Beloved characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear are set to make a return in “Toy Story 5,” bringing with them a host of veteran Pixar artists who have been instrumental in the franchise’s success over the years.
Key among these artists is production designer Bob Pauley, renowned for creating Buzz Lightyear’s original design. For the upcoming installment, Pauley has been tasked with updating Buzz’s appearance, introducing a new high-tech version of the space ranger toy—50 of them, to be precise!
The plot of “Toy Story 5” revolves around a clash between the cherished toys of yesteryear and cutting-edge technology. This conflict arises when Bonnie, the young girl who treasures these toys, receives a tablet, leading to playtime taking a backseat to screen time.
For Pixar artists like Pauley, embracing technological advancements has always been an integral part of the studio’s ethos.
“Every time we embark on a new ‘Toy Story,’ technology has surged forward alongside other films. This necessitates us to rebuild, modify, or adapt the characters to function with the latest software,” Pauley shared in an interview with On The Red Carpet.
It’s not just the technology that’s getting a makeover in the sequel; even Woody is sporting a new feature—a bald spot.
“We’re all getting older and Woody has, you know, he’s been off with Bo out on the road and maybe let himself go a little bit,” Pauley said.
“Toy Story 5” debuts only in theaters June 19.
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