Joan Cusack returns to red carpet in years alongside star-studded cast of 'Toy Story 5'

Joan Cusack made a rare and emotional return to the spotlight at the Los Angeles premiere of Toy Story 5, joining co-stars and Hollywood heavyweights on the red carpet as the beloved Pixar franchise gears up for its next chapter.

The actress, best known for voicing Jessie in the Toy Story series, attended the premiere in Los Angeles on June 9, 2026, marking one of her most high-profile public appearances in years. Cusack, who has largely stepped back from Hollywood to focus on family life in Chicago, reunited with the franchise that has defined her career since Toy Story 2 in 1999.

Her appearance came during a glittering event that also featured Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Greta Lee, with Cusack posing for photographs alongside her fellow cast members. The premiere drew significant attention not only for the film but also for Cusack’s return, as she had not walked a major red carpet since 2015.

In interviews around the event, Cusack reflected on her decision to step away from Hollywood, describing the time as “priceless” and highlighting how it allowed her to focus on raising her sons. Despite her low-profile lifestyle, she emphasised gratitude for her career and said returning for Toy Story 5 felt like reconnecting with an important part of her life.

The Toy Story 5 premiere itself was packed with surprise moments, including a notable appearance by Taylor Swift, who contributed an original song to the film and joined the cast on the red carpet. Her presence added further excitement to an already star-studded evening celebrating the return of Pixar’s iconic characters.

Toy Story 5, directed by Andrew Stanton, continues the story of Woody, Buzz and Jessie as they confront the rise of new technology in Bonnie’s life, with a tablet named Lilypad reshaping how playtime works. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on June 19, 2026.