Pixar has officially confirmed that Toy Story 5 (2026) will include a significant casting change following the death of actor Carl Weathers. Weathers, who voiced Combat Carl in previous franchise installments, passed away on February 1, 2024, due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Best known for his roles in Rocky (1976) and The Mandalorian, Weathers made his debut in the Toy Story universe in the 2013 television special Toy Story of Terror!. He later returned to voice the action figure again in Toy Story 4 (2019).
According to a report from Deadline, Weathers’ role will be taken over by Ghostbusters franchise star Ernie Hudson. Hudson has also appeared in a Star Wars: The Bad Batch episode and a recurring guest role on ABC’s Modern Family.
Tim Allen recently confirmed that he and Tom Hanks will return as Buzz Lightyear and Woody, although he couldn’t reveal much about the plot of Toy Story 5. Allen did reveal that the story will highlight Jessie (Joan Cusack).
“I can tell you that it’s a lot about Jessie,” Allen said. “Tom [Hanks] and I do — Woody and I — do realign. And there’s an unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyears. I can give you that, but I can’t give you much more.”
Pixar has teased that the new film will follow Buzz, Woody, and their friends as they face off against a group of electronic toys. Mom star Anna Faris is also joining the cast in an undisclosed role.
In an interview with Collider after his first Toy Story 5 voice-recording session, Allen praised the script and overall concept as “very, very clever.”
“It’s a really good story, guys,” he said. “It’s really good.”
Toy Story 5 is written and directed by Andrew Stanton, known for WALL-E (2008) and Finding Nemo (2003). The Disney/Pixar film is produced by Jessica Choi and executive produced by Pete Docter. It is set to premiere in theaters on June 19, 2026.
What should happen in Toy Story 5? Share your plot ideas with Disney Dining in the comments!
