Like many people who grew up with the beloved franchise, I’ve been skeptical ofPixar’s decision to continue churning outToy Storysequels afterthe full-circle ending of the third movie.Toy Story 4was enjoyable, but it didn’t immediately feel necessary, which is why the announcement ofToy Story 5had me even more worried. I mean, really, how many times can audienceswatch their favorite toys struggle before falling out of love with the original? That said, the next installment in the ongoing animated classic has me excited for one good reason. Duringan interview with WIVBback in April, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) himself confirmed the film would focus extensively on Jessie (Joan Cusack), finallygiving the fan-favorite character her due in a move that is sure to revitalize the ongoing franchise.
‘Toy Story 5’ Is Shaping Up To Expand ‘Toy Story 2’s Most Beautiful Storyline
To say Jessie’s turn in the spotlight is long overdue is a massive understatement for fans of both theToy Storyfranchise and, more specifically, those of us who grew up falling in love with Cusack’s fiery cowgirl. Jessie’s hilarious interactions with Woody (Tom Hanks) and campy one-liners arethe highlight of what isalready the best film in the franchise, and her backstory reveal inToy Story 2is up there withthe most tear-jerking sequences in Pixar history. In between being emotionally devastated bySarah McLachlan’s rendition of “When She Loved Me” and Jessie’s dependency on Woody,I also deeply related to Jessie’s vulnerability and fears of being left behind or forgotten. As a result, I’ve wanted to see more of her fierce personality onscreen and was initially incredibly excited to watch her continue to grow throughout the films that followed theToy Storysequel.
Tom Hanks Shares Magical ‘Toy Story 5’ Production Update
He and Tim Allen once again return for another Pixar sequel.
Sadly, Jessie doesn’t figure as prominently in the plots of the two films that followToy Story2. After being accepted into Andy’s (John Morris) family at the end of that film, Jessie and Buzz have a delightful romantic subplot inToy Story3thatbolsters the sense of belonging she has found in her new home, butBo Peep’s (Annie Potts) sizable role inToy Story 4largely overshadows the franchise’s original cast members. With the news thatToy Story 5now appears to be returning Jessie to the center of attention, however, the franchise can finally give hera plotline that is proportional to fans’ personal connection with her. Not only will this decision pay off over two decades of waiting for the next comprehensive step forward in Jessie’s personal journey, but it is also bound to reinvigorate the franchise with a lead whose personality is far more assertive compared to Buzz and Woody’s usual antics.
Jessie is also the perfect character to take the reins ofToy Story5for thematic reasons. The film’s director,Andrew Stanton, has previously characterizedToy Story 5as a clash between toys and technology, setting up a contemporary showdown that is sure to give viewers nostalgia in the digital age. As the one who inherits Woody’s sheriff badge at the end ofToy Story 4and now leads Bonnie’s (Madeleine McGraw) toy collection,Jessie is bound to be on the front lines of this conflict, and her backstory makes her the perfect candidate for the film’s latest foray into what it means to be discarded by the next generation of toys (or even threatened bya familiar toy gone rogue). Abandonment has always been a cornerstone of theToy Storyfilms, and as the embodiment of that experience, it will be deeply rewarding to watchJessie potentially help others navigate what she enduredafter her split from Emily while simultaneously protecting her newfound family.
Of course, with Woody and Buzz also returning forToy Story 5, Jessie won’t be soaking up all the spotlight. What’s more,Allen’s own remarks about Jessiebeing “in big trouble” in the film and needing help suggest she’ll experience more than her fair share of struggle, but that prospect is equally exciting. Obstacles precede character growth, andcharacter growth makes for the kind of great storytellingfor which Pixar is known. After decades of waiting for the studio to pay off an emotional investment that has been accruing interest since 1999,Toy Story 5is finally giving usa Jessie-centered story that promises to deliver the franchise’s most personal insight into the characteryet, keeping the spirit of Andy’s toys alive by steering the film in a fresh direction for the series.
Toy Story 5
