Director Discusses Toy Story 6 Plot Prior to Upcoming Sequel Release

Published Apr 28, 2026, 7:01 PM EDT

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Even though Toy Story 5 is yet to hit the screens, director Andrew Stanton is already brewing ideas for a sequel.

The latest chapter in the beloved Pixar franchise sees our favorite toys – Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and others – grappling with technology when Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) gets a new tablet named Lilypad (Greta Lee). The sequel comes seven years after Toy Story 4 and 16 years after Toy Story 3, both of which could have been fitting conclusions to the movie series.

In an exclusive preview of Toy Story 5 by Entertainment Weekly, Stanton reveals that after just two months of brainstorming about the lifecycle of a toy, he believes there’s enough material for two more movies. This could continue to revolve around Bonnie or shift focus to another character, which is why he feels the series can “keep going.”

Stanton explains that with Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4, he realized that “we can embrace time. Other stories don’t have that luxury.” This opens up possibilities for more adventures with Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and their toy friends in a potential Toy Story 6, where the passage of time can enhance the narrative rather than restrict it.

However, if Toy Story 5 does happen, Stanton does not plan on directing it: “This is probably the last one I’m gonna do.” But as the Vice President of Creative at Pixar, and having directed hits like A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, WALL-E, Finding Dory, and now Toy Story 5, he will continue to play a role in shaping the animation studio’s future. He adds that he will probably continue to advise on these movies until he is “in a rocking chair somewhere. And I will always have a strong opinion about this. This is probably the best way I can leave my stamp at Pixar — teaching others how this is done.”

From Stanton’s comments, it seems unlikely that Toy Story 5 will directly set up another sequel or end on a cliffhanger. Like Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4, it will likely serve as a standalone story that could potentially conclude the franchise while still leaving room for future installments.

If Toy Story 5 rakes in more than $1 billion worldwide at the box office like its two predecessors, the chances of a Toy Story 6 are even higher. While Hoppers was a box office hit, Pixar’s other original movies in recent years have largely underperformed. The studio is still producing more original movies like Gatto, but they are also heavily investing in sequels, including the upcoming Incredibles 3 and Coco 2.

As Bonnie is still a child, it’s plausible to continue the journey with her toys, perhaps aging her up via a time jump in Toy Story 6. Since Andy (John Morris) passed the torch to Bonnie at the end of Toy Story 3, she has been the human child at the heart of the franchise. But after 16 years in the real world, it might be time to center new stories on a different character.

Joining Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Bonnie, and Lilypad in the Toy Story 5 ensemble are Hamm (John Ratzenberger), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Slinky Dog (Blake Clark), Mr. Potato Head (Jeff Bergman), Mrs. Potato Head (Anna Vocino), Bo Peep (Annie Potts), Forky (Tony Hale), Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves), Dolly (Bonnie Hunt), Trixie (Kristen Schaal), Mr. Pricklepants (John Hopkins), Combat Carl (Ernie Hudson), Smarty Pants (Conan O’Brien), Atlas (Craig Robinson), and Snappy (Shelby Rabara).

Mark your calendars! Toy Story 5 hits theaters on June 19.

Release Date: Mark your calendars for June 19, 2026!
Director: Directed by the talented Andrew Stanton.
Writers: Written by the creative duo, Andrew Stanton and McKenna Jean Harris.