Pixar Confirms 'Toy Story 5' Recasts, Film Changes
Pixar Animation Studios is making significant changes to its upcoming films. The studio confirmed five major character recasts for "Toy Story 5" and reportedly altered story elements in its film "Elio" following test screenings. Meanwhile, a new Pixar special, "Hoppers," has become the #1 movie on Disney+ in the U.S.
- The recasting for *Toy Story 5* includes Jeff Bergman as Mr. Potato Head and Anna Vocino as Mrs. Potato Head, following the passing of original voice actors Don Rickles and Estelle Harris. Ernie Hudson is also taking over the role of Combat Carl, previously voiced by the late Carl Weathers. - *Toy Story 5*, set for a June 19, 2026 release, will be directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, who co-wrote the first four films and directed *Finding Nemo* and *WALL-E*. The film's plot will reportedly see the toys contending with modern technology's threat to traditional playtime. - Changes to the film *Elio* occurred after a 2023 test screening where, when asked if they would pay to see the movie in theaters, not a single audience member raised their hand. Following this, original director Adrian Molina departed the project and was replaced by co-directors Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi. - The original version of *Elio* reportedly featured a "queer-coded" main character, reflecting director Adrian Molina's identity as an openly gay filmmaker. Subsequent changes included removing hints of a male crush and making the character more "masculine" following feedback from studio leadership. - Actress America Ferrera, originally cast as Elio's mother, reportedly left the film after the creative overhaul and Molina's departure; the character was then changed to be Elio's aunt, voiced by Zoe Saldaña. - The new Disney+ title, *Hoppers*, is a feature film slated for a theatrical release on March 6, 2026, directed by Daniel Chong (*We Bare Bears*). Its story was originally pitched with penguin protagonists before the creative team shifted the focus to beavers, who are vital "ecosystem engineers." - The plot of *Hoppers* centers on a teenage animal lover who uses new technology to transfer her consciousness into a robotic beaver, allowing her to communicate with animals and protect their habitat. The voice cast includes Piper Curda, Jon Hamm, and Meryl Streep.
