Tim Allen and Tom Hanks on Toy Story 5, tech and childhood play

Tim Allen says he’s learned to take about 20% less time and still make a better product: he focuses his voice, does fewer takes and is sometimes told, “I think we got it. You can stop.” Tom Hanks echoes that sense of care around the work and finds a life lesson in Jessie asking for help — a reminder that “we’re not in this alone.” Both actors praise the film’s treatment of technology.

Allen describes how algorithms can invent plane crashes and other falsehoods and applauds the movie for shining a light on that manipulation. Hanks points to a scene where Bonnie’s time on Lilypad, meant to be communal and joyful, becomes hurtful because of what is being texted about her: “No toy hurts your feelings if you are playing with it.” Greta Lee says her family sets clear boundaries around screen time, reprioritising outdoor play and even learning to relish boredom, while Joan Cusack stresses that parental attention is the key.

Hanks hopes the film will spark conversation as society weighs limits for younger users.

toy story, tim allen, tom hanks, greta lee, joan cusack, jessie, bonnie, lilypad, screen time, algorithms