'Toy Story 5' sets Disney+ release date after smashing $1 billion at box office

Toy Story 5 is officially heading to Disney+, with Pixar’s latest animated blockbuster set to begin streaming on Sept. 23 following its billion-dollar box office run.

The fifth instalment in the beloved Toy Story franchise premiered in cinemas on June 19 and quickly became a major commercial success. The film earned $159 million domestically during its opening weekend and has now surpassed $1.13 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Toy Story movie ever without adjusting for inflation.

Toy Story 5 reunites original franchise stars Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear and Joan Cusack as Jessie. The new story centres on the toys facing an unexpected challenge as technology begins to compete with traditional playtime.

The film follows the toys as they try to keep Bonnie interested in playing with them after she receives Lilypad, a new tablet that quickly captures her attention. The storyline introduces a modern conflict while continuing the emotional themes that have defined the franchise since the original Toy Story debuted in 1995.

Disney has also announced a new music video for the piano version of Taylor Swift’s original song “I Knew It, I Knew You.” The video features footage from Toy Story 5 and is available through Disney+ and music platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.

Directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris, Toy Story 5 was produced by Lindsey Collins and Jessica Choi. Stanton and Harris wrote the screenplay from a story by Stanton.

Before its Disney+ premiere, the film is available to purchase digitally. Physical editions on 4K UHD and Blu-ray are scheduled for release on Sept. 22.