‘Toy Story 5’ May Spotlight Female Characters, Shifting Focus From Woody and Buzz

Pixar’s Toy Story franchise, which is so far made up of four films and a whole world of tie-in media, as well as theme park attractions, has long captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and memorable characters.

Now, with Toy Story 5 slated for release on June 19, 2026, fans are eager to see where the story goes next. While we already know that the plot will involve the toys facing a new threat in the form of modern tech, recent comments from Tim Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear, suggest that Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, will take center stage in the new installment.

“I can tell you that it’s a lot about Jessie,” Allen recently told WIVB, hinting at a shift in focus towards the spirited cowgirl voiced by Joan Cusack.

Interestingly, Toy Story 4 (2019) saw Bo Peep (Annie Potts) play a leading role. Between this and the intended new focus on Jessie, Pixar could be shifting its focus away from Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) to its strong female characters instead.

The emphasis on Jessie could also involve bringing to life a popular fan theory: that Andy’s mother (Laurie Metcalf) was Jessie’s original owner.

Related: Disney to Close Beloved ‘Toy Story’ Ride Through 2026 for Major Updates

In Toy Story 2 (1999), a flashback shows Jessie being abandoned by her owner, Emily. Many fans have since noticed the striking resemblance between Jessie’s hat and the one Andy wears, and have suggested that Andy’s mom, whose name has never been revealed in the films (other than Mrs. Davis), could, in fact, be Emily.

Here’s Pixar’s synopsis for the film: “The toys are back in Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 and this time around it’s Toy meets Tech. Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the rest of the gang’s jobs get exponentially harder when they go head to head with this all new threat to playtime.”

Could Toy Story 5 finally bring this popular fan theory to life? We’ll just have to wait and see when it arrives in theaters on June 19, 2026.

Are you excited about Toy Story 5? Let us know in the comments!