Tim Allen Admits He Didn’t Like Tom Hanks When They First Met — The Unexpected Reason Behind Their Early Rift

Here’s something you probably didn’t expect from the plastic-fantastic world of Toy Story: The guys behind Buzz and Woody, Tim Allen and Tom Hanks, did not exactly click at first meet. We tend to picture them as the ultimate animated BFFs, but according to Allen, their first encounter was more awkward than Disney magic.

French Fry Showdown: How Not to Start a Friendship

In a recent chat with Empire Magazine, Allen set the record straight about his rocky first impression of Hanks. Here’s how he tells it: the very first time they met, Hanks swiped French fries straight off Allen’s plate. Not cool if you grew up, like Allen, where you do not touch someone else’s food. Apparently, Tom didn’t get that memo.

'When I met him, well, I wasn’t all that thrilled with him. Because he ate French fries off my plate. I grew up around a lot of children and Tom did not. We did not ever share.'

That’s Allen, spelling out why he wasn’t Team Hanks in those early days. Gotta say, this paints a hilarious mental image: two future icons of animated cinema staring each other down over stolen fries.

Time Heals All Wounds (and Makes for Good Sequels)

Despite that rocky start, things obviously got better. By the time Toy Story 2 rolled around, both stars realized they needed to get on the same page—not just for the sake of workplace harmony, but because the franchise was becoming huge. Hanks remarked that they knew something “quite grandiose” was in their hands, and decided to check their egos and make it work. According to Hanks:

'It’s good for the soul when Tim and I get together. And we cause some really good triple-takes when we’re out.'

In other words, they eventually sorted it out—and formed the kind of odd-couple friendship you’d expect from Buzz and Woody.

What’s Up with Toy Story 5?

Now, for anyone counting down the days until we get more plastic adventures: Toy Story 5 is officially happening, with a release date set for June 19, 2026. This time, apparently, the plot throws the toy gang into a whole new mess with the arrival of some kind of tech threat. Disney’s official summary is basically “Toy meets Tech, and playtime gets complicated.” It’s not Shakespeare, but let’s face it, most of us were just hoping Woody and Buzz would be back.

The Returning and New Voice Cast

Here’s who’s lending their voices to the newest round:

• Tom Hanks – Woody
• Tim Allen – Buzz Lightyear
• Joan Cusack – Jessie
• Greta Lee – Lilypad
• Conan O’Brien – Smarty Pants
• Tony Hale – Forky
• John Ratzenberger – Hamm
• Wallace Shawn – Rex
• Blake Clark – Slinky Dog
• Jeff Bergman – Mr. Potato Head
• Anna Vocino – Mrs. Potato Head
• Annie Potts – Bo Peep
• Bonnie Hunt – Dolly
• Melissa Villaseñor – Karen Beverly
• John Hopkins – Mr. Pricklepants
• Kristen Schaal – Trixie
• Ernie Hudson – Combat Carl
• Keanu Reeves – Duke Caboom
• Craig Robinson – Atlas
• Shelby Rabara – Snappy
• Scarlett Spears – Bonnie
• Mykal-Michelle Harris – Blaze
• Matty Matheson – Dr. Nutcase

Are Even More Sequels on the Table?

Rumors are everywhere that Disney and Pixar might already be cooking up even more Toy Story movies. But if you’re hoping for an official confirmation, keep waiting—so far, nothing has been announced. Pete Doctor, Pixar’s CCO, did let slip that their plan is to alternate between original films and sequels going forward, so don’t be surprised if Woody’s gang finds another way back to the screen.

So yes, the Toy Story chemistry might have started with a stolen French fry and a little mutual side-eye, but the fact that it turned into movie history—and more sequels no one really expected after part 3—proves that Hollywood friendships (and rivalries) sometimes make the best stories.