On June 8, a virtual press conference for "Toy Story 5" took place, featuring director McKenna Harris, along with voice actors Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz), Joan Cusack (Jessie), and new character LilyPad voiced by Greta Lee.
In "Toy Story 5," the toys—Jessie, Woody, and Buzz—must unite once again to navigate an unprecedented crisis brought on by Bonnie's new friend, the smart tablet LilyPad. The film is directed by Andrew Stanton, who has won two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature for "Finding Nemo" and "WALL-E," with McKenna Harris serving as co-director.
This installment notably addresses the current reality faced by children today. The time spent playing with toys is rapidly being replaced by time spent on smart devices and screens.
Director McKenna Harris stated, "The most significant advancement in 'Toy Story 5' is that we are directly addressing how children today live and what their reality is. Nowadays, kids spend much more time on iPads and various devices than playing with traditional toys."
She added, "The challenges the toys face in this film are greater than any they have encountered before. This is why Jessie, the main character, experiences significant worry. We have portrayed the child's imagination in a completely new way. While previous films have explored how children play and their imagination in a fun manner, this time we will show it in a different light."
However, the film does not simply portray technology as a villain. Even within the apparent conflict between digital devices and toys, the film explores the meaning of play and connection in a changing era.
Harris remarked, "Technology has changed everyone's lives. We are questioning what it means for us and for children. We cannot simply depict technology as the antagonist. No matter how much times change, play is an instinct inherent in all humans. The curiosity and imagination of childhood are innate. The key theme of 'Toy Story 5' is connection. Everyone has a desire to connect with others. Regardless of what children play with, their desire to engage in imaginative play remains unchanged through the ages."
For Korean audiences, Bonnie's loneliness and longing for friendship resonate strongly. Bonnie wants to connect with her friends and uses the same devices and language as them, yet she struggles to achieve genuine connections.
Harris explained, "Bonnie yearns for connection, empathy, and friendship. Her understanding of friendship and relationships is shaped by her peers. She tries to have the same devices, use the same technology, and speak the same language as her friends. Yet, she confronts the reality that she cannot achieve the heartfelt connections she truly desires. This becomes a significant challenge for both Bonnie and Jessie. Jessie values friendship and connection but believes she must not lose her authenticity in the process. I hope Korean audiences can relate to this balance."
Jessie's narrative also plays a crucial role in this film. Her desire to be with the child while grappling with the anxiety of watching the child drift toward a different world is central to her journey.
Joan Cusack stated, "This film beautifully captures Jessie's journey. I believe it portrays the pain involved in that growth process beautifully. Parents can relate to the experience of having to let go of their children as they grow. It is heartwarming to have a character like Jessie reminding children that they should enjoy, play, and have fun, especially when they are becoming less engaged with play due to smart devices. The theme of forming connections and sharing feelings with good friends is not easy to convey in film, but this installment does it exceptionally well."
Tom Hanks, who has voiced Woody for 30 years, reflected on the character's journey and renewed sense of responsibility.
He said, "Woody has gone through a lot. Initially, he was the authoritative leader of the toys in Andy's room, but later he ventured into the wider world to rescue discarded toys. Nevertheless, the core duty of bringing joy to children remains alive in Woody's heart. Woody is a toy that shows the marks of time. I believe he is the most experienced veteran among all toy characters."
He continued, "Returning to a character I have been with for 30 years, I felt the need to acknowledge all the lessons learned along the way. I approached this role with a greater sense of responsibility than any other character."
Buzz also undergoes new changes. Tim Allen hinted that Buzz's emotional depth will be more pronounced in this film. He stated, "This time, you will see Buzz experiencing emotions. You will witness moments where he feels excitement and his feelings for Jessie will be more evident."
He also shared his enjoyment in voicing multiple versions of Buzz, saying, "It has been a lot of fun to portray the character, and I enjoy upgrading my performance each time. The Buzz you will meet this time is an upgraded version of the toy."
The new character LilyPad is voiced by Greta Lee, a Korean-American actress known to local audiences from "Fast Lives." She noted that she did not interpret the smart tablet as a simple antagonist.
Greta Lee said, "The directors wanted me to focus on the human aspects of LilyPad, which was very helpful. Honestly, how do you act as a machine? That was daunting, and joining such a talented cast was also intimidating."
She added, "I tried to focus on how smart devices and technology manifest in my life. As a parent of two sons, I find technology and smart devices to be very complex issues. It makes me reflect on how to nurture children's childhood and how adults should approach these devices and technologies."
She also pointed out a scene in the film that reflects today's reality, saying, "There is a scene where the toys rise to a high place and see the entire neighborhood. It looks as if the neighborhood has experienced a zombie apocalypse. It is dark, and no children are outside; everyone is sitting alone on their sofas, staring at screens. I think that scene symbolically represents today's reality. Technology and devices are not simply good or bad; they are just reality."
Finally, Tom Hanks spoke about the enduring legacy of the "Toy Story" series for long-time fans. He addressed Korean audiences, saying, "You can ignore the number '5' in 'Toy Story 5.' We are all 'Toy Story.' I believe this story is as consistent as the speed of laughter and the laughter itself."
"Toy Story 5" is set to be released in South Korea on June 17.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.