Andrew Stanton To Direct Pixar’s ‘Toy Story 5’

At a Q&A for Inside Out 2, Pixar CCO Pete Docter revealed the director for the fifth installment in the Toy Story saga… Andrew Stanton. 

What is Toy Story?

Toy Story is one of the most beloved animation franchises of all time, debuting its first film in 1996 and taking the world by storm with its inventive animation. The franchise follows toys that are alive and belong to the child Andy. 

Through a variety of adventures the toys bond with one another and utilize themes that are relevant to the ages of the toy owners thus creating an experience that is enjoyable for all. 

Who Is Directing Toy Story 5?

While appearing at a post-screening Q&A for Pixar’s Inside Out 2, Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter (Monsters Inc., Up) commented on the upcoming slate for the studio.  According to a tweet from @TheMontyVerse, Docter said that the animation at Pixar “is going to evolve and look very different in the next several years.” 

He also mentioned that Andrew Stanton, who directed Finding Nemo and WALL-E, will return to the studio to direct Toy Story 5. Stanton originally wrote the story for the first four Toy Story films and has worked with the studio extensively outside of the franchise. 

Pixar just released Inside Out 2, the sequel to the hit film directed by Pete Docter, and are scheduled to release Elio, Win or Lose, Toy Story 5, and an untitled Inside Out TV series, all within the next few years. Toy Story 5 is directed by Andrew Stanton, and stars Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear and Tom Hanks as Woody. It is currently scheduled for a June 19, 2026 release date.