It all ended so perfectly in 2010. But considering Toy Story 3 now came out nine years ago (cue existential horror at the passage of time), that means there’s a whole generation of kids who haven’t had their cinematic Toy Story experience.
That’s all about to change this year, with the long-gestating Toy Story 4 arriving in the summer.
Here’s what we know so far about the Pixar four-quel.
What’s The Plot Of Toy Story 4?
The exact nature of the plot is under wraps at the moment – but through a series of teasers and character videos, we’ve got a general gist: Woody and Buzz are still in the possession of Bonnie, the young girl who inherited Andy’s toys in the climax of Toy Story 3 (perhaps you were too busy crying to watch those scenes).
She’s about to make a controversial new addition to the gang in the shape of Forky – an arts-and-crafts spork creation, stuck in an existential crisis about not exactly being a toy.
As well as dealing with his arrival, the gang end up on a road-trip leading them to a funfair, in an adventure that will “show Woody how big the world can be for a toy”.
(Pixar, Walt Disney Pictures)
Which Characters Are Returning?
All your favourites are back – Woody, Buzz and Jessie will return, alongside the likes of Slinky Dog, Rex, Hamm, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Barbie, and Ken.
After sitting out Toy Story 3, Bo Peep – who was donated to a new owner off-screen before the threequel – is back with a new look. Expect her reunion with Woody to play a significant role in Toy Story 4.
Also expect the return of Mr. Pricklepants, Trixie the triceratops, Buttercup the unicorn and more of the Toy Story 3 crew.
Old favourites return to the screen. (Pixar, Walt Disney Pictures)
Who Are The New Characters?
The first teaser for Toy Story 4 introduced us to Forky – not a toy, but given life nonetheless after Bonnie creates him from a spork, a pipe cleaner, and some googly eyes.
Voiced by Tony Hale – aka Buster Bluth from Arrested Development – he’s going to bring neurosis and disruption, with an existential crisis over his true nature.
The other newbies the teasers have introduced are Ducky and Bunny – no prizes for guessing which is which, though the pair are prizes themselves. Voiced by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, they’re top-tier giveaways at the funfair that Woody and co. end up at.
New characters join our old favourites. (Pixar, Walt Disney Pictures)
Who’s Writing And Directing Toy Story 4?
Josh Cooley will be making his directorial feature debut here – no pressure. He’s previously helmed Riley’s First Date, an Inside Out short, and has been working on Pixar films as a storyboarder, writer and more since The Incredibles in 2004.
The screenplay comes from Stephany Folsom, with a story cooked up by Pixar stalwarts John Lasseter (who has since left the company after misconduct allegations), Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter and Lee Unkrich.
Watch: This bedroom is a real life replica of Andy’s from Toy Story. Story continues after the video…
Will Toy Story 4 Cause Emotional Meltdowns?
If the last two films are anything to go by, then yes. Not only that, but Tim Allen and Tom Hanks have both been on record speaking about how touching the ending of Toy Story 4 is. “I gotta resist getting emotional.
I don’t want to give it away, but this is an incredibly great story,” Allen said on American show The Talk. “It is so emotional, it’s so funny, it’s so big, the idea they’ve come up with, I’m startled. I couldn’t even get through the last scene.”
Speaking to Chris Evans on Radio 2, Tom Hanks said: “When I realised what they were going for, I realised, ‘Oh, this is a moment in history’ […] The emotional range of the movies has become more and more deep and profound and affecting.”
What’s The Toy Story 4 Release Date?
The toys will be springing to life – when absolutely everyone will be looking – in cinemas on 21 June.
Ben Travis
