Toy Story 5 wins over critics — but arrives with a bittersweet change for longtime fans

Toy Story 5 hits theaters on Wednesday, June 17, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the summer’s biggest animated releases. Even though Woody and Buzz Lightyear’s journey felt wrapped up after the last two films, Disney and Pixar decided the story wasn’t finished.

This new chapter leans into a timely theme: what happens when classic toys come face‑to‑face with modern technology. And for fans who were skeptical about extending the saga, early reviews are surprisingly glowing.

The film debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a 92% rating, making it another standout entry — even if it’s technically the lowest‑scored film in the franchise.

Critics say the movie finds a fresh emotional core by shifting the spotlight to Jessie, while still delivering the heart‑tugging moments Pixar is known for.

A Toy Story movie with a bittersweet change

While the film is earning praise, it arrives with a tough adjustment for Spanish audiences. For the first time since the late ’90s, Woody and Buzz won’t have their original Spanish voice actors.

Buzz Lightyear is now voiced by Pablo del Hoyo, as José Luis Gil continues recovering from a stroke he suffered in 2021. And Óscar Barberán, the longtime Spanish voice of Woody, won’t be returning either — with no public explanation given.

For many fans in Spain, those voices are part of their childhood, making this shift an emotional one.

What comes next?

Now the big question is how Spanish moviegoers will respond at the box office. With summer blockbuster season kicking off, Toy Story 5 is positioned to be one of the year’s marquee releases — and its performance in Spain will be closely watched.

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