SPOILER WARNING: This story discusses plot details for “Toy Story 5.”
Pixar’s “Toy Story 5” doesn’t open until June 19, but fans are clamoring for every snippet released by the studio.
Beloved toys Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Rex, Forky and the rest of the gang are back in the franchise’s fifth installment. The story picks up a few years after the fourth film, and things have changed. Aside from the new toys added to the mix, the biggest shocker is how Woody has aged. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like much, until everyone’s favorite pull-string cowboy toy removes his hat and reveals he is balding.
Voiced by Tom Hanks, the character still sports his trademark shirt and jeans. This time around, Woody has a red poncho and has visibly aged. He’s also gained a little weight. Speaking at a press preview in Anaheim last month after screening the first 30 minutes of the film, Andrew Stanton explained that Woody is simply loving his retirement. “He has a new purpose of not being devoted to one kid. He’s out in the field and not worrying,” Stanton said.
Stanton continued, “The bald spot symbolizes that he’s just worn out from not trying to take care of himself so much anymore — just doing whatever dirty work needed to be done to save a toy.” He added that the idea came during a gag session about older toys. Co-director McKenna Harris revealed that there were a few more gags that didn’t make it into the film. “We wanted to make him insanely sun-bleached, but that didn’t make it,” Harris said.
