Pixar's first iteration of Toy Story's original storyline, Woody was an evil ventriloquist dummy who was so mean to the other toys that they rallied against him.
Fortunately, Disney was unhappy with the first draft, and even Tom Hanks revolted by calling Woody "a jerk" while recording his lines for Toy Story's story reels (via Woody as Toy Story's protagonist was a wise decision for Pixar. Even so, it is arguable whether he is any better than his evil ventriloquist counterpart, especially in the first Toy Story.
Woody Is Actually Pretty Awful When Toy Story Begins
Toy Story's opening moments establish Woody as Andy's toys' supreme leader, but he makes many questionable decisions in his pursuit to hold on to his position of power. Most of his actions are driven purely by jealousy, and he even pushes Buzz Lightyear out of the window without thinking about its dire consequences. Although his initial plan was to only knock Buzz off behind the dresser, he never had any good intentions. Not to mention, instead of accepting that he made a mistake, Woody downright denies all accusations against him when the toys start confronting him after the incident. Woody eventually its his insecurities and even rescues Buzz towards the end of Toy Story, but he does not seem to have a choice by then since all the toys have already turned against him.
Even the power dynamic among the toys is not a democratic one. All toys accept Woody as their leader because he is Andy's favorite toy. However, with his evident signs of jealousy towards Buzz Lightyear's natural leadership skills and insecurity around his social status among the toys, Woody was initially not worthy of being the toys' captain. Therefore, even though Woody inclines more towards the good side before Toy Story's credits start rolling, he is not a far cry from Pixar's first dark ventriloquist anti-hero.
Woody Only Becomes A True Hero In Toy Story 2
After his rite of age in Toy Story, Woody finally begins to channel his inner hero in Toy Story 2. He sheds his ego and insecurities by not only agreeing to co-lead the bunch with Buzz but also by willingly putting his life on the life to save his fellow toys. Like a true leader, he braves many odds and endures several perils to emerge as a respectable captain for the toy clan. Even with his arm ripped off, Woody pulls off some impressive feats in Toy Story 2 that prove he has earned his place as Andy's toys' leader instead of acquiring it by force. His fears of losing relevance and being abandoned by Andy still drive some of his actions in Toy Story 2. However, toward Toy Story 2's ending, he symbolically outgrows his insecurities by accepting that Andy might outgrow him someday.
Pixar's Original Woody Must Have Been REALLY Mean
Since , Buzz and Woody's friendship has grown "to infinity and beyond." It is, however, still hard not to wonder how vile and wicked Pixar's first Woody was, considering how even the on-screen Toy Story Woody was no saint until his catharsis in Toy Story 2. According to reports (via EW), the early screening of the film in November 1993 — now referred to as the "Black Friday Incident" — was panned by viewers. While the narrative details surrounding bleak Woody's characterization are unknown, one can guess from the critical reaction that his methods of leading the toys were so tyrannical that it likely left no room for hope and redemption. No wonder Tom Hanks called Toy Story's Woody "a jerk" before the pull-string cowboy rag doll was turned into one of Pixar's most beloved characters.
