Woody’s Bald Patch Steals the Show in First Look at Toy Story 5
The much-anticipated trailer for Pixar’s Toy Story 5 has landed, and while fans are eager to reunite with Woody, Buzz, and the gang, it’s the beloved sheriff’s unexpected new look that’s got everyone talking. A noticeable bald patch has appeared on Woody’s head, sparking a wave of reactions across social media.
The trailer hints at a plot that grapples with a distinctly modern challenge: the pervasive influence of electronics on childhood. The story centres on Bonnie, Andy’s younger sister, and her older toys’ efforts to encourage her to disconnect from screens and forge genuine, real-world friendships.
However, the passage of time hasn’t been entirely kind to the toys, much like their original owner, Andy, who first graced our screens back in 1995. In a scene from the trailer, Trixie the dinosaur playfully points out Woody’s thinning hair, quipping, “Someone needs a brown marker.” This observation is echoed by Lily, a tablet character, who questions Woody’s identity, asking, “What are you? Some sort of old man toy?” A visibly offended Trixie retorts, “She thinks you’re old because you’re bald, Woody!”
This candid depiction of aging has resonated deeply with fans, who have taken to social media to share their amused and relatable observations.
- One fan perfectly captured the sentiment with a tweet that read:
> pixar said ‘hey millennials, remember woody? yeah he’s got a bald spot now. so do you. movie tickets are $18.’
Others expressed a mixture of nostalgia and surprise:
> That’s wild! Woody’s finally showing his age after all these adventures. Time for a toy hair transplant? Can’t wait for TS5!Another fan reflected on Woody’s extensive history:
> Oh man, can we just take a moment to appreciate the sheer audacity of Woody’s paint job in Toy Story 5? I mean, the guy’s been sheriff of Andy’s room, pizza planet, Bonnie’s backpack, and who knows how many storage bins over the years and it finally caught up with him.The reactions continued, highlighting the emotional connection fans have with the characters:
> damn them kids have them stressing.TOY STORY 6: Woody goes to Turkey.
Woody should get a ‘BUZZ’ Cut lol
If he is getting old, what does that mean about me?
32M views because Woody finally looks like he’s lived through 4 movies and a mid-life crisis. Toy Story 5 really has the toys aging in real-time. I guess being a toy for 30 years finally caught up to his hairline. Pixar, why you gotta do our boy like that?
While Woody’s aging has been a focal point, some eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a discrepancy: Bonnie, the young owner of the toys, appears to be no older than she was in previous instalments. This led to a humorous observation:
Meanwhile Bonnie is still in kindergarden 16 years later [sic].
A Timely Message for a Digital Age
Beyond the character-centric discussions, Toy Story 5 is already being lauded for its potential to deliver a meaningful message to contemporary audiences. While sequels to beloved franchises often face a divided reception, this latest instalment has garnered significant praise for its thematic direction.
One fan on X expressed satisfaction with the choice of antagonist:
I’m glad the villain of the new Toy Story is a child’s tablet.
This sentiment was echoed by another who hoped the film would spark important conversations:
I hope the film conveys how screens eat up a child’s hobbies, interests, literacy, [and] ability to function socially. I hope it provokes millions of parents to think twice before making the iPad a babysitter.
A third viewer highlighted the universal relevance of the film’s theme:
lilypad isn’t just a toy story character, it’s the struggle. everyone who has children already knows.
Behind the Scenes of Toy Story 5
The creative team behind Toy Story 5 brings a wealth of experience from the franchise’s inception. The film is written by Stanton Harris, a veteran of the Toy Story universe since its debut in 1995, and co-directed by Kenna Harris.
In a statement, they shared their excitement about the project:
It’s been a hilarious and poignant journey exploring how our favourite team of legacy toys might respond to today’s world of technology, and we’re thrilled to share this first glimpse with audiences.
They also commented on the casting of Greta Lee as Lilypad:
Having the remarkably talented Greta Lee bring Lilypad to life – balancing a playfully antagonistic tone with humour and heart – has been incredible.
Toy Story 5 is slated for release on June 19, 2026, promising a new chapter filled with familiar characters and a timely exploration of modern life.
