Andrew Stanton says Toy Story 5 may be the last Pixar movie he directs, even as he plans to remain creatively involved at the studio.
For Disney and Pixar fans, that makes the June 19, 2026 release more than another sequel. It could be the final Pixar directing turn from one of the original creative voices behind Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the studio’s first feature film.
The quote
In an April 28 Entertainment Weekly cover story, Stanton said, “This is probably the last one I’m gonna do,” while discussing Toy Story 5. He added that he is “not saying never,” but said the math of spending another four years on a Pixar feature does not line up with how he wants to use his time.
Stanton also said he will continue working at Pixar, where Entertainment Weekly identifies him as vice president of creative. He said he expects to keep creatively consulting on Pixar films and “will always have a strong opinion about this.”
The Pixar history
Stanton joined Pixar in 1990 as its second animator and ninth overall employee, according to Entertainment Weekly. He was one of the screenwriters on the original Toy Story, which opened in 1995 and became Pixar’s first feature film.
He later directed or co-directed several major Pixar films, including A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, WALL-E, and Finding Dory. Toy Story 5 is his first time directing a film in the main Toy Story series.
The new movie
Toy Story 5 is scheduled to open in theaters on June 19, 2026. The movie brings back Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, with a story built around toys facing the modern tech age.
Stanton told Entertainment Weekly he was initially skeptical when asked about another Toy Story movie, but wanted to find where he would want the story to go as both a fan and someone who had helped shape the franchise.
What it means
Nothing in the interview confirms Stanton is leaving Pixar. The news is narrower but still meaningful: one of Pixar’s foundational filmmakers is openly framing Toy Story 5 as likely his final directorial project for the studio.
For fans, that gives Toy Story 5 a legacy angle alongside the franchise’s toys-versus-technology story when it arrives in theaters on June 19, 2026.
Related Articles
- Watch the Official Toy Story 5 Trailer: Woody and Buzz Battle Technology in Pixar Sequel
- New Toy Story 5 Merchandise Arrives Ahead of June 19 Film Release
- Pixar Developing Monsters Inc. 3, Incredibles 3, and Coco 2
Source: Entertainment Weekly
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