What Toy Story 5 Teaches Us About Connection

When I sat down with Tony Hale to discuss Toy Story 5, our conversation quickly moved beyond the world of animated toys and into something much more universal. Having watched the film with my nine-year-old twins, I found myself reflecting on one of its central questions: in a world increasingly shaped by screens and technology, how do we maintain the relationships that matter most?

Those themes extend beyond the story itself. For Hale, returning as Forky felt very different from joining the franchise for Toy Story 4. As a longtime Pixar fan, he admitted that during the fourth film, he was convinced he might be replaced before the movie was even released. This time, Forky has already been established, allowing him to approach the role with more confidence and freedom. Instead of worrying about whether he was the right fit, he was able to focus on the joy of the performance itself.

When I asked Hale what he hoped audiences would walk away with, he pointed to one of the film’s most important messages. While technology plays a significant role in the story, he was quick to note that Toy Story 5 is not anti-technology. Instead, the film encourages audiences to find balance. Technology can be an incredible tool, he explained, but it can never replace the relationships and shared experiences that shape who we become.

We also talked about the incredible cast behind the film. Having interviewed Joan Cusack years ago, I was excited to hear about Hale’s experience working alongside her and the rest of the Toy Story family. One of the surprises of voice acting, he shared, is that cast members rarely record together. In many cases, they don’t truly get to know one another until they’re promoting the film. Even after years in the industry, Hale still finds himself starstruck by the talented people he gets to work alongside.

As our conversation shifted to his own journey, Hale opened up about growing up in a military family and frequently moving from place to place. After relocating to Florida in seventh grade, he struggled to find where he fit in. Everything changed when his parents introduced him to a local theater program. For Hale, theater became more than an activity; it became a community.

Listening to him describe that experience reinforced something I have always believed: the arts have the power to help people discover themselves. Hale spoke about finding a place where he felt accepted, encouraged, and free to be himself. It was there that he discovered his love of making people laugh and began developing the confidence that would eventually lead him to a career in entertainment.

Through both the story of Toy Story 5 and Tony Hale’s own journey, one message remained clear: the people and communities that support us help shape who we become. The film doesn’t simply entertain; it reminds us of the value of genuine human connection.

Full interview coming soon.