It's toys vs technology in the 1st 'Toy Story 5' trailer, and the toys have an army of Buzz Lightyears
Space.com
by Jeff Spry February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The first trailer for *Toy Story 5* showcases a battle between classic toys and modern technology as Woody and Buzz Lightyear rally an army of Buzz Lightyear action figures to rescue Bonnie from the grip of her addictive smart tablet. Directed by Josh Cooley, the film picks up seven years after *Toy Story 4*, with Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) teaming up with Buzz to protect Bonnie’s imaginative playtime from being consumed by tech. The trailer highlights a timely narrative about technology’s impact on children’s emotional growth, with a star-studded cast of toys, including Jessie, Forky, Slinky Dog, and Hamm, joining the fight against screen dominance.
Pixar veterans like Andrew Stanton, who wrote and directed the film, bring their signature storytelling expertise to *Toy Story 5*. Known for Oscar-winning films like *Finding Nemo* and *WALL-E*, Stanton’s involvement ensures a fresh yet familiar tone. The trailer also introduces new characters, such as Atlas, an animated GPS hippo toy voiced by Craig Robinson, and Duke Caboom, a Canadian daredevil toy played by Keanu Reeves. These additions add humor and depth to the story, blending nostalgia with modern themes of technology’s influence on play.
The film’s release in 2026 coincides with growing concerns about screen time and its effects on childhood development. *Toy Story 5* taps into this cultural conversation, offering a playful yet poignant commentary on how technology shapes kids’ lives. For fans of space and science, the movie’s exploration of human connection versus digital distraction aligns with
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Originally published on Space.com on 2/20/2026