Tim Allen Provides Long-Awaited Update On 'Toy Story 5'

Earlier this year, the Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger confirmed that there is another “Toy Story” sequel in the work, with Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and other fan-favorite characters returning.

“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.

Shortly after the news broke, Tim Allen, who voiced Buzz Lightyear in the first four "Toy Story" films, confirmed he would return as the action figure toy for the fifth movie. Now, the "Home Improvement" actor is speaking out on the upcoming film, giving some more insight on what to expect and how this project came to be.

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!”

Now, months after the big announcement was made, Allen is providing more details on the upcoming Pixar film. "'Toy Story 5' had been kind of laid down quite a while ago, but we just couldn't get into it," Allen told The DailyMail. "Then Disney announced it about two months ago."

"So I've made friends with all of the people in 'Toy Story', especially Tom Hanks [who plays Woody in the films]. So for that, I'm blessed to have these friends in my life," he continued. "I love that character. I love that story. So I always wait to see the script."

The 69-year-old actor went on to explain how Disney kept the project a secret for so long, stating, "They came up with that. I think it's getting close and I said unless it could have been done really well I know that the crew didn't want to do it."

"So none of us could mention any of this," he continued. "Even when all the ancillary Buzz or Lightyear movie was coming out, this was all in play. So it was kind of peculiar. That's all."

Although Disney was able to keep the project a secret, a few months before Disney announced "Toy Story 5", Tim Allen (voice of Buzz Lightyear) and Tom Hanks (voice of Woody) were spotted having a secret breakfast together. After the photos circulated the internet, fans began speculating if a “Toy Story 5” was in the works. Just a few months later, the Walt Disney Company announced the sequel.

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.

All four films from the “Toy Story” franchise are currently streaming on Disney+. At this time, there is no release date for the upcoming “Toy Story 5” sequel.