Andrew Stanton Explores Childhood and Technology in Toy Story 5
Director Andrew Stanton balances digital evolution with traditional play in the upcoming Toy Story 5.
1New Chapter for Franchise
Toy Story 5 marks a significant evolution for the long-running Pixar franchise, shifting the narrative focus toward Jessie. Co-writer and co-director Andrew Stanton aims to explore how modern technology influences the way children play today. The film introduces fresh characters, including Lilypad, a frog-framed tablet, to represent the digital era.
2Character Development Strategy
Stanton emphasizes the difficulty of managing a large ensemble cast while introducing new figures. He prioritizes story needs over screen time for legacy characters, ensuring that additions like Lilypad serve a specific narrative purpose. The character of Lilypad was designed to bridge the gap between traditional toys and modern digital devices.
3Technology as a Narrative
The film addresses the short lifespan of modern tech toys, which often become obsolete within three to five years. Stanton reflects on the disposable nature of these devices compared to classic toys. By creating characters that represent this first generation of tech, the story highlights the complex relationship between children and gadgets.
4Researching Digital Impact
Pixar utilized internal research by consulting young parents within the studio to understand diverse perspectives on technology. Stanton avoided external influence early on to maintain creative freedom, eventually incorporating real-world frustrations. The team aimed to avoid a binary good-versus-bad narrative, opting instead to explore the messy, nuanced reality of modern parenting.
5The Benefits of Connectivity
Stanton acknowledges that technology offers genuine benefits, particularly for shy children or those in isolated communities. Digital tools can help kids connect with peers who share unique interests or abilities. This perspective prevents the film from feeling preachy, as it recognizes the innocent human impulse to communicate and build secret clubhouses.
6Preserving Childhood Boredom
A core theme of the film is the value of boredom in developing a child's imagination. Stanton worries that constant access to technology might deprive children of the skills needed to enjoy their own thoughts. He contrasts the joy of reading, which requires internal visualization, with the passive experience of consuming digital media.
7Universal Human Connection
The production team strives to create a film that resonates across generations, aiming for a universal, human appeal. Stanton wants the movie to be a favorite that grandparents will eventually share with their own grandchildren. This focus on timeless themes ensures the story remains relevant long after its initial release date.
8Visualizing Playtime Imagination
The film adopts a handcrafted, improvisational visual style to mimic the feeling of make-believe. Stanton describes the aesthetic as ephemeral and theatrical, where rules can change mid-sentence during play. The team sought to invent a new visual language that captures the dreamlike, shifting focus of a child’s active, creative mind.
9Introducing Character Blaze
Blaze, a confident young girl, serves as a vital companion for Bonnie, helping her express her true self. The character was developed to be culturally diverse and distinct from typical tropes. Animators also utilized the project to showcase advancements in rendering curly hair, building upon technology developed since the film Brave.
10Friendship and Complementary Minds
The story explores how finding a friend who thinks differently can be a transformative experience. Blaze acts as a model of confidence for the shy Bonnie, showing how children can complement each other's personalities. This dynamic highlights the value of finding a tribe that understands and supports one's unique way of thinking.
11Closing Jessie's Backstory
Early drafts of the script explored a potential reunion between Jessie and her former owner, Emily. Stanton experimented with a moving third-act reveal where Jessie witnesses an older Emily playing with her own grandchild. While emotionally powerful, the team carefully navigated these plot points to ensure they served the film's broader narrative goals.
12Legacy of Toy Story
Toy Story 5 continues the franchise's tradition of exploring the emotional journey of growing up. By focusing on the intersection of technology and social connection, the film remains grounded in human experience. Stanton’s approach ensures that the series continues to evolve while maintaining the core values that audiences have cherished for decades.
Original article: Deadline — Andrew Stanton Explores Childhood and Technology in Toy Story 5