Toy Story 5 is officially on the horizon, and for fans of the iconic Pixar franchise, there’s every reason to be excited.
Slated to hit theaters on June 19, 2026, this fifth chapter promises to tackle some timely themes, including how today’s kids are increasingly distracted by electronics. Director Andrew Stanton even teased that the toys will have to work harder than ever to keep their kid’s attention—a modern-day challenge that certainly resonates in our tech-heavy world.
We also know that Tim Allen and Tom Hanks are expected to return as Buzz Lightyear and Woody, and early concept art shown at D23 revealed that Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack) could be taking center stage this time around. Allen himself confirmed the importance of Jessie’s role, while also hinting that Buzz and Woody do eventually reunite. A teaser trailer even showed the core trio waving to fans, suggesting that the gang is back together for another emotional adventure.
And yet, even with all this buzz, there’s one part of the Toy Story legacy that brings a somber note into the celebration—and that’s the absence of Don Rickles.
The Legacy of Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head
Don Rickles passed away in April 2017, long before Toy Story 4 (2019) was released. That left Pixar with a dilemma: how do you honor such a distinctive character without replacing the actor who made him so beloved?
In a creative move, Pixar used archived recordings of Rickles’ voice from earlier Toy Story films, video games, theme park attractions, and other promotional material to give Mr. Potato Head new lines in Toy Story 4. The character still had a presence, and in many ways, it felt like a loving tribute to Rickles and his decades-long contribution to the franchise.
But now, as Toy Story 5 heads into production, the question is looming again: what happens to Mr. Potato Head?
Is Mr. Potato Head Coming Back?
Here’s what we know—Mr. Potato Head has not yet been officially confirmed as part of the Toy Story 5 cast. But given the legacy characters shown in the teaser and the return of Woody and Buzz, it’s hard to imagine a world where the spud with a snarky streak doesn’t make at least a cameo.
That leaves Disney and Pixar with a familiar decision: do they repurpose Rickles’ voice again, recast the role entirely, or quietly retire Mr. Potato Head from the next installment?
Let’s be honest—recasting Rickles would be a risky move. His voice and delivery were uniquely his, and fans are likely to notice immediately if someone else steps in. There’s also the emotional connection fans have to his portrayal. For those who grew up with Toy Story, hearing Rickles’ voice is like a comforting thread of continuity.
Yet, Pixar is known for pushing creative boundaries. They could use AI-assisted voice recreation based on Rickles’ existing work, or perhaps even bring him back again using previously unused recordings, if the material exists. It’s a sensitive topic, and one Pixar has handled respectfully in the past, so if they choose to include Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story 5, it will likely be done with the same level of care and tribute.
A Bittersweet Excitement
There’s a strange duality surrounding Toy Story 5. On one hand, you’ve got fans eager to see Jessie step into a bigger spotlight and to find out how Woody and Buzz navigate a world dominated by iPads and smartphones. On the other hand, there’s a subtle sense of loss—because a piece of the magic, namely Don Rickles, is no longer with us.
Even if Mr. Potato Head doesn’t play a major role this time, his legacy will still loom large over the film. He was a vital part of the toy box, cracking sarcastic one-liners and helping ground the group in tough moments. His absence—or modified presence—will be felt.
As we move closer to that 2026 release, fans will be watching closely to see if Disney drops any confirmation about the return of Mr. Potato Head. Until then, we’re left with both anticipation and a touch of nostalgia, knowing that no matter what happens next, Don Rickles’ legacy lives on in the hearts of Toy Story fans around the world.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly how he’d want it.
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