In Toy Story 5, Jessie finally gets her moment in the spotlight—and a wedding to Buzz Lightyear. But according to Joan Cusack, the voice behind the yodeling cowgirl, that marriage might not survive the honeymoon phase. In an exclusive interview, Cusack and co-star Greta Lee opened up about the film's most surprising moments, including a revelation that even the actress didn't see coming.
Since her debut in Toy Story 2, Jessie has been a fan favorite, known for her boundless energy and fearless leadership. After Woody's departure in Toy Story 4, she steps up as the new sheriff, but old wounds linger. Her original owner, Emily, abandoned her, and those fears resurface when Bonnie's new friend Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee) challenges Jessie's place. The film explores Jessie's journey to self-worth, culminating in a heartfelt connection to her past.
Cusack admitted she was stunned when she learned that Emily named her daughter after Jessie. "I thought, 'Wow, this is going to be either great or horrible,'" she recalled. "You just don't want it to be Hallmark-y. And of course it wasn't." The emotional payoff, she said, was thanks to director Andrew Stanton and co-writer Kenna Harris, who handled the moment with care. Lee added that she cried during that scene, calling it "so real."
But the biggest shocker? Buzz and Jessie's wedding. After years of romantic tension, Bonnie and her new friend Blaze (Mykal-Michelle Harris) give the toys a proper ceremony. However, Cusack doesn't see it lasting. "I think it probably lasts a day," she laughed. "And then Jessie's like, 'Yeah, I think I'm done with that. Let's try something else.'" Lee chimed in, "This is a Collider exclusive. No one's ever asked that." Cusack explained that Jessie has "other stuff she's got to do," hinting at more adventures ahead.
The film also pits toys against technology, with Lilypad representing the digital age. Lee appreciated the space to explore her character's purpose. "To see two really female characters who are really after it in their own way, and sometimes battle it out, and that's fine," she said. "There's space for both of their ideas and to watch them collide and clash heads, but then come together." Cusack noted that their shared love for Bonnie ultimately unites them.
For fans wondering about the franchise's future, Andrew Stanton and Kenna Harris have teased endless possibilities. And if you're curious about the film's emotional soundtrack, Taylor Swift's 'I Knew It, I Knew You' plays a key role. Toy Story 5 is now playing in theaters and IMAX.
