Toy Story 5 releases tomorrow, and it’s safe to say anticipation is high. It’s been seven years since Toy Story 4 released and there have been a few changes and updates to the Toy Story universe. Here is everything you need to know ahead of Toy Story 5.
Note: The below contains minor spoilers ahead of Toy Story 5!
New Toys and Familiar Faces
As with any Toy Story, we can expect all the usual suspects like Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Mr Potato Head and the gang are all back on the big screen. A number of supporting characters return too, including Toy Story 4 favourites Forky, Karen Beverly and Duke Caboom. Toy Story 5 also introduces a host of new characters, most notably the film’s villain, Lilypad, a smart tablet, voiced by Greta Lee. Fun fact, this is actually Greta Lee’s second Disney movie, having starred in Tron: Ares in 2025.
The Buzz and Woody Reunion
At the end of Toy Story 4, we saw Woody and Buzz part ways with Woody staying behind as a ‘lost toy’. From the trailers, We know Woody eventually ends up back with the gang and in Bonnie’s bedroom, however we don’t yet know how they reunite. Thankfully, the film does help bridge this gap and Buzz and Woody’s separation is not ignored. We will have to wait and see how it all it ties together, but I’m pleased it’s not being brushed aside!
Jessie Takes the Spotlight
Since Woody left Bonnie’s toys at the end of Toy Story 4, we see from the trailer that Jessie has taken over as the sheriff of Bonnie’s room. We know that Jessie goes head-to-head with Lilypad and they clash to protect Bonnie’s imagination and the film heavily resurfaces Jessie’s deeply rooted trauma and abandonment issues from Toy Story 2. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this plays out as I feel Jessie definitely played a much smaller role in the past few movies.
The Creative Team Behind the Magic
The fifth instalment of the Toy Story franchise is directed by two-time Academy Award winner Andrew Stanton (who directed Finding Nemo and WALL-E), alongside co-director Kenna Harris. Despite this being the first Toy Story movie Stanton has directed, he is well-versed in the Toy Story universe, having served as a writer for story and screenplay on all four previous films. It will be awesome to see the direction he takes Toy Story 5 in!
The Return of Randy Newman
There’s another familiar behind-the-scenes star returning for Toy Story 5 – none other than Randy Newman. Composer of the iconic “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and every Toy Story soundtrack ever since, it’s great to see Randy Newman return for the fifth instalment. The main single for Toy Story 5 is, however, provided by Taylor Swift, who contributed an original song titled “I Knew It, I Knew You”.
Are you ready for one more adventure?
It’s hard to believe we are finally getting a fifth chapter to a story that started all the way back in 1995. Whether you are rooting for Jessie’s new era as leader of the room, or just desperate to see how Buzz and Woody finally cross paths again, tomorrow is going to be an emotional day for Disney fans everywhere.
What are your predictions for the movie? Do you think a smart tablet will make a good Pixar villain? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
The vast, colourful cast of characters in the Toy Story franchise is a huge part of what makes the movies so enjoyable. From fan favourites like Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie, to Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head and their adopted Alien children, every character brings something unique to the Toy Story universe.
But alongside the main cast, Toy Story also has a huge number of smaller characters who don’t always get the same amount of screen time, yet somehow manage to steal every scene they appear in.
For this list, I’ve decided to focus on some of the more underrated side characters, rather than the obvious choices like Hamm, Rex or Bo Peep. These are the characters that might only have a few moments on screen, but still leave a lasting impression.
Here are 10 of the best side characters in Toy Story:
Sarge & Bucket o’ Soldiers
As someone who spent most of their Saturday mornings growing up playing with toy soldiers and recreating epic battles across the living room floor, it’s no surprise that I have to include Sarge & the Bucket o’ Soldiers in my list! I really love the concept of the toys having their own personal army and the opening scene in Toy Story, where the soldiers spy on Andy’s birthday party, is just pure cinema! I’m a bit gutted we’ve not seen them since Toy Story 3 and even that was pretty much a farewell to the characters, but nevertheless, they are one of the best side character groups in the franchise.
Barrel of Monkeys
Based on the real life toy by Milton Bradley, Barrel of Monkeys actually appears in all four Toy Story movies. I really love how Pixar used a board game and created ‘toys’ from it to bring it to life for the Toy Story films. Their hooked arms actually serve a lot of purpose in the Toy Story universe too, whether that’s attempting to rescue Buzz or to save RC. The “Death by Monkeys” scene in Toy Story 3 is genius too and a great example of how a child’s imagination can run wild.
