Summary
WhenPixar’sToy Story 3came out in 2010, it seemed like it was the perfect way to cap off the franchise. Andy was heading to college and a lot of the kids who watched the originalToy Story (one of themost rewatchable western animated films) when it first came out were about to go through the same journey. He was growing up and moving on and that meant giving his toys away to someone he knew would take care of them, Bonnie. As Woody said goodbye to Andy, it felt like the end of an era. (EvenBonnie’s voice actress, Emily Hahn, was surprised!) However, that was changed whenToy Story 4came out.
Toy Story 4dealt with Woody adjusting to life with Bonnie. No longer the favorite toy, he instead tries to take care and eventually makes the choice to rescue Forky, who was Bonnie’s favorite. Many fans were disappointed by Woody’s choice to leave Bonnie and the rest of the gang, especially Buzz, to form a new life with Bo as a lost toy. Not only was it hard for fans to see Woody leave the toys, but it wasn’t clear if Bonnie, the child he was trying to keep happy, noticed. While that may bolster the argument for Woody to lead a new, independent life, it seems to go against the past three movies emphasizing the importance of toys to children and vice versa. Earlier this year,Bob Iger confirmedthat there would be a new addition to the franchise,ToyStory 5. Although some fans were skeptical after their lukewarm response toToy Story 4, Andrew Stanton at D23 this year released some key details that have many fans excited.
Tech Vs. Toys
The way children play has evolved sinceToy Storycame out in 1995. It’s more common to see children playing with iPads and phones than to see them playing with toys. There’s been a lot of debate over how much screen time is beneficial or harming to children, and the effects of this heavy screen use have yet to be determined. Additionally, some children are even being bullied if they don’t buy in-game purchases in free-to-play games likeFortnite. The world has changed.Toy Story,who began with a conflict of old and new, with Woody being an old school cowboy andBuzz Lightyear being the cool, new, more tech toy, has obsolescence anxiety baked into the franchise from the start. It will be exciting to see how the toys deal with this new form of play and if they’ll choose to embrace it.
The Return of Woody?
Woody can be seen in the promotional image, which confirms he will be inToy Story 5. However, how will he come back? Some fans speculate that the Woody seen in the promo image might not be the Woody that audiences have followed for four films, but rather a replacement Woody Bonnie’s mom purchased after she realized the cowboy was missing. Conflict would arise between the toys that are loyal to the old Woody and the new Woody would feel out of place. (Think how the alternateGamorra is handled inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.) As fun as that could potentially be, it would be difficult for audiences to bond with a new version of Woody after they have spent a substantial amount of time with the original. It is more likely that the toys, faced with the insurmountable task of going up against tablets, will call Woody “out of retirement”. This also would harken back to previous films where toys have a responsibility to children. If a child needs him, Woody will return.
Will This Finally Be the End?
Toy Story 2may be a fun sequel, butToy Story 3andToy Story 4both have the weight of movies that were meant to cap off the story of Andy’s toys. SinceToy Story 4left some fans disenchanted, this new take might be a new way to give these characters the endings they deserve. Considering Lightyear’s disappointing performance, it’s unlikely that any of theseother characters will get their own spin-offs, despite the fact that there’s plenty to work with. IfToy Story 5is meant to be the definitive ending, it will need to find a way to outdoToy Story 3. Perhaps,Sid, the bully antagonist from the first moviewill make a reappearance. After all, he is the only human character that knows toys are alive, and he’s a tinkerer. Perhaps in the movie, he is behind making apps so addictive that kids turn to them instead of their toys. While that might be conspiratorial, it could also be entertaining if done in the right way. Or maybe Sid could have a heroic role. He seems pretty harmless in his trash collector cameo inToy Story 3. Either way, it would bookend nicely if he appeared in the final film.
When people discuss their favorite movies, it’s not unusual for someone to listToy Story.The original movie has had such an impact that fans are continuing to pay it homage in works such as aconcept for aToy Storyvideo game with “hyper-realistic” graphicsand abizarre Sekiro modreplacing the protagonist with Woody. While expectations will be high for Toy Story 5, fans are eager to see how the franchise will continue to update for how kids play today and are eager for Woody’s return. Woody might have said “So long partner” to Andy, but the fans want to play with him a little bit longer.
Disney
Disney is a conglomerate and media company that owns a variety of television stations like ABC, Disney Channel, and Disney XD. They are also owners of the Marvel and Star Wars franchises and own the ever-popular Disney theme parks found all around the world.
