Could this be the end of toys as we know them? That’s the dramatic question teased in Pixar’s first look at Toy Story 5, released Tuesday. The short preview taps into a familiar real-world debate among parents—how much screen time is too much, and what happens when devices win a child’s attention.
The teaser centers on a delivery arriving at Bonnie Anderson’s home. Bonnie, who received Andy’s cherished toys in Toy Story 3 (2010), is handed a new parcel, and the scene unfolds with the kind of suspense only Pixar can turn into emotion.
The clip, paired with music reminiscent of classic storytelling tension, reveals a tablet named Lilypad, framed by a playful frog-themed design. The device greets Bonnie with an inviting line: “Let’s play!”—a moment that lands like a challenge thrown directly at Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toy crew.
From Bonnie’s instant excitement, it’s clear the toys may have to fight harder than ever to keep their place in her world. Their mission this time isn’t about outer space rescues or cowboy speeches—it’s about staying meaningful in a generation growing up with glowing screens and instant entertainment.
There’s also a subtle wink for longtime fans. For decades, Toy Story has been one of the most successful film franchises built around cinema itself—a medium powered by screens. Now, its heroes are portrayed as the ones resisting a new kind of digital takeover. Whether the film will lean into that irony remains a mystery, but the teaser plants the idea without spelling it out.
Familiar Voices, New Rival
Pixar confirmed that major cast members like Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack will return, reprising roles that defined the franchise for nearly three decades.
The story also brings in new talent. Actors Ernie Hudson, Conan O’Brien, and Greta Lee join the voice lineup, with Lee voicing the tablet character Lilypad. The additions hint that the movie will expand its world while keeping its emotional anchor intact.
The teaser suggests a central theme: relevance, belonging, and adaptation. It questions not only the future of toys in Bonnie’s life, but also the broader cultural shift where imagination competes with convenience, and playtime battles notification sounds.