Tom Hanks Reflects on Three Decades as Woody: ‘None of Us Can Believe We’re Still Part of It’
For more than three decades, Tom Hanks has helped bring one of animation’s most beloved characters to life.
Since the release of the original Toy Story in 1995, the Oscar winning actor has been the voice of Woody, the loyal cowboy doll whose adventures alongside Buzz Lightyear helped transform Pixar into one of the most successful animation studios in the world. Now, as Toy Story 5 prepares to arrive in theaters, Hanks is reflecting on an extraordinary journey that has lasted far longer than anyone expected.
And according to the actor, even the cast is surprised the story is still going strong.
Speaking recently while attending the Broadway opening of Celebrity Autobiography in New York City, Hanks admitted that he and his longtime co stars remain amazed by the longevity of the franchise. After returning once again to voice Woody in Toy Story 5, the actor shared that none of them expected to still be part of the series after all these years.
More Than 30 Years of Friendship, Adventure and Nostalgia
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When the first Toy Story premiered in 1995, few could have predicted the cultural impact it would have.
The film not only introduced aud1ences to Woody and Buzz Lightyear but also revolutionized animation as the first fully computer animated feature film. Over the years, the franchise evolved into one of the most successful and beloved series in cinema history, producing sequels that resonated with both children and adults.
At the center of that success has been the chemistry between Woody and Buzz, voiced by Tom Hanks and Tim Allen.
Throughout five films, aud1ences have watched the toys navigate friendship, loyalty, change, loss, and growing up. What began as a simple story about a jealous cowboy doll and a confident space ranger eventually became a franchise known for its emotional storytelling and universal themes.
For Hanks, the experience has been unlike anything else in his career.
The actor has voiced Woody for more than 30 years, returning alongside familiar cast members including Joan Cusack, John Ratzenberger, and Wallace Shawn. Looking back, Hanks admitted that the cast remains astonished by the franchise’s enduring popularity.
His comments reflect the sentiment shared by many fans who grew up with the films and are now introducing the series to their own children.
In many ways, Toy Story has become more than a movie franchise. It has become a shared experience across generations.
Why Tom Hanks Believes Toy Story 5 Continues the Legacy
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Although Hanks remains careful not to reveal major plot details, he has already seen the new film and appears enthusiastic about what aud1ences can expect.
The actor described Toy Story 5 as a “vibrant” addition to the franchise and suggested that Pixar has once again found a way to expand the story while remaining true to the heart of the series.
This time, the toys face a challenge unlike anything they have encountered before.
According to the official synopsis, Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang find themselves competing against modern technology for the attention of Bonnie, the child who became their owner following the events of Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4. A new tablet device known as Lilypad arrives with its own ideas about what is best for children, creating tension between traditional toys and digital entertainment.
The storyline reflects a modern reality many families recognize.
Today’s children are growing up surrounded by screens, tablets, smartphones, and digital devices. By placing beloved toy characters in direct competition with technology, Pixar appears poised to explore questions about imagination, playtime, and childhood in the digital age.
The sequel also introduces several new characters voiced by an impressive lineup of talent.
Among the newcomers are Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants, a tech focused toy, and additional characters voiced by Craig Robinson and Shelby Rabara. Returning favorites such as Forky, voiced by Tony Hale, will also play a role in the new adventure.
A Franchise That Refuses to Fade Away
Every time a new Toy Story film is announced, some fans wonder whether the franchise has reached its natural conclusion.
Similar conversations emerged before Toy Story 4, which many believed would be unnecessary after the emotional ending of Toy Story 3. Yet the fourth installment became both a critical and commercial success, proving that aud1ences still had a strong connection to these characters. Discussions among fans continue to show enthusiasm and curiosity about where the story will go next.
Hanks appears to understand that connection better than anyone.
Over the years, he has witnessed multiple generations embrace Woody and the world of Toy Story. The character has become one of the most recognizable roles of his career, standing alongside iconic performances in films such as Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, and Cast Away.
Even beyond the films themselves, Woody remains a cultural icon.
The character’s popularity has led to countless toys, attractions, merchandise, and video games. In fact, when Hanks is unavailable, his younger brother, Jim Hanks, often steps in to voice Woody for theme park attractions, merchandise, and other projects, helping maintain consistency across the franchise.
As Toy Story 5 approaches its June 19 release date, anticipation continues to build among longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
For Tom Hanks, however, the excitement seems rooted in something simple.
After more than 30 years of adventures, friendships, and unforgettable moments, he still finds it remarkable that Woody’s story continues to resonate with aud1ences around the world.
And perhaps that is the greatest testament to the enduring power of Toy Story.
What started as an animated experiment in 1995 has become one of the most beloved franchises in movie history. More than three decades later, Tom Hanks and his fellow cast members are still along for the ride—and judging by his reaction, they’re just as grateful as the fans who have grown up with them.
