'Toy Story 5' In The Works At Disney: Tim Allen Confirms His Return As Buzz Lightyear
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on February 11, 2023 at 9:00 AM EST
To infinity and beyond!
The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger confirmed that Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the gang would once again hit the big screen as there is another "Toy Story" sequel in the works. “Today I’m so pleased to announce that we have sequels in the works from our animation studios to some of our most popular franchises, Toy Story, Frozen and Zootopia," Iger said during the Q1 Earnings call on February 8, 2023.
But that's not all because it looks like Tim Allen will be returning to the franchise. A few years ago, Disney produced another film called “Lightyear”, which was a prequel to the “Toy Story” films and told the story of Buzz Lightyear, but the character was voiced by Chris Evans, and not Tim Allen.
Despite Allen not voicing Buzz Lightyear in "Lightyear", it does seem he will be returning to voice the beloved character for the upcoming sequel.
Tim Allen Speaks Out On 'Toy Story 5'
Just moments after Disney CEO Bob Iger announced a "Toy Story" sequel was in the works, Tim Allen, who provided his voice to the lovable Pixar character in four different films, took to social media to seemingly confirm he would be returning for the fifth film.
"See ya soon Woody, you are a sad strange little man and you have my pity," Allen Tweeted before adding, "And off we go to a number 5! To infinity and beyond!"
https://twitter.com/ofctimallen/status/1623479040295456768?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
Tom Hanks (voice of Woody) and Tim Allen (voice of Buzz Lightyear) were spotted having a secret breakfast together just a few months ago, which had fans speculating if a "Toy Story 5" was in the works, and it seems that they were correct!
Both Hanks and Allen provided their voices to the lovable Pixar characters — Woody and Buzz — in four different films. Don Rickles (Mr. Potato Head), Jim Varney (Slinky Dog), Wallace Shawn (Rex,), John Ratzenberger (Hamm), and Annie Potts (Bo Peep), also provided their voices for the franchise.
"Lightyear" vs "Toy Story"
Disney recently produced another film called “Lightyear”, which was a prequel to the “Toy Story” films and told the story of Buzz Lightyear, but the character was voiced by Chris Evans, and not Tim Allen.
In a previous interview, Tom Hanks, longtime voice of Woody, did not hold back and showed he was not happy with “Lightyear” producers as admitted to wanting to do the sequel with longtime friend and co-star, Allen, but “they didn’t let Tim Allen do it.” He said, “I don’t understand that.” Many believe it has to do with politics as Allen’s views don’t align with most of Hollywood, but that has not been confirmed.
Despite Allen not voicing Buzz Lightyear in "Lightyear", it does seem he will be returning to voice the beloved character for the upcoming sequel.
All four films from the “Toy Story” franchise are currently streaming on Disney+. At this time, there is no release date or official title for the upcoming "Toy Story" sequel, though fans (as well as Tim Allen) are deeming it as "Toy Story 5."