An interesting plot detail aboutToy Story 5has been revealed, and it allows the movie to return to a Woody storyline that would have fit perfectly withinToy Story 4’s narrative. The information came as part of theToy Story 5reveals at D23, with director Andrew Stanton taking to the stage and finally shedding light on what the fourth sequel will be about. While one character would seem to be in the spotlight more than others, the nature of their arc in the coming movie also ties perfectly into an important piece of lore about Woody.
Toy Story 5’s release datehas the movie arriving August 05, 2025, which means it will have been over 30 years after the original premiered in 1995. Since its launch,Toy Storyhas become a sprawling franchisewith its cast of colorful characters and heartfelt storylines at its core. Woody and Buzz have long been the main duo the movies have been built around, andToy Story 5draws a strong parallel between their backgrounds that would be a waste to ignore.
Toy Story Ending Explained
After Buzz Lightyear threatens Woody’s place as Andy’s favorite toy, the two need to escape Sid’s nightmare bedroom before Andy moves.
Toy Story 4’s Antique Shop Setting Would Have Been The Perfect Time To Revisit Woody’s Rarity
The antique shop should have attracted a toy collector to take Woody away again
1999’sToy Story 2establishes Woody as a rare collector’s item. He’s merchandise for a TV show that only exists within the world ofToy Story. As such, he’s worth a lot of money, especially as part of a completeWoody’s Roundupset - which would consist of Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, and Stinky Pete.Woody being a coveted item by toy collectors is a great storyline, and while it makes sense it wouldn’t arise in the context ofToy Story 3’s daycare story,Toy Story 4’s antique shop would have been a perfect location to revisit this facet of Woody’s character.
Along with all of Woody’s other internal and external conflicts in the movie, having him trying to avoid being spotted by collectors like Al’s Toy Barn’s owner fromToy Story 2would have made events much more gripping.
Granted, the antique shop inToy Story 4didn’t have a great deal of foot traffic. However, that’s simply the result of a writing decision. Along with all of Woody’s other internal and external conflicts in the movie, having him trying to avoid being spotted by collectors like Al’s Toy Barn’s owner fromToy Story 2would have made events much more gripping. Unfortunately,Toy Story 4missed this chance, but the next movie can redeem the shortcoming.
Toy Story 5 Will Need To Undo Toy Story 4’s Ending To Restore Woody’s Value
Woody donated his voice box to Gabby Gabby
Al was only so excited by finding Woody inToy Story2because Andy had kept his favorite toy in such good condition through the years. While Woody did have some minor damage, this was quickly rectified by Al’s repair specialist. The events ofToy Story 4would drastically reduce how much Woody would be worthand essentially not make him much of a collector’s item anymore. In short, he’s missing a key component of what made him so sought after - his voice box.
BeforeToy Story 5can consider framing Woody as a valuable item again, he needs to get his voice box back.
Woody finally acquiesced to Gabby Gabby’s demands for his voice box inToy Story 4, with her own being broken beyond repair. As a result, beforeToy Story 5can consider framing Woody as a valuable item again, he needs to get his voice box back.It’s difficult to see how this could be done without undoing Gabby Gabby’s happy ending, especially given the rarity of Woody dolls. Even if another Woody is located, there’s no guarantee he’d give up his voice box for the franchise’s “main” version of Tom Hanks' character.
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Toy Story 5’s Plot Gives The Franchise Chance To Address Woody Being A Collector’s Item Again
Buzz being highlighted as collectible should also do the same for Woody
The main villain(s) ofToy Story 5would appear to be 50 commemorative Buzz Lightyear action figures, all stuck in “Toy Mode.” While the main takeaway from this seems to be the presence of many toys who think they’re actual Space Rangers, it’s the word “commemorative” that actually holds the most narrative potential when it comes to Woody’s collectability. The fact thatthe debut of Buzz Lightyear is experiencing an in-universe anniversarymeans at least part of the story will invariably revolve around classic and valuable toys.
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The Buzz Lightyear anniversary could put the franchise’s main Buzz in collectors' crosshairs as a coveted toy. WithBonnie being distracted by her tablet, she may not even notice that Buzz has been taken if someone steals him. Smart device notwithstanding, this would be very similar to Woody’s arc in the first sequel, so it would be very unusual if his own experiences with being kidnapped for his financial value didn’t also resurface or become relevant once more to the plot inToy Story 5.
Toy Story 5
Cast
Toy Story 5 follows Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the rest of the gang as they confront a new challenge to playtime posed by advanced technology. Set to release in 2026, this installment continues the beloved Toy Story series with its familiar cast facing modern dilemmas.
