Next year marks the 30th anniversary of Toy Story, the first fully CGI animated film that put Pixar on the map. And at D23, the next chapter in the franchise was officially revealed. Toy Story 5 will hit theaters in 2026, with Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton serving as director.
Stanton has been with Pixar since the first Toy Story and co-wrote all four previous films. He also co-directed A Bug's Life before going solo to direct Finding Nemo, WALL-E and Finding Dory.
After taking the stage at D23, Stanton revealed the first promotional artwork for Toy Story 5, which also hinted at the new threat facing toys: technology.
That's Bonnie under the covers of her bed with her tablet, while the toys look on in despair. For some reason, Woody is apparently back with the gang despite leaving them behind in Toy Story 4 to start a new life with Bo Peep.
According to Stanton, the toys face an existential threat because Bonnie, like all kids her age, is obsessed with electronics. And suddenly, her old-fashioned toys no longer have the appeal they once did. Stanton described this as “toys meet technology” and hinted that 50 Buzz Lightyears stuck in toy mode will cause trouble during the film.
Toy Story 5 will hit theaters in summer 2026. Additionally, the D23 presentation included a sneak peek at Avatar 3 and revealed the film's name.