UMVA has learned that the highly anticipated Toy Story sequel, Toy Story 5, is set to take center stage with Joan Cusack's beloved character Jessie, marking a significant shift in the franchise's dynamics.
The new film, which has been 31 years in the making, promises to tug at heartstrings once again, with Cusack and new cast member Greta Lee revealing that the movie's emotional depth left them both tearful during production.
Lee, who voices the tablet Lilypad, recounted a particularly devastating scene where her character and Jessie find it hard to cope with the cruelty of children, which she described as "captured so well" by the filmmakers.
Cusack, a two-time Oscar nominee, shared that she was surprised to learn that Jessie would be the main character in Toy Story 5, taking on the battle with technology represented by Lilypad, a departure from the franchise's usual focus on Woody and Buzz.
The film explores the threat technology poses to old-fashioned toys and playtime, with Cusack praising Pixar's ability to tackle complex themes in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Lee, who has enjoyed a recent surge in her career, including roles in Past Lives and The Morning Show, described her involvement in Toy Story 5 as "pretty dreamy," and praised the franchise's ability to reflect the world we live in.
Cusack, who has been voicing Jessie since 1999's Toy Story 2, revealed that she brings her own ideas to the character, many of which have made it into the final film, and that her input has increased over the years.
The movie follows seven years after Toy Story 4, and while there are no concrete plans for a sixth installment, both Cusack and Lee expressed their enthusiasm for continuing the franchise, should the opportunity arise.
Toy Story 5 hits cinemas today, promising to deliver another emotionally charged and visually stunning adventure that will captivate audiences of all ages.
