Toy Story 5 shows Pixar's biggest sequel problem persists

Each Toy Story film brings a new gang of toys, and Toy Story 5 is no different, introducing a number of electronic toys alongside the returning cast. The new characters are enjoyable, but the expanding roster creates a familiar problem: there are simply too many toys and several fan favorites get shortchanged.

Toy Story 5 makes Jessie the lead, with Buzz and Woody reduced to supporting roles, and Bullseye also gets an elevated part. Beyond those four, many core characters drift into the background. Of Andy’s original toys, only Rex—who is murdered at a wedding during playtime—gets a distinctly memorable moment; Mr.

Potato Head has a few more smart remarks without much impact; Slinky and Hamm register a few lines but nothing notable; Mrs. Potato Head speaks only briefly in a post-credits moment, and the green aliens remain silent. Frustratingly, many of these characters were similarly sidelined in the previous film.

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