Fans Fume as Classic Characters Vanish from ‘Toy Story 5’ Amid “Woke” Reboot Claims

For over two decades, Toy Story has captivated audiences with its heartwarming tales of friendship, growth, and the importance of play. From the groundbreaking animation of the first film to the emotional farewell in Toy Story 4, the franchise has become one of the most iconic in film history.

But with the announcement of Toy Story 5, long-time fans are wondering if there’s more story to tell, or if the beloved toys are being pushed into unfamiliar territory. What could Toy Story possibly look like in a world that’s changed so much since the last film? That’s where things get complicated.

Related: Three Decades Later, ‘Toy Story’ (1995) Is Being Remade in a New Way

But excitement quickly turned to concern when Disney unveiled a sneak peek of the new movie. While fans were excited to see the return of iconic characters like Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen), some fans were horrified to see that several other much-loved characters were missing from the images.

This has sparked a wave of backlash from fans, with accusations of Disney cutting characters for political reasons.

Related: Tim Allen Shares Exciting New Details About ‘Toy Story 5’!

As always, Toy Story fans are a passionate bunch. From the first film in 1995 to the spinoff films, specials, and even theme park attractions, the franchise has built a legacy of unforgettable characters and moments. So when some of those characters are left out, it’s bound to stir up emotions.

Here’s a closer look at the controversy surrounding Toy Story 5 and the reactions from fans.

The announcement of Toy Story 5 was met with mixed reactions. While the franchise had long seemed to be wrapping up with Toy Story 4 in 2019, Disney confirmed that more adventures were in store. Many fans were on edge, wondering if the series had reached its peak or if there was still a meaningful story left to tell.

One of the main storylines teased for Toy Story 5 will explore the evolution of toys in today’s technological age. Disney and Pixar have confirmed that a new toy, a tablet named Lilypad, will make its debut, showing how new tech is changing the way children play. But alongside this futuristic addition, some fans noticed that a few classic characters were nowhere to be seen.

The newly released images from Disney showed Jessie standing on Bonnie’s bed, with a number of toys on the floor, including Buttercup, Rex, Hamm, Dolly, Mr. Pricklepants, Trixie, and the aliens. But noticeably absent from the scene were Slinky Dog, Mr. Potato Head, and Mrs. Potato Head.

This caused immediate concern among fans.

NO POTATO HEADS THIS IS TERRIBLE

NO POTATO HEADS THIS IS TERRIBLE

— Orange Feline (@Paintown67) July 6, 2025

Related: Major Voice Actor Replacement Confirmed for ‘Toy Story 5’

These tweets quickly gained traction, with fans accusing Disney of “woke” politics, claiming that the decision to cut beloved characters was part of a broader agenda. The term “woke” has become a popular, yet controversial, shorthand used by critics to suggest that changes are being made for ideological reasons, rather than creative or financial ones.

However, the backlash didn’t stop there. While the absence of characters like Slinky Dog and Potato Heads was enough to stir the pot, some fans went even further, suggesting that Disney was taking the characters out for political correctness or social justice purposes.

One fan tweeted:

Woke incoming

Woke incoming

— ヒーロー❤️ (@hyprasingro) July 7, 2025

But many commenters quickly pointed out that these concerns were misguided. It’s important to note that Don Rickles, who voiced Mr. Potato Head, passed away in 2017, and Estelle Harris, who voiced Mrs. Potato Head, passed away in 2022. In order to include Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story 4, Pixar had to piece together the character’s dialogue using archived voice recordings.

Moreover, it has been confirmed that characters such as Slinky Dog, Forky, and Bullseye will still appear in Toy Story 5, albeit in other promotional materials. These confirmations suggest that the character cuts are more about story direction than a deliberate attempt to reduce certain figures from the Toy Story universe.

Do you think Disney is making the right decision with Toy Story 5, or do you feel the franchise has outlived its time? Should Disney bring back classic characters, or is it time for new stories and characters to take center stage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and join the ongoing conversation about the future of Toy Story and Disney’s evolving approach to storytelling.