Tom Hanks and Tim Allen could not contain their laughter as they reunited at the UK premiere of Toy Story 5 on Thursday. Hanks, who voices Woody, and Allen, who plays Buzz Lightyear, larked around on the star-studded red carpet in London's Leicester Square.
Star-Studded Event
A host of celebrities gathered to celebrate the latest instalment of the beloved franchise. The much-anticipated fifth film will hit theatres on June 19. Hanks and Allen joined their characters for a fun-filled picture, before reuniting with Joan Cusack, who voices Jessie.
Woody's Bald Patch Sparks Fan Reactions
Fans could not help but be distracted by Woody's appearance after Pixar dropped the trailer in February. The film deals with a modern problem—electronics—as the older toys encourage Andy's younger sister Bonnie to make real friends and be present in the real world. However, like Andy himself, the toys have aged over time, and Woody now sports a bald patch. In the trailer, Trixie the dinosaur cheekily admits: 'Someone needs a brown marker.' Lilypad the tablet questions: 'What are you? Some sort of old man toy?' This causes an outraged Trixie to exclaim: 'She thinks you're old because you're bald, Woody!'
Woody's bald patch did not go unnoticed on social media. One fan joked: 'Pixar said hey millennials, remember Woody? Yeah, he's got a bald spot now. So do you. Movie tickets are $18.' Another commented: 'That's wild! Woody's finally showing his age after all these adventures. Time for a toy hair transplant? Can't wait for TS5!' Others quipped: 'Oh man, can we just take a moment to appreciate the sheer audacity of Woody's paint job in Toy Story 5? I mean, the guy's been sheriff of Andy's room, Pizza Planet, Bonnie's backpack, and who knows how many storage bins over the years and it finally caught up with him.'
Some fans noted that while Woody has aged, Bonnie has not, with one joking: 'Meanwhile Bonnie is still in kindergarten 16 years later.'
Positive Reception
While sequels to beloved films often garner mixed reactions, Toy Story 5 has already been praised as an important addition. One fan shared on X: 'I'm glad the villain of the new Toy Story is a child's tablet.' Another posted: 'I hope the film conveys how screens eat up a child's hobbies, interests, literacy, and ability to function socially. I hope it provokes millions of parents to think twice before making the iPad a babysitter.' A third added: 'Lilypad isn't just a Toy Story character, it's the struggle. Everyone who has children already knows.'
Behind the Scenes
Toy Story 5 is written by Stanton Harris, who has been part of the franchise since the first film in 1995, and co-directed by Kenna Harris. They said in a statement: 'It's been a hilarious and poignant journey exploring how our favourite team of legacy toys might respond to today's world of technology, and we're thrilled to share this first glimpse with audiences. Having the remarkably talented Greta Lee bring Lilypad to life—balancing a playfully antagonistic tone with humor and heart—has been incredible.'
Toy Story 5 will be released on June 19, 2026.
