Toy Story 5 is finally about to tell the story I have wanted to see since the second movie in the franchise. After kicking off in 1994, Toy Story has only grown from strength to strength with each new movie installment. While the first film’s commercial and critical success played a crucial role in establishing the narrative potential of the core idea behind the franchise, every subsequent film showed how deeply and brilliantly the series could explore everything from themes of idenтιтy to growing innovations in the animation medium through the lens of anthropomorphic toys.

Although the franchise experienced somewhat of a minor hiccup with the Lightyear spin-off in 2022, it is all set to make a mᴀssive comeback with Toy Story 5. Many aspects of Toy Story 5‘s narrative and casting are still under wraps. While Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are expected to return as the voices of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, respectively, not a lot seems to be known about the animated film’s other cast members. However, one new story detail about the movie has been confirmed, which hints that it will finally walk through a long-awaited story.

Toy Story 5 Will Be “A Lot About Jessie”

The Movie Will Reportedly Focus More On The Character Than It Ever Has

Tim Allen, the original voice of Buzz Lightyear, revealed many details about the upcoming Toy Story movie in a recent interview (via WIVB). Apart from disclosing that the film will have “an unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyears,” he added that it will heavily focus on Jessie. Although he did not delve into the details of Jessie’s role in the movie’s overarching story, his statement confirmed that Jessie will likely take on a more central and emotionally significant role in Toy Story 5. Here is his full statement:

I can tell you that it’s a lot about Jessie. Tom [Hanks] and I do — Woody and I — do realign. And there’s an unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyears. I can give you that, but I can’t give you much more.

I’ve Been Waiting For A Movie Focused On Jessie Since Toy Story 2

Jessie Was Seemingly Sidelined After The Second Film

Jessie was an incredible addition to Toy Story 2‘s roster. Although Buzz and Woddy were still treated as the main characters in the sequel, Jessie the Cowgirl, too, got her own time to shine — particularly through her heartbreaking story of losing faith in humans after being abandoned by her previous owner. Unfortunately, despite being a compelling addition to the series, Jessie was seemingly treated more as a side character in the subsequent films.

With each new installment, I, as a viewer, could not help but grow increasingly curious about what else her narrative had to offer after Toy Story 2. Although the third and the fourth movies in the franchise did not significantly progress her arc, I am glad that Toy Story 5 is finally shifting its focus back on her and giving her the screen time and development she deserves. While it is unknown how her story will unfold in the upcoming Toy Story movie, Tim Allen’s comments confirm that the film is taking a refreshing narrative route by catching up with sidelined characters like Jessie.

Toy Story 5 Focusing On Jessie Can Make Its Woody Retcon Less Of A Problem

Many Viewers Have Been Concerned About Woody & Buzz’s Reunion In Toy Story 5

Toy Story 4 ends on a bittersweet but satisfying note, where Buzz and Woody bid their final goodbyes to one another before Woody joins Bo as a lost toy. Owing to Toy Story 4‘s ending, many have voiced concerns about how the fifth movie is marking the return of both characters and forcing a reunion between them. While little seems to be known about the upcoming movie’s story plan, it could risk undermining Toy Story 4‘s ending if it does not handle Buzz and Woody’s return carefully.

Fortunately, its story’s focus on Jessie almost guarantees it will still bring something new to the table. While Buzz and Woody’s reunion could potentially feel forced and redundant, the exploration of Jessie’s character could be the film’s saving grace. Hopefully, like its predecessors, Toy Story 5 will also not disappoint, and, regardless of how it portrays Buzz and Woody’s return, it will find a way to balance nostalgia with meaningful developments surrounding characters like Jessie.