‘Toy Story 5’ Filmmakers on Aging Woody and Why Lilypad Isn’t the Film’s Villain

Key Points:

• “Toy Story 5,” releasing June 19, features an aged Woody who has visibly balded and gained weight, symbolizing his retirement and new purpose beyond devotion to a single child, according to co-director Andrew Stanton.
• The film introduces Lilypad, a tablet-like toy voiced by Greta Lee, representing modern technology's impact on children's play, though she is not portrayed as a villain but as a symbol of change and intimidation for the traditional toys.
• Jessie takes a central role in the story, revisiting her old home now inhabited by a new girl named Blaze, whose character required authentic animation techniques to capture her hair and personality, marking a technological advancement for Pixar.
• New tech-themed characters include Smarty Pants, voiced by Conan O’Brien, designed as nostalgic potty-training devices, highlighting the blend of past and present technology in the toy world.
• Composer Randy Newman returns to score the film, bringing his signature blend of romanticism and cynicism, while the production emphasized traditional artistry over AI, maintaining Pixar’s commitment to artist-driven animation.