Tom Hanks weighs in on possible 'Toy Story 6'

Tom Hanks shared his thoughts on the possibility of a sixth Toy Story film, saying any future instalment would need to offer something meaningful rather than simply capitalise on the franchise’s popularity.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly following the release of Toy Story 5, the Oscar-winning actor said he would only support another sequel if it felt fresh and justified.

"If you're gonna do another Toy Story, it better be worthwhile," Hanks said. "It better be great. You better be examining some theme that is not just dragging it out because people like the title."

The actor acknowledged the commercial success of the franchise but argued that financial incentives alone should not drive future films.

"Unless it's good, new, fresh, there's no reason to do it at all," he added.

Tom Hanks Reflects on the Franchise’s Future

Hanks returned as Woody alongside Tim Allen’s Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 5, which introduces the toys to a world increasingly shaped by technology.

The latest film sees Bonnie receive a smart device called Lilypad, creating new challenges for the beloved characters as they compete with digital entertainment for her attention.

While discussing the future of the franchise, Hanks also considered whether technological advances could one day allow Pixar to continue Toy Story without him.

"Time is undefeated," he said.

The actor noted that decades of recordings from the franchise exist in digital archives and could theoretically be used to recreate his performance.

"Every word we have ever recorded in time in Toy Story is on digital media somewhere, so they could put together anything they would want," he said.

Both Hanks and Allen agreed that the prospect was unsettling.

Director Suggests His Time With the Series Is Ending

The discussion comes as Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton indicated that this may be his final involvement with the long-running franchise.

Stanton, who has contributed to every Toy Story film, previously said, "This is probably the last one I'm gonna do."

Whether the franchise continues beyond its fifth instalment remains unclear, but Hanks made it clear that any future chapter would need to earn its place.

For now, Toy Story 5 is in cinemas, with fans already speculating about whether Woody, Buzz and their friends will return for another adventure.