More than three decades after Toy Story revolutionized animation, the beloved franchise is gearing up for its fifth installment. Toy Story 5 brings back Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) as they face a new challenge: a tablet voiced by Greta Lee becomes Bonnie's favorite toy, but struggles to connect with kids. The film also stars Joan Cusack, Tony Hale, and Conan O'Brien, and hits theaters on June 19th.
In a recent interview, Hanks and Allen opened up about the enduring appeal of the series, their thoughts on modern technology, and the future of another musical franchise close to Hanks' heart.
No Interest in a Toy Story Remake
When asked if they'd support an updated version of the original Toy Story with modern animation, both actors were emphatic. "No," they said in unison. Allen noted that the original holds up remarkably well, with only subtle lighting differences compared to the latest films. "Do the original one and move on," he said, drawing a parallel to The Santa Clause, which he wouldn't change despite its low-budget effects.
Bringing Back the BlackBerry
The conversation also touched on technology. Hanks expressed a desire to bring back the BlackBerry, praising its simplicity for texts and emails without the distractions of modern smartphones. Allen surprised him by revealing that a company called Unihertz Elite is releasing a new BlackBerry-like device in June. "You have just seen our relationship in a nutshell," Hanks laughed, as Allen delivered the tech news.
Mamma Mia 3 Update
Hanks, who executive produces the Mamma Mia! films with his wife Rita Wilson, offered a hopeful update on a third installment. "My question always is, is the catalogue there? Turns out it is," he said. "All of these movies are an alliance amongst people who really want to make it happen, and if we can put that alliance together, I guarantee you it'll happen."
When asked which ABBA song he'd like to include, Hanks suggested "Waterloo," noting that even reusing classics like "Dancing Queen" could work in new scenes. Allen agreed, saying hearing those songs again would be a treat.
Fans of Hanks can also catch him in Sully, which is dominating streaming, or his sci-fi drama Finch on Apple TV+. Meanwhile, Toy Story 5 promises to continue the franchise's legacy of heart and humor when it arrives in theaters this summer.
