Tom Hanks said he agreed to reprise his role as Woody without hesitation during the Toy Story 5 premiere in London [1].
The return of the iconic cowboy is central to the franchise's continued appeal, especially as the series explores new emotional depths for its veteran characters.
Hanks said he did not question the offer when he was approached to return to the role. "I didn’t ask any questions when they approached me – I just said yes," Hanks said [2]. He said his decision was driven by his love for the character and a desire to explore the story's emotional weight [2].
Despite his enthusiasm, the character's presence in the film was not always guaranteed. Andrew Stanton, the writer-director, said that the first draft of the movie actually left Woody out [3]. The eventual inclusion of the character allows the film to delve into a new chapter for the toy.
Hanks also addressed the character's updated appearance in the new installment. He said that Woody now features a bald spot, which serves as a visual cue to show the character has been through a lot [4].
Toy Story 5 is scheduled for release in 2026 [5]. The film aims to build upon the legacy of the previous entries by focusing on the evolution of its protagonists.
“"I didn’t ask any questions when they approached me – I just said yes."”
The return of Tom Hanks as Woody, despite early script drafts omitting the character, suggests a creative pivot by Disney and Pixar to lean into the nostalgia and emotional connection audiences have with the original lead. By introducing physical markers of aging or wear, such as a bald spot, the franchise is signaling a shift toward more mature themes of endurance and change.
