With the Toy Story franchise continuing in an upcoming fifth installment, production sought out to replace one of its main characters after the passing of Carl Weathers.
They’ve found their replacement for the late actor with Ernie Hudson, as confirmed by Deadline. Hudson is best known for his work in Ghostbusters, but has starred in Oz and Netflix’s Grace and Frankie. His voice acting credits include Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Transformers Prime, and Puppy Dog Pals.
Weathers voiced Combat Carl in two projects: the TV special Toy Story of Terror! and 2019’s Toy Story 4. He died in February 2024 at the age of 76.
Little is known about Toy Story 5. During the press conference, it was teased that the film’s look would be different, with the statement that the “animation is going to evolve.” Jessie will be a central focus, and Tim Allen confirmed by saying, “I can tell you that it’s a lot about Jessie. Tom [Hanks] and I do — Woody and I — do realign. And there’s an unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyears. I can give you that, but I can’t give you much more.”
Toy Story 5 to be helmed by Finding Nemo’s Andrew Stanton. Jessica Choi is producing, with Pete Docter as executive producer. It will have to follow Toy Story 4, the 2019 film that grossed $1.073 billion worldwide and became the highest-grossing film in the franchise.
Toy Story 5 is scheduled for release on June 19, 2026.
