Fans Slam “Woke” Pixar Over ‘Toy Story 5’ Decision

It’s always exciting when Pixar announces a new Toy Story movie. Fans get nostalgic. Theories start flying. And naturally, everyone expects to see the gang back together again. But with the early buzz around Toy Story 5, something about the setup has fans pausing—and not necessarily in a good way.

Because while a few familiar toys are present in the early artwork, one character is clearly being pushed front and center this time around… and it’s not who you might expect.

Jessie Takes the Lead

At the heart of the promotional image for Toy Story 5 is Jessie—the cowgirl toy who first joined the franchise in Toy Story 2. She’s bold, smiling, and confidently placed right at the front of the group. Missing? Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, and Slinky Dog. That’s a noticeable absence when discussing the core group carrying four massively successful films.

So, what does Jessie’s appearance as the star of the teaser mean for the storyline? Is she taking over as the new main character?

But Wait… Woody and Buzz Are Returning

Here’s where things get confusing. Tim Allen (Buzz) and Tom Hanks (Woody) confirmed they’re returning for the fifth installment. That should be reassuring… but why aren’t their characters featured prominently in the first look?

The decision to place Jessie in the spotlight, with no visual sign of the duo, has led to speculation that Toy Story 5 might lean into another modern rework, where a female character gets elevated to lead status while the traditional heroes fade into the background.

That wouldn’t shock fans who’ve seen Disney’s recent moves. Critics have accused the studio of making stories more about messaging than magic, with gender-swapped leads and politically charged updates drawing mixed reactions at best. With a sour taste from movies like Lightyear, Strange World, and the live action Snow White, fans worry the Toy Story franchise is next to adopt the woke agenda.

Is This a “Woke” Reboot in Disguise?

There’s no doubt Jessie is a great character. She’s brave, loyal, and brings a lot of energy to the group. But elevating her to a lead role status—while the franchise’s most beloved characters are hidden in the wings—feels suspicious to many fans. Some see it as a subtle move in Disney’s larger trend of turning every classic into a “modern statement.”

Others still hope that the teaser isn’t telling the whole story. Maybe Woody and Buzz are just being saved for a dramatic return. Maybe Jessie isn’t the central character… she just happened to get the spotlight this round.

But in 2025, it’s hard to ignore the pattern. And when it comes to a series as iconic as Toy Story, people notice when something feels off.

Let’s Hope the Heart of the Story Is Still There

At the end of the day, this franchise has always been about heart, friendship, and growing up. If Toy Story 5 loses sight of that by trying to push a message instead of telling a great story, fans will feel it. Jessie deserves her moment, but not at the cost of what made this series special.

The toys might be back, but the question is: will it still feel like Toy Story? Or are we about to watch another classic get reworked to fit a woke agenda?