Joan Cusack makes rare public appearance at ‘Toy Story 5’ UK premiere

Joan Cusack returns to the red carpet after 10 years at 'Toy Story 5' UK premiere with star-studded cast appearance

Joan Cusack has made her first red carpet appearance in more than a decade at the UK premiere of Toy Story 5, joining her long-time castmates for the franchise’s latest installment.

The 63-year-old actress, best known for voicing Jessie in the animated series, appeared at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square premiere on May 28, 2026, alongside Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Greta Lee, and other members of the cast and creative team.

Cusack has largely stayed away from public red carpet events since 2015, making this her first appearance in over ten years. She wore a white shirt paired with a long black skirt and smiled for photos with co-stars and her husband, Richard Burke.

Joan Cusack on what she wants audiences to take away from Jessie’s story in #ToyStory5: “It resonates as a parent. You have to let your kids go” pic.twitter.com/QJcT1Fbw0f

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) May 29, 2026

Her return coincides with the release of Toy Story 5, which continues the beloved Pixar franchise that began in 1995. Cusack reprises her role as Jessie, a character she has voiced across multiple films, shorts, and video games over the years.

The new film revisits themes of childhood, imagination and the growing influence of technology on children’s lives. According to director Andrew Stanton, the story explores how modern devices affect social interaction and the emotional development of children, while maintaining the franchise’s signature focus on friendship and loyalty.

Joan Cusack on red carpets again. We are so back. https://t.co/BjWyCIzj95

— Mallory (@mallsta) May 29, 2026

Cusack previously shared that the film’s storyline deeply resonated with her as a parent, describing its themes as emotional and reflective of real-world concerns about screen time and childhood development.

Toy Story 5 is set to release in cinemas on June 19, 2026, bringing back both legacy characters and introducing new toys into the evolving world of Bonnie and her companions.