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

Pixar’s Toy Story is getting a major revival—30 years after it first changed the world of animation. The 1995 classic is being remade and rereleased, setting the stage for a new generation of fans while celebrating its milestone anniversary in style.

The original Toy Story did more than entertain—it shifted the entire animation industry. As the first-ever fully computer-animated feature film, it broke technical ground while delivering an emotionally powerful story centered on friendship and identity. Audiences quickly connected with Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), and the film’s success paved the way for sequels in 1999, 2010, and 2019.

Along the way, Toy Story earned three Oscar nominations and cemented its place as a cultural game-changer. It helped establish Pixar as a studio known for blending heart, humor, and technology—traits that still define its work today.

Now, Pixar is tapping into that legacy once more with big-screen plans and print expansions that honor the past while building toward the future.

Announced in 2023, Toy Story 5 is officially on Disney’s calendar for 2026, and longtime fans will be glad to hear that both Tim Allen and Tom Hanks are returning to reprise their iconic roles. Details about the plot are still being kept secret, but all signs point to a reunion between Woody and Buzz—potentially following up on the emotional parting seen in 2019’s Toy Story 4.

Disney has already set high expectations for 2026, pointing to the studio’s massive 2019 slate as a comparison. That year brought in over $1 billion each for Avengers: Endgame, Frozen II, Aladdin, and The Lion King. With Toy Story 5 alongside Avengers: Doomsday, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and The Mandalorian and Grogu, Disney seems poised for another powerhouse year.

Meanwhile, Toy Story is also stepping into a new storytelling medium. In celebration of the film’s 30th anniversary, Disney is teaming up with Japanese publishers to launch official manga adaptations of several Pixar favorites.

Leading the charge is “Toy Story Manga: 30th Anniversary Edition,” set for release on August 19, 2025. This deluxe hardcover brings together manga versions of Toy Story and 1999’s Toy Story 2, and it features a foreword from Pixar animator Shawn P. Krause, who worked on the original movie. According to GameSpot, it’s the perfect collector’s item for fans looking to revisit the franchise through a fresh lens.

Also arriving is “Disney Manga: The Pixar Collection” on June 24, 2025. This five-volume box set includes reimaginings of Finding Nemo, Wall-E, Monsters, Inc., and Toy Story, transforming Pixar’s iconic characters and stories with vibrant Japanese artwork and storytelling style.

And for collectors, there’s more: deluxe library editions of each manga adaptation—including “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo,” “Wall-E,” and “Monsters, Inc.”—are set to launch on August 1, 2025, offering high-end presentation and durability for display or gifting.

This multi-pronged revival strategy shows that Disney and Pixar are not only honoring their legacy but also ensuring these characters remain part of the cultural conversation. Whether it’s a fresh look at Woody and Buzz on the big screen or experiencing their early adventures through manga, Toy Story continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.

What are your thoughts on these new additions to the Toy Story franchise? Let us know in the comments below!