Three decades after it reshaped animation history, 1995’s Toy Story is stepping into the spotlight once again—this time with a remake, a new sequel, and a cross-cultural leap into manga storytelling.
Pixar’s 1995 trailblazer, Toy Story, is officially being remade and rereleased, bringing new life to the groundbreaking film that changed the animation industry forever. The movie’s iconic buddy story between Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) helped launch Pixar into the stratosphere and laid the foundation for a franchise that would become one of the most beloved in cinematic history.
From the moment it debuted, Toy Story set a new benchmark as the first fully computer-animated feature film, combining technological innovation with an emotionally resonant narrative. Its heartfelt portrayal of friendship and purpose touched audiences across generations and transformed expectations for animated films. Not only did it launch a successful series—with sequels in 1999, 2010, and 2019—but it also earned three Academy Award nominations and left a permanent mark on pop culture.
The original film remains a cornerstone of modern animation, praised for its balance of humor, emotion, and technical achievement. Its impact continues to be felt today, and now, Pixar is leaning back into the franchise with some major announcements.
In 2023, Disney confirmed that Toy Story 5 is officially in development, aiming for a 2026 release. Tim Allen and Tom Hanks are set to return as the voices of Buzz and Woody, reuniting the dynamic duo that first stole hearts three decades ago. While plot details remain tightly under wraps, expectations are high that the next installment will reconnect the characters after the emotional farewell in 2019’s Toy Story 4 and offer a new chapter filled with both nostalgia and discovery.
Disney has drawn parallels between its upcoming 2026 film slate and the massive box office success of 2019, which saw titles like Avengers: Endgame, Frozen II, Aladdin, and The Lion King cross the billion-dollar mark. With Toy Story 5 joined by Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Avengers: Doomsday, and The Mandalorian and Grogu, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the studio.
But Toy Story’s return isn’t limited to the screen. The franchise is expanding its legacy into new territory with official manga adaptations arriving in time for the film’s 30th anniversary. As reported by GameSpot, fans can look forward to the deluxe “Toy Story Manga: 30th Anniversary Edition” hitting shelves on August 19, 2025. This collector’s item features manga adaptations of both Toy Story and Toy Story 2, housed in a premium hardcover with a foreword from Pixar veteran Shawn P. Krause, who worked on the original film.
That same summer, Disney is releasing a five-volume set titled “Disney Manga: The Pixar Collection” on June 24, 2025. The box set will include reimagined versions of Toy Story, Finding Nemo (2003), Wall-E (2008), and Monsters, Inc. (2001), capturing the studio’s signature characters through a distinctly Japanese lens. For those seeking even more premium formats, library editions of the manga adaptations—with upgraded print quality and binding—will become available on August 1, 2025.
With so many projects on the horizon, it’s clear that Toy Story’s legacy is far from over. From its genre-defining origins in 1995 to new creative reimaginings in manga form and a highly anticipated fifth film, Toy Story continues to evolve while staying true to its heartfelt roots.
How do you feel about these new additions to the Toy Story universe? Let us know in the comments below!
