The UAE summer is set to be filled with nostalgia as beloved toy characters return to the big screen. Toy Story 5 is scheduled for release in UAE cinemas on Thursday, June 18. This installment features the return of Woody, Buzz, and Jessie, with the notable addition of global superstar Taylor Swift to the franchise.

According to the first trailer released on February 19, 2026, the new narrative reunites the fan-favorite toys. However, their latest adversary is not another toy, but a sleek smart tablet named Lily Pad that has captured Bonnie’s full attention.

The trailer depicts Bonnie becoming increasingly absorbed by the device, leading her to set her toys aside. This shift causes concern for Jessie and the rest of the group, who fear their relevance is fading in a world dominated by screens.

Woody, who continues his journey helping abandoned toys find new homes, discusses the challenge with Jessie. He observes that while toys are meant for play, technology seems to encompass everything. Jessie expresses her anxiety, stating that she feels she is losing Bonnie to the new device.

Woody eventually makes his way back to Bonnie’s room to rally the group and remind their owner that traditional toys still hold a special place in a child's life.

Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return to voice Woody and Buzz Lightyear. The cast also features the familiar voices of Joan Cusack as Jessie, Tony Hale as Forky, Wallace Shawn as Rex, Blake Clark as Slinky Dog, and John Ratzenberger as Hamm.

On the soundtrack, Taylor Swift contributes an original song titled Knew It, I Knew You. The track is described as having a sound that revisits her country music roots.

New additions to the cast include Greta Lee, who voices the rival tablet Lily Pad, and Alan Cumming, who takes on the role of the villainous character Evil Bullseye.

Toy Story 5 promises to deliver the signature blend of emotion, nostalgia, humor, and adventure that the series is known for, while addressing the contemporary theme of toys competing with the digital world.