

The toys of Toy Story struggling to compete with technology is a perfect angle for this next installment since it's a modern parallel to the central conflict in the first film. The 1994 Toy Story movie saw Woody, an old-fashioned rag doll, become jealous when Andy began playing with a high-tech space ranger. The story explores this evolution in children's entertainment, ultimately resolving the issue as Woody and Buzz learn to work together to be there for Andy.

Now, 30 years later, it seems that the Toy Story toys will face a similar issue, but high-tech, plastic toys with karate chop arms, spring action wings, and a laser aren't the problem anymore. Now, tablets with colorful and fun apps are what have children captivated and distracted from their traditional toys. Still, it's the same lesson for a different age. Woody (or whoever populates Bonnie's room these days) is likely to be once again reminded of his purpose as a toy—to be there for his kid when she needs him.

Does Toy Story Coming Full Circle Mean This Is The End?

This Sounds Like A Fitting Ending For The Franchise

The fact that the Toy Story franchise is coming full circle could indicate that Pixar is ready to bring things to a close. It appears that Toy Story 5 will be of the same spirit as the first movie, bringing back the big conflict between older toys and whatever is shiny and new. This would be an excellent note to end things on, especially since such a concept would centralize the ing of time and nostalgia for the original Toy Story. The past four Toy Story movies were massively successful, so there's every indication that Toy Story 5 will be as well. It may be best for Pixar to end things on a high (and satisfying) note.

Toy Story 5 is expected to release in 2026.

The Toy Story Franchise Could Reasonably Go On Forever

The Possibilities Are Unlimited

While ending with Toy Story 5 would undoubtedly be poetic, there's no real reason Pixar must call it quits. The fact that the original conflict of Toy Story can be repeated 30 years later proves this. Every year, companies release new toys and gadgets meant to keep children entertained. While children accept these willingly, there is no shortage of traditional dolls, race cars, plastic dinosaurs, piggy banks, and Mr. Potato Heads to go around. Toys may change, but imagination is timeless. Therefore, Pixar could feasibly still be making Toy Story movies in another 30 years.

Toys may change, but imagination is timeless.

It's possible that Disney still has no idea whether Toy Story 5 will be the last. If the film performs at the box office as well as its predecessors and critical reception remains high, then the House of Mouse will likely take this as a sign that audiences want more. New generations of kids have fallen in love with Woody and the gang, and adults who grew up watching these characters are just as hooked. Only time will tell, and while the day may come when it's time to say goodbye to Toy Story, it's comforting to know that it doesn't have to be for good.