1. A Worthy Woody and Buzz Reunion
This is the big one. After Toy Story 4 split up cinema’s greatest duo, their reunion can't be a simple coincidence. Fans want a story that *requires* Woody and Buzz to find each other again. Imagine a threat so significant that Buzz, leading Bonnie’s
toys, realizes he needs Woody’s unique brand of heart and strategic thinking. The emotional weight of them seeing each other again—Buzz as a confident leader, Woody as a free spirit—would be immense. It has to feel earned, not like a ratings gimmick.
2. An Update on Adult Andy
We said our goodbyes to college-bound Andy, but fans are desperate for one last check-in. The most popular hope is seeing Andy as a father. Picture this: Andy and his child win a prize at a carnival, and the prize is Woody. The moment of recognition, the flood of memories, and the impossible decision of what to do next could be one of the most powerful scenes in the entire franchise. It would bring the series full circle, exploring how our childhood attachments evolve but never truly fade.
3. Jessie Takes the Lead
At the end of Toy Story 4, Woody passed his sheriff's badge to Jessie, officially anointing her the new leader of Bonnie's toys. It was a beautiful moment, but we need to see it in action. A fifth movie provides the perfect opportunity for a Jessie-centric plot. Let's see her grapple with the pressure of leadership, making tough calls Woody might have made differently. Giving Jessie the spotlight would honor her complex backstory and finally let her step out from Woody's shadow to become the hero we know she is.
4. The Redemption of Sid Phillips
The original Toy Story's budding psychopath is now a garbage collector, happily listening to music. This small cameo in Toy Story 3 sparked a massive fan theory: what if Sid finds a broken toy and, remembering his own destructive past, decides to fix it? Seeing a reformed Sid using his skills for good would be an incredible character arc. It would reinforce the series' theme of finding purpose and changing for the better, turning a one-note villain into a surprisingly complex adult.
5. A Deeper Look at Bo Peep's World
Bo Peep's transformation into a capable, independent 'lost toy' was a highlight of Toy Story 4. Now that Woody has joined her, fans want to explore their new life. What are the day-to-day adventures of toys who belong to no one? What kind of community have they built at the carnival? This could introduce a whole new cast of resourceful, hardened toys and provide a different perspective on what it means to be loved—not by one child, but by many, even if just for a fleeting moment.
6. Bonnie's Toys Get Their Due
Trixie, Buttercup, Dolly, and Mr. Pricklepants are fantastic characters who often get relegated to comic relief. With Woody gone, there's more room for them to shine. A story that leans into their personalities—Trixie's online gaming knowledge, Dolly's pragmatism, Pricklepants' dramatic flair—could be a refreshing change of pace. Fans want to see this group function as a true ensemble, solving a problem using their unique skills without Woody there to guide them.
7. A Truly Formidable New Villain
While Gabby Gabby was a wonderfully tragic antagonist, many fans miss the genuine menace of characters like Sid or Lotso. Toy Story 5 could introduce a threat that isn't just misunderstood, but truly dangerous to toy-kind. This could be a collector who knows the toys are alive, a new toy with a sinister ideology about obsolescence, or even an external force that threatens the very existence of all toys. A high-stakes villain would provide the perfect catalyst for bringing Woody and Buzz back together.
8. Forky Grapples with His Existence (Again)
Forky’s existential crisis was the comedic and thematic core of the last film. But what happens after he accepts he's a toy? Fans are hoping for a continuation of his journey. Does he try to 'liberate' other pieces of trash? Does he become a philosopher king for the inanimate objects in Bonnie's room? Watching Forky navigate his unique identity in a world of factory-made toys continues to be a source of endless comedic and surprisingly profound potential.
9. A Crossover with Other Pixar Toys
This is a long shot, but it's at the top of many wish lists. Could the toys, on some grand adventure, stumble into the world of Monsters, Inc., or find a Lightning McQueen toy that's also, somehow, alive? While Pixar has historically avoided explicit crossovers, the possibilities are thrilling. A small, clever nod or a brief encounter would be enough to send fans into a frenzy and officially confirm a shared universe in a way that goes beyond a simple background Easter egg.
10. A Definitive, Final Ending for Everyone
Toy Story 3 felt like the perfect ending. Toy Story 4 felt like a perfect ending for Woody. If Pixar is going to make a fifth movie, many fans hope it provides a definitive conclusion for the entire ensemble. This doesn't necessarily mean a sad ending. It means finding a new status quo that feels permanent and satisfying for Buzz, Jessie, Bo, and the rest of the gang. Whether they find a final home or embrace a new purpose, the story needs to close the book in a way that leaves no room for a sixth.
