Disney has confirmed that Toy Story 5 will feature new voice actors for Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, marking a transition for two of the franchise’s long-running characters following the deaths of Don Rickles and Estelle Harris.
Rickles originated the voice of Mr. Potato Head in 1995’s Toy Story and remained closely associated with the role for decades. After his death in 2017, Pixar assembled previously recorded dialogue to include the character in Toy Story 4. Harris, who began voicing Mrs. Potato Head in Toy Story 2, died in 2022.
For Toy Story 5, Jeff Bergman will take over as Mr. Potato Head. Bergman is known for voicing multiple Looney Tunes characters over the years. Anna Vocino has been cast as Mrs. Potato Head. Both roles represent a shift toward full recasting rather than relying on archival material.
The broader cast remains largely intact. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, continuing their decades-long association with the series. Other returning performers include Joan Cusack as Jessie, Annie Potts as Bo Peep, John Ratzenberger as Hamm, Wallace Shawn as Rex, Blake Clark as Slinky Dog, John Hopkins as Mr. Pricklepants, Kristen Schaal as Trixie, Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl, Tony Hale as Forky, Bonnie Hunt as Dolly, Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom, and Melissa Villaseñor as Karen Beverly.
Toy Story 5 also introduces several new characters. Greta Lee voices Lilypad, a tech-based gadget that becomes central to the film’s conflict. Additional new cast members include Conan O’Brien, Craig Robinson, Shelby Rabara, Mykal-Michelle Harris, and Matty Matheson in supporting roles.
Bonnie, the child who became the toys’ owner at the end of Toy Story 3, has also been recast. After being voiced by Emily Hahn and Madeleine McGraw in previous installments, the character will now be played by Scarlett Spears.
Narratively, Toy Story 5 follows the events of Toy Story 4, which ended with Woody choosing to leave Bonnie’s room and live independently with Bo Peep. Jessie assumed the role of sheriff among Bonnie’s toys. The upcoming sequel centers on the tension between traditional toys and modern technology, with Lilypad positioned as a device that could displace Bonnie’s interest in her existing playthings. The theme echoes earlier franchise explorations of children shifting attention away from physical toys, including the 2014 special Toy Story That Time Forgot.
Andrew Stanton, whose credits include Finding Nemo and WALL-E, directs Toy Story 5 and co-wrote the screenplay with Kenna Harris. Randy Newman returns to compose the score, and Lindsey Collins serves as producer.
Toy Story 5 is scheduled for theatrical release in June 2026. It will be Pixar’s second film of the year, following the original feature Hoppers in March. The studio has indicated a broader strategy of alternating between sequels and new properties, with future projects including additional entries in established franchises.
