Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 is proving that there’s still plenty of life left in Woody, Buzz, and the gang. The highly anticipated sequel is roaring out of the gate and is on track for the biggest opening weekend in the franchise’s 31-year history, with projections ranging between $145 million and $150 million domestically and a potential $275 million global debut.
If those numbers hold, Toy Story 5 won’t just be a win for Pixar—it could become one of the biggest openings of 2026, further cementing the franchise as one of Disney’s most valuable brands. Analysts are projecting a domestic opening north of $135 million, with some estimates putting the film in record-breaking territory for the beloved series.
This latest installment sees Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of Bonnie’s toys facing an all-new threat: technology. A tablet named Lilypad enters Bonnie’s life, challenging the toys’ place in a world increasingly dominated by screens and electronics. The film explores themes of friendship, growing up, and the battle between imaginative play and digital entertainment.
Directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris, the film marks Pixar’s return to one of its most iconic properties seven years after Toy Story 4. Franchise veterans Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprise their legendary roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, while Joan Cusack steps into a larger spotlight as Jessie takes center stage in the story.
For Disney and Pixar, Toy Story 5 represents more than just another sequel. It’s a test of whether one of animation’s most beloved franchises can continue to connect with a new generation while still delivering the emotional storytelling that made audiences fall in love with these characters in the first place. Early tracking suggests the answer is a resounding “To infinity and beyond.”
Source: Variety’s box office report on Toy Story 5
