Words Jim Roberts

Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Bullseye –  the gang’s back for a classic, big-hearted adventure and a reminder that real hands-on fun should never go out of style.

Pixar returns to play at a moment when childhood itself is shifting. Bonnie, who inherited the toys from Andy, is growing up fast as digital distractions turf out traditional play. The whole toy box is under threat by Lilypad, a smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee, whose arrival sparks an unsettling existential question: what happens when you’re no longer the first thing a child reaches for?

Written and directed by franchise co-creator Andrew Stanton, the new chapter in the nostalgic saga delivers a fresh tale of belonging, purpose, and connection.

Pixar’s rounding up the beloved voice cast for a mighty reunion. Tom Hanks returns as Woody, but there’s a new sheriff in town as Joan Cusack’s Jessie takes charge. Tim Allen is back as Buzz, launching into a new identity crisis thanks to a swarm of Star Command clones. Tony Hale’s Forky is still questioning his existence, too, but also a new potential romance.

Despite some big, grown-up themes at its heart, this fifth Toy Story still comes with warmth and wit included to guarantee fun for all the family.

Box Fresh

Lilypad

Shaking up the toy box is a sleek, frog-shaped smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee. She’s the embodiment of digital play and instant gratification, challenging the old toys’ place in Bonnie’s heart – and her hands. How powerful is her coding? Enough to be capable of controlling toys, too?!

Smarty Pants

Joining the chaos is talking toilet roll, Smarty Pants. An interactive, quiz-style potty-training toy voiced by legendary chat-show host and comedian Conan O’Brien. His sharp wit adds a jolt of comedy as old-school and new-school play styles collide. It’s not his first toy story either! After voicing The Riddler in The LEGO Batman Movie, he’s more than ready to stir up trouble for Woody and the gang.