When Toy Story 5 (2026) was officially announced, fans didn’t hesitate to celebrate the return of their favorite talking toys. Woody, Buzz, and Jessie are all expected to reunite in what’s being described as a deeply emotional and timely story—one that grapples with how toys compete for attention in a world filled with screens, smartphones, and endless digital distractions.
Director Andrew Stanton has hinted that the toys will be facing some of their biggest challenges yet—not from a villain, but from the modern world itself. Early artwork and teasers have set the stage for Jessie to take on a larger role, while Buzz and Woody’s reunion has fans gearing up for another heartfelt adventure. And yet, amid the excitement, a familiar question has crept in.
What about Mr. Potato Head?
The Missing Piece of the Toy Box
Don Rickles, who voiced the wisecracking spud from the very beginning, passed away back in 2017. His absence was already felt during the making of Toy Story 4 (2019), but Disney and Pixar managed to bring Mr. Potato Head back for one more appearance using archived voice clips from past projects. The result was touching—a fitting way to include the character without replacing the man who made him so iconic.
Fast forward to today, and Toy Story 5 presents a more complicated challenge. No confirmation has been given about whether Mr. Potato Head is coming back, and fans have definitely noticed. The teaser trailer featured familiar faces, but the potato wasn’t one of them.
Without Rickles, there’s no obvious way forward. And that’s exactly what has fans concerned.
Replace, Retire, or Recreate?
Pixar now finds itself in a tough spot. Do they reuse the remaining Rickles audio and hope it fits the new story? Do they attempt to replicate his voice using artificial intelligence? Or do they recast entirely—an option that many longtime fans would probably consider sacrilegious?
There’s no easy answer here. Rickles’ voice wasn’t just a sound—it was a presence. Trying to mimic that could backfire in a big way. And choosing to leave Mr. Potato Head out altogether would be a huge change for a franchise that’s always valued consistency and loyalty among its core cast.
The possibility of AI-generated voice lines might sound like the obvious solution, but even that brings emotional baggage. Is it really the same character without the man behind the mouth?
Nostalgia Meets Uncertainty
There’s a lot riding on Toy Story 5. With themes that reflect how childhood itself has evolved, the film has the chance to strike a deep emotional chord. But nostalgia can be a double-edged sword. When you bring back beloved characters, fans expect to see the full gang together. And Mr. Potato Head has always been part of that group.
Even if his role was never as big as Woody’s or Buzz’s, he brought something important to the table—humor, skepticism, and heart. And while we might not know yet whether he’ll show up in this latest chapter, the uncertainty has definitely sparked some real concern in the fan community.
As the release date draws closer, everyone will be waiting to see whether that familiar grumble returns to the screen—or if this time, the toy box feels just a little bit emptier.
