‘We’ve Got To Keep People Surprised’ Pete Docter Teases Toy Story 5 Changes

Toy Story is one of the most iconic animated franchises of all time, with the previous four movies being among the very best in Pixar’s impressive library of content. However, when Toy Story 5 was announced, there was plenty of skepticism about whether another film from the world of Woody and Buzz Lightyear was needed due to the emotional way Toy Story 4 wrapped up, which was seemingly perfect.

At this point, only minimal details are known about what Pixar is planning for Toy Story 5, but in an era when lots of sequels are being created in the animation genre, something unique will be needed to make this movie stand out. Audiences don’t want a rehash of what happened in the previous four films, and it appears that Pixar is working on that.

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Pixar’s co-chief creative officer, Pete Docter, recently spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the changes in the world of animation, with fast-paced and action-packed films becoming the norm, which is something that could impact future movies. He said, “That’s something that If you go back and look at Bambi, I’m picking an extreme, that’s kind of intentionally slow because it is about nature and watching the changes seasons, and things. I think films have definitely sped up. Even Toy Story to Toy Story 4, the level of visual sophistication, including the pacing, we’re just trying to keep in touch with the rhythms of the world, and it’s definitely faster.” Docter discussed the possibility of how Toy Story 5 could end up being impacted. He said, “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 [have] got to keep people surprised, so it’s going to be fun.”

The fact that Pixar isn’t prepared to rush through Toy Story 5 just because that’s the trend at the moment is a positive situation for the film. Audiences have certain expectations for what a Toy Story movie will look like, and that’s all about providing emotion, heart, and humor all wrapped up in one. It’s why the first four movies have been so universally beloved, and if Toy Story 5 is going to follow that trajectory, then the film is likely to be a success.

Nobody has ever questioned the quality of the animation or voice acting, as Pixar is well known for its high standards. Tim Allen has teased the story and admitted he thinks it is a great one, which has given audiences reason to believe that Pixar’s decision to continue the franchise is the right one.

There are moments throughout animation history where movies have felt rushed in terms of pace just to produce content, with Moana 2 being a recent example. This is why Docter’s information about the pacing of the film is so positive. But the fact that Toy Story 5 is also going to feature some unexpected moments is equally as important, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Toy Story 5

Release Date

June 19, 2026

Director

Andrew Stanton, McKenna Harris

Writers

Andrew Stanton

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