Toy Story 5 shatters box office records and sparks cultural events

Toy Story 5 box office record Lilypad tablet screening events Woody surname

Pixar’s fifth installment of the Toy Story franchise opened to a historic $312 million worldwide gross, the biggest debut of any film in 2026, and $160 million in the United States and Canada over its opening weekend. The strong financial performance set a new franchise opening record, surpassing Toy Story 4 by roughly 37 percent.

Disney staged special screening events in several U.S. cities, notably Atlanta, featuring families, custom treats, photo‑ops and games. Celebrities such as Porsha Williams and Toya Johnson‑Rushing attended, and the events highlighted Black families enjoying the premiere.

The film introduces a new character, Lilypad – a frog‑shaped smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee – whose presence drives the plot’s conflict between traditional toys and modern technology. The story also explores the revelation of Woody’s surname “Pride,” prompting humorous comments from Tom Hanks during a recent interview.

Critics praised the film’s blend of nostalgia and contemporary themes, and audiences responded positively, reinforcing the franchise’s cultural relevance across multiple markets, including the United States, Canada and Mexico.