Pixar has confirmed that the character of Combat Carl will return in Toy Story 5 (2026), but with a new voice behind the role. The change comes following the death of actor Carl Weathers, who originally voiced the character in multiple Toy Story projects.
Weathers, a former NFL player turned actor, passed away on February 1, 2024, from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He was known for his roles in Rocky (1976) and The Mandalorian, and first appeared in the Disney/Pixar universe in the 2013 Halloween special Toy Story of Terror!. He reprised the role of Combat Carl in Toy Story 4 (2019).
According to a report from Deadline, veteran actor Ernie Hudson will now take over the role in Toy Story 5. Hudson is best known for portraying Winston Zeddemore in the Ghostbusters franchise, and has also appeared in episodes of Star Wars: The Bad Batch and ABC’s Modern Family.
While details about Toy Story 5 remain tightly under wraps, fans already know several core cast members are returning. Tim Allen recently confirmed that he and Tom Hanks would both reprise their roles as Buzz Lightyear and Woody. He also teased that this installment will focus heavily on Jessie (Joan Cusack).
“I can tell you that it’s a lot about Jessie,” Allen said. “Tom [Hanks] and I do — Woody and I — do realign. And there’s an unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyears. I can give you that, but I can’t give you much more.”
Pixar has hinted that the story will involve a battle against electronic toys, with the ragtag team of toy characters teaming up once again. Scary Movie (2000) star Anna Faris is also joining the voice cast, though her role has not been disclosed.
In a separate interview with Collider, Allen praised the upcoming film as “very, very clever. “It’s a really good story, guys. It’s really good,” he said, following his first recording session for the sequel.
Andrew Stanton is writing and directing Toy Story 5, Jessica Choi is producing, and Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter is executive producing. The film is scheduled for release on June 19, 2026.
Get excited for their next chapter as Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang all return for #ToyStory5, coming to theaters Summer 2026! #D23
Get excited for their next chapter as Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang all return for #ToyStory5, coming to theaters Summer 2026! #D23 pic.twitter.com/w5yrlbkpYP
— Pixar (@Pixar) August 10, 2024
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