Toy Story 5‘s opening scene was recently revealed, showing multiple Buzz Lightyears taking center stage as they become stranded on an island. After getting its start back in 1995, the Toy Story franchise is now gearing up for another adventure with Woody and Buzz, with the film’s story said to involve the toys contending with new technology. Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris direct Toy Story 5 from a script by Stanton, with voice cast members including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ernie Hudson, Tony Hale, Conan O’Brien, and Blake Clark.
As part of an exclusive presentation that ScreenRant attended in New York City earlier this month along with other media outlets, chief creative officer Pete Doctor shared new details about Toy Story 5, including screening the opening scene. ScreenRant attended the event along with other media outlets and learned that the opening scene will feature a crashed shipping container on a remote island that is full of Buzz Lightyear toys. One of these toys then awakens and wakes up the others, and the toys soon begin to work together in a style reminiscent of Lord of the Flies.
The Buzz toys build a fire and then notice the starry night sky, which prompts one of the toys to say “Star!“. Another toy then follows with “Command!” All the toys then begin to chant “Star Command!“ before they then build a raft. The footage ends with the Buzz toys sailing off toward the stars in the distance.
What This Means For Toy Story 5
Buzz Has Been Stuck In Toy Mode Before
The introduction of multiple Buzz Lightyear toys is reminiscent of the very first Toy Story movie. When Buzz is first introduced in the franchise, he doesn’t know he is a toy and instead believes himself to be a real Space Ranger tasked with defending the galaxy from Emperor Zurg. This idea returns in Toy Story 2 at Al’s Toy Barn with numerous versions of Buzz shown still in their boxes. The fact that there will seemingly be dozens of Buzz Lightyears all working together for a common purpose, however, is a franchise first.
After the heartfelt Toy Story 4 ending, the new footage speaks to the ways in which the fifth movie could attempt to mix nostalgic elements of the franchise with fresh ideas. Buzz’s toy mode has been a source of comic relief in past movies, but also a source of conflict, as toy Buzz can be challenging to reason with. This could spell trouble for the real Buzz, who could have to face this army of replicas, as well as for Woody and the rest of the gang.
Toy Story 5 concept art was shared last November, providing an idea of what this opening sequence might look like. The art showed dozens of Buzz Lightyears marching away from a shipping container on a sandy beach.
Our Take On Toy Story 5’s Opening Scene
Toy Story 4’s Ending Set A High Bar
The hit Pixar franchise has now delivered several satisfying and emotional endings with films three and four. After the fourth installment felt like a sendoff for these beloved Toy Story characters, the fifth movie faces the challenge of delivering a story that feels like a worthwhile continuation. Introducing dozens of Buzz Lightyears stuck in toy mode is certainly an interesting way to start the next installment with energy, and it will likely open the door for a lot of comedy. What remains unclear, however, is whether Toy Story 5 will be able to hit the emotional highs of past installments.
