Actress Joan Cusack said her character Jessie will have a bigger and more powerful role in the upcoming film Toy Story 5.
The development signals a shift in the franchise's narrative focus, elevating a supporting character to a lead position as Pixar expands the series.
Cusack said the cowgirl doll is stepping into a more central position within the story during an appearance on Good Morning America in May 2026. This expansion comes more than 20 years after Jessie was first introduced in Toy Story 2 [1].
To promote the film, Cusack attended the London premiere in May 2026. The appearance marked a significant personal milestone for the actress, as she appeared on a red carpet for the first time in 11 years [2].
Jessie's role in the new sequel is intended to provide a more dominant presence than in previous installments. The promotion of the film highlights how the character has evolved from a newcomer in the second film to a primary driver of the plot in the fifth.
Cusack's return to the spotlight coincides with the global marketing push for the movie. The focus on Jessie's empowerment reflects the broader trajectory of the character since her debut over two decades ago [1].
“Jessie will have a bigger, more powerful role in the upcoming film Toy Story 5”
The decision to center Toy Story 5 around Jessie suggests Pixar is diversifying its lead perspectives to maintain franchise freshness. By elevating a character with a distinct emotional history and a strong personality, the studio can explore new thematic territory while leveraging the established nostalgia of the existing cast.
