The toys are back in town.
Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5” has dominated the worldwide box office since its theatrical debut on Friday. The film, directed by Andrew Stanton and Kenna Harris, grossed an estimated $160 million domestically and another $152 million internationally.
The initial domestic box office numbers surpassed Universal Pictures’ “Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” which earned $131 million when it opened in April. “Toy Story 5” has also topped the franchise, surpassing the $120 million “Toy Story 4” earned during its opening weekend in 2019.
In total, “Toy Story 5” has so far amassed an estimated $312 million globally. Disney said “Toy Story 5” had the second-highest animated opening weekend of all time, behind only “Incredibles 2.”
Since the first installment in 1995, “Toy Story” has remained one of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved franchises. The films have earned over $1.3 billion at the box office across three decades, in addition to revenue from video games, toys, merchandise, books, apparel, and in-real-life experiences.
“Toy Story 5” may feel like a reunion for lifelong fans. Many of the original cast members have reprised their roles, including Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, and Joan Cusack as Jessie. John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, and Annie Potts are also making their franchise return.
While the gang has faced off against humans, other toys, and even each other, they encounter a new challenge in “Toy Story 5” — technology.
“Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad, a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same?” a synopsis of the film says.
Greta Lee plays Lilypad, while Keanu Reeves, Bad Bunny, Conan O’Brien, and other actors bring new characters to life.
Disney and Pixar’s decision to make technology the crux of “Toy Story 5” will likely resonate with parents raising children in the iPad era. Screen time has become a major discussion as devices like tablets become more accessible and further integrated into everyday life.
A 2024 survey by Common Sense Media found that 4 in 10 children have their own tablet by age 2. By age 4, more than half of children do. “Tablets have the highest proportion of ownership among children compared to any other mobile device,” the report said.
Parents often worry about how extended screen time can impact children’s development.
“Among parents, 75% to 80% express consistent concerns about screen media, including worries about excessive use, effects on mental health, and the amount of inappropriate content,” the report said.
In response, some parents have made a conscious effort to limit their children’s screentime, including Business Insider’s Conz Preti.
“I want my kids playing with each other and leaning into imagination, creating worlds together, instead of being zombiefied in front of an app,” she wrote after seeing “Toy Story 5” last week.
