Pixar officially announced the development of Toy Story 5 in 2023, sparking excitement among fans of the beloved franchise. Though recently, a new image, believed to be a still from the upcoming film has surfaced online, drawing mixed reactions from viewers.
The image features Jessie standing on a bed, surrounded by a group of toys. Among them are Bonnie’s playmates from Toy Story 4 like Mr. Pricklepants, Trixie, Dolly, and Buttercup, along with some of Andy’s old companions, such as Hamm, Rex, and the aliens.
However, key original characters like Buzz, Woody, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, and Slinky Dog were notably absent, leaving some fans disappointed. Social media quickly buzzed with speculation and frustration over their exclusion.
So did they just retire Mr/Mrs Potato Head and Slinky due to their voice actors having passed away?
— QG (@theqg24) July 6, 2025
In recent years, Disney has made significant efforts to embrace inclusivity, implementing changes across its parks, rides, and films. For instance, the company updated policies at its theme parks to eliminate gendered greetings and removed outdated, offensive imagery from attractions and movies.
One of the most notable decisions came with the live-action remake of Snow White, where the seven dwarfs were replaced by “magical creatures” to modernize the story.
Disney’s recent actions have led to a reputation for being “woke,” fueling public debates. Some have even speculated that the removal of Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head was part of this push for inclusivity. While the theory may lack some logic, a number of fans remain convinced.
Other fans have theorized that some characters may have been “retired” due to the passing of their voice actors, such as Don Rickles (Mr. Potato Head) in 2017 and Estelle Harris (Mrs. Potato Head) in 2022.
Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter teased an intriguing new direction for the story, revealing that the toys will face a modern challenge when their now-eight-year-old owner, Bonnie, receives a villainous electronic tablet named Lillypad.
“It’s toys meet tech,” Pete explained, describing how the storyline puts the toys at odds with today’s biggest distraction, electronics.
Director Andrew Stanton added that the toys’ role as protectors becomes exponentially harder as they confront what kids are obsessed with in the digital age.
The concept has drawn polarizing reactions with some praising it as a “brilliant” and “fresh” addition to the series, while others criticize it as “too modern” or “uninspired.”
Amid the mixed feedback, most fans are excited to see Jessie take on a more prominent role in the film, with speculation reignited around a popular fan theory that suggests Andy’s mum was Jessie’s original owner. A storyline that could potentially be explored further in Toy Story 5.
Though Pixar has yet to officially confirm major plot details, the confirmed inclusion of Woody and Buzz ensures the film will stay rooted in the franchise’s iconic legacy.
Toy Story 5 is set to premiere in Australian theaters on June 18, 2026, with a potential Disney+ release to follow.
