SUMMARY
- Toy Story 5 recasts four established characters, including Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head.
- Changes follow the deaths of veteran voice actors and reflect production continuity decisions.
- Pixar says the recasting supports long term franchise sustainability for Toy Story 5.
LOS ANGELES — Pixar Animation Studios is reshaping part of its iconic ensemble for Toy Story 5, recasting several established characters following the deaths of longtime voice actors and amid shifting production needs, according to studio representatives and publicly released casting information.
The casting changes mark one of the most significant voice transitions in the franchise’s three decade history.
While leading actors including Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are returning, Pixar has recast Mr. Potato Head, Mrs. Potato Head, Combat Carl and Bonnie.
The decisions reflect both practical realities and the studio’s broader strategy of maintaining narrative continuity as the series evolves.
Mr. Potato Head was voiced by Don Rickles in the first four films before his death in 2017. In Toy Story 4, Pixar repurposed archived recordings.
For Toy Story 5, the studio cast Jeff Bergman, known for voicing Bugs Bunny and other classic animated roles.
Mrs. Potato Head was previously voiced by Estelle Harris, who died in 2022. Pixar selected Anna Vocino to assume the role.
Combat Carl, introduced in the 2013 television special and expanded in Toy Story 4, was voiced by Carl Weathers, who died in 2024. Ernie Hudson will portray the character in the new installment.
Bonnie, first introduced in Toy Story 3, has been recast in each appearance to reflect the character’s gradual aging. For Toy Story 5, Scarlett Spears takes over the role.
Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, said franchise longevity often requires difficult casting transitions.
“Animated franchises operate on generational timelines,” Dergarabedian said. “Recasting becomes part of preserving intellectual property while respecting legacy performances.”
Animation historian Charles Solomon said the studio faces technical and ethical considerations.
“Studios today must decide between archival audio, digital replication and recasting,” Solomon said.
“Recasting signals a forward looking approach rather than reliance on past recordings.”
Pixar declined detailed comment beyond confirming casting announcements. Industry observers note that audience acceptance of recasting depends on vocal fidelity and narrative integration.
Jeff Bergman said in promotional materials that he approached Mr. Potato Head “with deep respect for Don Rickles’ original performance.”
Ernie Hudson told NBC’s TODAY show he accepted the Combat Carl role before learning of Weathers’ previous portrayal, later calling it “an honor to continue the character.”
Family entertainment analyst Maria Herrera of Ampere Analysis said multigenerational franchises must balance nostalgia with accessibility.
“Children discovering the series for the first time may not recognize casting changes,” Herrera said. “Continuity matters more than replication.”
Production on Toy Story 5 continues ahead of its scheduled theatrical release. Disney has not disclosed storyline details, though returning cast members suggest core characters Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie will anchor the narrative.
As theatrical animation competes with streaming originals and global co-productions, maintaining recognizable intellectual property remains central to studio strategy.
Recasting decisions in Toy Story 5 illustrate how legacy franchises adapt operationally while attempting to preserve audience trust.
With Toy Story 5, Pixar enters a new chapter defined by generational transition both on screen and behind the microphone.
The recasting of key roles underscores the studio’s effort to sustain one of animation’s most commercially successful franchises while navigating the realities of time and continuity.
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