Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are set to reprise their respective roles of Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear from the first four main films, with Anna Faris joining the cast.

"[6] In May 2019, producer Mark Nielsen announced that Pixar would return its focus to making original films instead of sequels after Toy Story 4 for a while.

He said to Ellen DeGeneres that Allen had "warned him about the emotional final goodbye between their characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 4.

[10] In February 2023, during the Q1 earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that a fifth main film in the Toy Story franchise was in active development.

[11] Later that month, Pixar CCO and franchise alumnus, Pete Docter stated that the film would be "surprising" and would have "cool things you've never seen before.

[17] Shortly after the film's official announcement in February 2023, Allen confirmed that he would return to voice Buzz Lightyear.