‘Toy Story 5’ takes aim at creepy AI toys: ‘I’m always listening’

Key takeaways

• The upcoming film, "Toy Story 5," introduces an ominous AI tablet named Lilypad as its primary antagonist.
• The narrative explores the modern challenge of technology's pervasive influence on children and the competition between traditional toys and digital devices.
• Beloved characters like Buzz Lightyear and Woody return to confront the sinister threat posed by artificial intelligence.
• The film's trailer highlights the AI's intrusive nature through a chilling line: "I'm always listening."

What happened

More than 30 years after the debut of the original "Toy Story" film in 1995, Pixar is set to release "Toy Story 5," a new installment that reflects significant shifts in technology and society. The movie directly addresses the rising prominence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital devices by pitting its classic, old-school toy characters against an evil AI tablet. This new antagonist is known as Lilypad, or simply Lily.

The premise of "Toy Story 5" sees Buzz Lightyear and a balding Woody leading the charge alongside other familiar faces such as Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, and Slinky Dog. Their challenge comes in the form of this sinister technological threat.

The film's trailer provides a glimpse into this conflict. It shows Bonnie, the young girl who received Andy's toys in "Toy Story 2," playing outside with her cherished companions. The arrival of a surprise package containing the Lilypad tablet quickly changes the dynamic. Bonnie becomes completely engrossed by the new device, to the extent that she doesn't even look up from its screen when her parents indicate that screen time has concluded.

The AI tablet's villainous nature is further underscored in a confrontation scene. Jessie, the adventurous cowgirl, directly addresses Lilypad regarding Bonnie's well-being. When the AI appears unresponsive, Jessie emphatically demands that the tablet pay attention. Lily's response is chilling and ominous: "I'm always listening." The AI then proceeds to regurgitate Jessie’s impassioned speech in a computerized tone, and subsequently translates it into Spanish, showcasing its surveillance and processing capabilities.

This incident highlights the central conflict, with Jessie articulating her concerns to Woody: "Tech's invaded our house. I'm losing Bonnie to this device." Woody, reflecting on the broader implications, responds with a poignant observation: "Toys are for play, but tech is for everything."

Why it matters

"Toy Story 5" marks a significant evolution for the venerable Pixar franchise, tackling highly relevant contemporary issues. The film's core conflict, revolving around an AI tablet and excessive screen time, directly resonates with widespread parental and societal concerns regarding children's digital engagement.

By framing these modern dilemmas through beloved characters, the movie has the potential to spark important conversations within families about the balance between traditional, imaginative play and the pervasive influence of digital devices. It highlights the often-unseen competition that classic toys face from captivating screens.

While the source suggests it "may be a stretch" for "Toy Story 5" to persuade young children to "think twice about the consequences of excessive screen time," it undeniably offers a narrative that reflects the technological landscape of today. It positions the franchise as one that continues to adapt and address real-world challenges, offering content that is arguably more thought-provoking than some other options available to young audiences.

Key details / context

The "Toy Story" franchise has spanned over three decades, with the original movie released in 1995 – a time when Google did not yet exist and Apple Inc. was reportedly on the verge of bankruptcy. The continued success and relevance of these films are notable, with "Toy Story 5" demonstrating Pixar's commitment to evolving its storytelling.

The plot centers on Bonnie, the young girl who became the new owner of Andy's toys after he departed for college in "Toy Story 2." Her interaction with the new Lilypad AI tablet is the catalyst for the conflict, showcasing how quickly children can become enraptured by digital entertainment.

The primary antagonist, Lilypad (or Lily), is characterized as an evil AI tablet capable of monitoring conversations, exemplified by its line, "I'm always listening," and its ability to process and repeat spoken dialogue, even translating it into other languages. The film features classic characters such as Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, and Slinky Dog, all facing off against this new technological foe.

The dialogue between Jessie and Woody underscores the thematic core: Jessie's lament about "Tech's invaded our house" and Woody's philosophical distinction that "Toys are for play, but tech is for everything" clearly position the film to explore the changing nature of childhood and play in a technologically advanced world.

What happens next

As of the information provided, specific details regarding the official release date of "Toy Story 5" or its subsequent box office performance and critical reception are not available. The article discussing the film's premise was posted on February 20, 2026, indicating that the movie is anticipated rather than already released.

The narrative presented in the trailer sets the stage for a compelling exploration of contemporary themes. Audiences will undoubtedly be keen to see how the beloved toy characters navigate the challenges posed by the sinister Lilypad AI and whether Bonnie ultimately finds a balance between her digital device and her cherished traditional toys. Further developments regarding the film's broader impact on discussions around screen time and AI are yet to unfold.

FAQ

Q: What is the main conflict in "Toy Story 5"? A: The main conflict involves the classic toys, led by Buzz Lightyear and Woody, confronting an evil AI tablet named Lilypad that captivates Bonnie.

Q: Who is Lilypad? A: Lilypad, or Lily, is the new antagonist in "Toy Story 5," described as an evil AI tablet that exhibits surveillance capabilities and an ominous presence.

Q: What is the film's perspective on technology? A: "Toy Story 5" explores the challenges of technology's invasion into daily life and its potential to displace traditional play, particularly highlighting concerns about excessive screen time for children.