‘Nobody’s Being Robbed of Their Trilogy’: Toy Story 5 Director Defends Disney’s Decision for Another Sequel

Disney’s decision to make Toy Story 5 has raised some eyebrows, especially after the emotional finale of Toy Story 3. However, director Andrew Stanton is defending the choice, assuring fans that no one is being “robbed” of the original trilogy.

“Toy Story 3 was the end of the ‘Andy years,’” Stanton explained. “Nobody’s being robbed of their trilogy. They can enjoy that and never watch another if they don’t want to.” For Stanton, Toy Story has always been about change, and the world of toys allows for new stories to unfold.

In Toy Story 5, the toys face an “existential problem”: a modern, iPad-like tablet that challenges their relevance in a tech-dominated world. Stanton said the idea of traditional toys adjusting to today’s technology was too good to pass up. “Nobody’s really playing with toys anymore,” he noted, acknowledging how much tech has reshaped our lives.

While some fans argue that Toy Story 3 ended the story perfectly, the financial success of Toy Story 4—which earned over $1 billion in 2019—shows why Disney is keen to continue. Stanton emphasized that the new film doesn’t just make technology the villain; instead, it explores the real-world impact of tech on relationships.

Though many fans feel Toy Story 5 is another cash grab, Pixar has faced mixed reactions with original films like Elemental and Elio. As Pixar veteran Pete Docter recently said, making sequels is a way of giving audiences what they want. “We’d be making Toy Story 27,” Docter joked.

For now, Toy Story 5 seems to offer more room for growth in the toys’ world, even if it takes the franchise in a new direction. Whether fans embrace it or not, the toys are back—and their new journey is just beginning.