After 4 successful films, the announcement of Toy Story 5 left many fans wondering where the story could go next. According to director and writer Andrew Stanton, the answer came quickly and it was not about Woody or Buzz Lightyear. Instead, he wanted to focus on Jessie, a character who has been part of the franchise for more than two decades.
“That was the only reason I wanted to do it,” said Stanton in a recent interview. “I wanted to write whatever I wanted Toy Story 5 to be and see where I wanted to explore. And right away I was like, I want to explore Jessie. I want to put her in the main driver’s seat.”
Co director and co writer Mckenna Harris agreed with the decision and believes the character has deserved more attention for a long time.
“I think a lot of us felt it was kind of overdue,” she says. “Jessie is just a great character and she deserves the spotlight. It’s why she got the badge in Four.”
Producer Lindsey Collins also highlighted why Jessie stands out among the franchise’s characters.
“She has more backstory than any of them. We know the most about her of any of the characters, including Buzz and Woody. She has her own past in a way no other character does and so it felt like it’s just sitting there.”
Jessie first appeared in Toy Story 2 and quickly became one of the series’ most memorable characters. Her story of being left behind by her owner gave audiences one of the most emotional moments in the franchise. Unlike many of the other toys, Jessie understands the pain of abandonment, making her one of the most complex characters in the series.
In Toy Story 5, that emotional history will play a bigger role as Jessie moves into a leading position within the story. The film follows Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the toys as they face a new challenge. A tablet device named Lilypad enters Bonnie’s life and brings a different view of what is best for her. The arrival of technology creates a conflict that could change how the toys see their purpose and their place in Bonnie’s world.
Toy Story 5 is directed by Academy Award winner Andrew Stanton, co directed by Kenna Harris, produced by Lindsey Collins and features music by Randy Newman. The film will release in theatres across India in English and Hindi on 19th June 2026.