The reaction to the test screening of TOY STORY 5 suggests that Pixar may have made another heartwarming sequel

It looks like Pixar might have done it again. The first reactions from a recent Story of toys 5 Screening tests are coming, and from what we’re hearing, this long-running franchise may have another emotional winner on its hands.

From History of the toy First appearing in theaters in 1995, this series has become one of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved creations. But later Story of toys 3 AND Toy story 4 given what seemed like a perfect farewell, many fans were skeptical about returning to the toy box once again.

However, with Disney looking to revive its theatrical success after a series of box office disappointments TRON: Aresit’s no surprise that the studio wants to continue playing with more reputable brands, such as History of the toy.

This time, Story of toys 5 puts toys face to face with technology. Jessie now runs Bonnie’s room at the start of the story, but things take a strange turn with the arrival of a frog-shaped tablet called the Lilypad.

The toys soon find themselves having to deal with this digital invader, which triggers Woody’s return. Early concept art even teases an army of 50 Buzz Lightyears stuck in the game mode that will make life even more difficult for our heroes.

Early viewers reportedly love it. According to Skyler Shuler of The DisInsider, “Apparently, there was a Story of toys 5 test screening last week, and people in attendance loved it, and one person said, ‘Once again, another heartfelt film in this franchise.’”

This is the kind of reaction Disney has been desperate to hear lately. It seems like maybe the sequel will actually capture that familiar History of the toy mix of humor, emotion and heart, also addressing something current: the impact of technology on childhood.

Seeing Woody, Buzz, and Jessie go up against a modern gadget like Lilypad feels like a smart evolution for the series rather than a simple retread.

Creative Director at Pixar Pete Doctor recently spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about what sets this new chapter apart.

“I think [writer and director] Andrew did a really good job of letting moments breathe in unexpected ways,” Docter said. “Things that [make you think]’Wait, is this a History of the toy movie?’, with some of his choices, which I think we need at this point. We’ve already had four. We have to keep people surprised, so it will be fun.

He added: “This was important to us at the time History of the toy came out, there weren’t many movies that did that. There were a lot of them that were like four kids and nothing else that maybe they were from Japan or something for adults.

“And so our goal was to do that, the same way [Steven] Spielberg he did with Indiana Jones and Star Wars with George Lucaswe’d like to bring animation into something that us 20-, 30-year-olds can enjoy.”

Written and directed by Andrea Stanton, Story of toys 5 reports Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack as Jessie, Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl, Tony Hale as Forky, Conan O’Brien like Smarty Pants and Anna Faris like the new character Lilypad.

If early reactions are anything to go by, this might actually provide the emotional and nostalgic hit Pixar needs right now. Story of toys 5 will be released in theaters on June 19, 2026.