Toy Story 5 Director Teases Part 6 And A Bold New Era For The Franchise

Just when you thought Toy Story’s shelf life was about to expire, Pixar’s got news: not only is Toy Story 5 happening (pencil June 19 on your calendar), but they already have enough ideas for at least one, possibly two, more movies after that. Yep, we’re looking at Toy Story 6 and maybe even 7 somewhere on the horizon, and it’s not just wishful thinking—there’s legit story fuel for it.

Next Up: Toy Story 5... And Then?

Here’s the scoop straight from Andrew Stanton, who’s been with Pixar since 1990 and currently holds the title of vice president of creative, which I’m pretty sure means he’s allowed to have strong opinions about talking toys. Stanton’s not shy about it, either—he told Entertainment Weekly that when they kicked around ideas for Toy Story 5, it took about two months before they realized they already had enough raw material to stretch into a sixth film. And not just filler; actual story, stuff that matters to the Toy Story world.

How Is There Still Story Left to Tell?

Here’s the interesting bit. Most animated series keep their characters on a hamster wheel and never let them grow, but Toy Story’s always played differently. Remember how Andy actually grew up and handed off his toys to Bonnie in Toy Story 3? According to Stanton, that’s been the franchise’s not-so-secret weapon: letting time pass and embracing what that means for the characters.

Stanton put it this way:

'What broke my brain was that we can embrace time. Other stories don’t have that luxury.'

So instead of finding new ways for Woody, Buzz, and the rest to have the same adventure over and over, Toy Story gets to give them new owners, different life phases, or even follow somebody outside the Andy/Bonnie orbit entirely. Honestly? That’s way more mileage than most franchises get.

The Future After 5: What’s Next?

• Toy Story 5: Coming June 19 – they’ve already mined enough new material to keep going, and no, it doesn’t sound like a rehash.
• Toy Story 6: Possibility is wide open—could keep tracking Bonnie and her toys, or take a sharp turn and follow a completely new kid.
• Toy Story 7: Don’t hold your breath, but the door’s not closed. Even Stanton sees a path here, if the right idea comes along.

Stanton's Final Lap (as Director, Anyway)

Now for a twist: as much as Stanton clearly loves these characters, he says Toy Story 5 is 'probably the last one I’m gonna do' in the director chair. The reason? Turns out making Pixar movies eats up most of a decade at a time. He compared each film’s production to raising a newborn all the way to age three-and-a-half—and after a lifetime of that grind (his words: 'rock time'), he wants a break. At 60, you can’t really blame the guy.

But don’t hang up his Pixar jersey just yet. Stanton’s planning to stay involved from the executive side, mentoring fresh talent and possibly guiding the next wave of Toy Story directors. That means he’ll be lurking in the creative shadows if—or, let’s be honest, when—Toy Story 6 comes to life.

So if you thought Toy Story was running out of steam... nope. The next adventure’s already cooking, and the ones after that are probably on a very large whiteboard somewhere in Emeryville.