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It has been 30 years after the first Toy Story film debuted, launching the animation giant as a major animation studio and bringing audiences to iconic figures like the cowboy doll (the actor) and the space ranger (Tim Allen), who are now household names.

Coming in 2026, the next chapter is set to arrive. The initial preview for Toy Story 5 landed recently, providing a glimpse into the storyline but keeping fans wondering how it will resolve the conclusion of Toy Story 4.

Bonnie's New Toy: A Digital Device Spooks the Toys

The preview shows Bonnie — who inherited the toy collection when he left for college — receiving a latest toy, one that alarms the familiar toy group. Bonnie gets her initial digital gadget, and she is thrilled about it.

Theoretically, the frog-shaped tablet will animate just like Bonnie's other toys. Still, the characters appear to consider it as a threat coming to replace them, which it likely will.

Woody's Return: Unanswered Questions from Toy Story 4

One thing the teaser doesn't touch on is why the sheriff is returned with his friends in Bonnie's room. The end of Toy Story 4 saw him set off on a new adventure with the shepherdess (Annie Potts), journeying with a carnival and assisting prize toys locate loving owners.

Certainly, Pixar will address the aftermath of Toy Story 4 in the film. Witnessing him show up in the familiar setting without warning is somewhat puzzling, however. It also raises questions whether Bo Peep will have returned with him. And where is Duke Caboom (the star)?

Connections from the Previous Film

At the very least, some aspects are carrying over from the prior film. The last thing the cowboy did before departing for his fresh path was hand over his sheriff badge to Jessie (Joan Cusack), leaving her as the leader of the toy domain. The clip shows the insignia pinned to her outfit.

Hopefully she is remains the driving force among the toys.

Toy Story 5 arrives in theaters on the scheduled date.