Toy Story 5 Just Made Andy’s Return Even More Likely

Summary

• Toy Story 5
  ‘s premise hints at the story’s timeline placement, influenced by real-world struggles.
• The tablet reveal implies at least a 3-year time jump, setting up competition for Bonnie’s attention among characters.
• There is potential for Andy’s return due to the time jump, although his absence could also make sense.

Toy Story 5‘s recently revealed premise opens the door for Woody and Buzz Lightyear’s former owner to return in the coming sequel, as well asroughly confirming where the movie will be set in the franchise timeline. Among the D23 announcements for Toy Story 5 was what the movie’s story will involve. While actual glimpses of the film itself are still incredibly limited, one released image backs up director Andrew Stanton’s declaration of the franchise being influenced by a real-world struggle.

Toy Story 5 will add to the ever-expanding collection of Pixar sequels when it hits cinema screens on June 19, 2026. Stanton’s explanation of the coming story will resonate with many viewers, as it’s heavily based on an ongoing scenario in the modern age. The fourth Toy Story sequel introduces something that will forever change the fictitious universe while also giving Andy an easy way to come back to the franchise – after only appearing in flashbacks in Toy Story 4.

Toy Story 5’s Tablet Reveal Confirms A Time Jump Of At Least 3 Years

Tablets weren’t rolled out until 2010 (& Toy Story 4 is set in 2007)

The Toy Story movies are full of time jumps, and the tradition continues. In Toy Story 5, the characters will be competing for attention to be played with by Bonnie. However, the scenario isn’t the same as Woody’s strife in the first movie – when he was fighting for his status as Andy’s favorite toy after Buzz appeared. Instead, Toy Story 5 is jumping into the era of tablets and other smart devices. Tablets weren’t commercially available until 2010, and with the events of Toy Story 4 unfolding in 2007, Toy Story 5 needs at least 3 years to have passed.

The first iPad was released on April 3, 2010, which started the tablet boom.

Interestingly, tablets weren’t an immediate hit, especially for kids. It took a while for them to weave their way into the marketplace, and a little longer still for them to be used so heavily as entertainment for children. So, there could be a longer jump between Toy Story 4 and 5 than it appears. If so, then the coming sequel could take place in the mid-2010s, which would bring the universe’s timeline even closer in line with reality. In this time, a lot can change – as evidenced by Bonnie’s preference to use her tablet rather than playing with her toys.

Toy Story 5’s Time Jump Sets Up Andy’s Return

Andy could be done with college when the Pixar sequel begins

Andy’s emotional departure at the end of Toy Story 3 didn’t just include him handing Woody and the others over to Bonnie. The end of the original trilogy also meant Andy was going away to college – a trip that Woody almost made with him. Andy wasn’t in the present-day sequences in Toy Story 4, but a younger version of the character was shown during the movie’s opening sequence. Toy Story 5 would be the first movie not to feature Andy if he doesn’t return, but the coming time jump perfectly accommodates his comeback.

By the time
Toy Story 5
begins, Andy could be done with college and may have returned home as a graduate.

By the time Toy Story 5 begins, Andy could be done with college and may have returned home as a graduate. Of course, it all depends on exactly how much time has passed, as three years may not be enough time for him to be finished. However, the wiggle room in the timeline paired with the fact that Bonnie’s use of a tablet suggests a time jump longer than three years increases the chance of Andy showing up in the franchise’s 2026 installment.

Should Andy Be In Toy Story 5?

Andy’s story with Woody and the others is already over

It would be a great shame if Toy Story 5 broke Andy’s streak of consecutive movie appearances. On the other hand, it may be time to bid farewell to the character. His goodbye at the end of Toy Story 3 was the perfect way for Andy to exit the franchise, and having him appear via flashback for a second time could feel a little forced and not as effective. So, one option is to completely omit Andy from Toy Story 5, as there doesn’t seem to be space for him in the coming story.

Regardless, Andy could still return, despite how unnecessary it may seem. Even if he does show up again, it arguably wouldn’t make sense for him to reclaim the toys Bonnie is ignoring. Andy had already outgrown playing with toys by the time of Toy Story 3, so it would be illogical and a little unusual if he took Woody and the others back for any reason other than nostalgia. Besides, as proven by the third movie, Andy almost taking Woody to college suggests his return in Toy Story 5 could just separate the cowboy from his friends again.