They're a little late, but our friends in the Toy Story franchise have entered their digital device era. Woody, Buzz, Jesse, and the rest of Bonnie's toys have discovered that playthings aren't just limited to pull strings and squishy textures, but can unleash a new world of information and socialization with just a few key taps.
It's a scary dilemma, and that is exactly what happens in the upcoming fifth installment, Toy Story 5. As Bonnie is growing older, reaching an age where she's phasing out her childhood and settling for something more mature. This milestone challenges Woody and his group, and to make the situation even worse, the toys meet the face of their enemy, an electronic tablet.
The narrative pretty much sets the stage for today's youth, as more and more kids are being raised on tech, taking the place of imaginative play through plushies and action figures. It's quite an evolution in the perspective of this 1980s kid who was very hands-on with their traditional toys.
Tech toys aren't limited to kids, but for adults, as well. They're part of our everyday lives, from our smartphones to our tablets and computers. What's even more amazing is that when the latest device is released, with promises of life advancements (and a steep price tag), it only makes one nostalgic for the past. Besides, being digital 24/7 can be a headache.
As Toy Story 5's June 19, 2026, release date is inching closer, we got a first look and description of the terrorizing little tablet.
Meet Lily Pad-the atagonist of Toy Story 5
During the Pixar Panel at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival last week, fans were treated to some of the new concept art for Toy Story 5. One of the images introduces us to Liliy Pad, a Leapfrog-inspired device that Jessie, Buzz, and Bullseye check out. Lily's screen displays a standard text messaging app, trailed with a conversation.
She looks innocent enough, with her large frog eyes and friendly, but suspicious smile. But wait! Pixar's Chief Creative Officer, Pete Docter, teased Lily's underlying sinister motives at a presentation in New York on June 5, according to Entertainment Weekly.
"[Lily's] a new tech tablet, which allows Bonnie to chat with their friends and play games and other things too. But Lily can also be a bit sneaky and prickly to be around. And because, in her mind, it's a lot better to be socialized, and Bonnie needs to move on from toys".
Tim Allan, Tom Hanks, Joan Cusack, and Blake Clark are returning to voice their beloved characters. Newcomers Conan O'Brien and Ghostbusters alum Ernie Hudson will join the cast as Smarty Pants and Combat Carl. Hudson will replace Carl's original actor, Carl Weathers, who passed away earlier this year.
Toy Story 5 was initially announced at D23 last year, and since then, fans have been eager to see what the new chapter will unfold. The franchise is very successful in terms of animation, production, story, and financial payout in its thirty years, and I do not doubt that Toy Story 5 will have the same fate.
In the meantime until the June 2026 drop, you can stream Toy Story 1-4 on Disney+.