Chunk
Toy Story 3 introduced us to a huge number of characters, and Lotso’s henchmen crew provide some of the more interesting minor characters in the movie. One of my personal favourites is Chunk, a rock-like monster from Sunnyside Daycare. He is the epitome of a tough guy goon, providing the muscle for Lotso while also delivering some great comic relief – one of his best lines is: “He ain’t the sharpest knife in the…uh…place where they keep the knives!”.
Rocky Gibraltar
Rocky Gibraltar is another character based on a real-life toy; the collectible Wrestling Superstars figures made by Hasbro. The character features fairly prominently in Toy Story – I love the “Strange Things” sequence in the movie where he works out with Buzz and then helps him repair his ship with the tape dispenser. We don’t see much of him outside of the first Toy Story, albeit a few scenes in Toy Story 2, but he’s a character who really stands out for me.
Peas-in-a-Pod
A really unique set of characters, the Peas-in-a-Pod first appear in Toy Story 3 as one of Bonnie’s toys. I really love the concept of there essentially being three individual characters coming together to create one collective character and the Peas-in-a-Pod tie in works really well for this. They have a few funny interactions with both Woody and Mr Potato Head in Toy Story 3, but only have a minor appearance in Toy Story 4. Fingers crossed we see them again in Toy Story 5!
Lenny
Lenny is one of my favourite side characters in the Toy Story franchise, mainly because I had my own Lenny action figure way back in the late 90s which brings me so much nostalgia just thinking about! Lenny actually plays a fairly big role in Toy Story and then a bit of a smaller role in Toy Story 2, often acting as the eyes for the toys. I really love Lenny and Woody’s relationship in the first movie too, they really seem like good pals.
Hockey Puck
Very much the definition of a minor character, Hockey Puck is only seen briefly in Toy Story after Mr. Potato Head grouchily asked him what he was looking at, to which he just shrugged. Little is known about what happens to the character after that, he is not seen in the moving van later in the movie or in any subsequent Toy Story features. Despite the limited screentime, I think this is just such a fun minor side character and the fact we never see him again other than that one scene where he has beef with Mr Potato Head, make Hockey Puck even more of a mystery!
Mr Pricklepants
Another of Bonnie’s existing toys we were introduced to in Toy Story 3, Mr Pricklepants is pretty iconic as far as side characters go! Sporting a William Shakespeare-esque accent, Mr Pricklepants serves as a nice change of pace from some of the more excitable toys that Bonnie has. I also love the fact that Mr Pricklepants is voiced by former James Bond star Timothy Dalton – how cool is that! Interestingly, John Hopkins will voice the character in Toy Story 5.
Combat Carl
Combat Carl action figures appear in various forms throughout the Toy Story franchise. First, in the first Toy Story movie, Sid famously explodes a Combat Carl figure with a firecracker. In the short Toy Story of TERROR!, a Combat Carl figure and a 4-inch one called Combat Carl Jr both appear, voiced by Carl Weathers. Then in Toy Story 4, three Combat Carl Jr.s assist Bo Peep – this time voiced by Ernie Hudson. Combat Carl is based on G.I. Joe action figures and whilst they often only have minor roles, I really love the continuity to the ‘Combat Carl’ brand in the Toy Story franchise.
Buster
Of course, no side character list would be complete without a dog featuring! Andy’s dog Buster actually has a really great character arc over the course of the movies. Right at the end of Toy Story, Andy receives Buster as a Christmas present, much to the concern of the toys. By the time Toy Story 2 rolls around, Buster is an integral part of the toy group, with Woody even being able to train him. By Toy Story 3, Buster is old and a little chubbier than he was as a puppy – the scene where he falls asleep and falls on Woody will always make me chuckle!
Whilst it’s unlikely that we will see Buster again, he definitely goes down in my list of best boys in the Pixar universe.
In all honesty, this list could have been 30 of the best side characters in Toy Story, but I tried to keep this as concise as possible and based on my personal preference!
What characters would you add to this list? Who do you want to make an appearance in Toy Story 5? Let me know in the comments.
If you’ve been following the news out of Disney’s Hollywood Studios in recent months, you’ll know things have been looking a little… murky over on Sunset Boulevard. Ever since the Aerosmith era officially came to an end, fans have been eagerly waiting to see how The Electric Mayhem (the Muppets’ iconic house band) would transform one of the most famous rides in Florida.
Well, the wait is finally over! Disney just dropped the full details and I have to say, it looks fantastic.
The iconic guitar is getting a serious Electric Mayhem makeover for the May 26th opening. (Image credit: Disney Parks Blog)
The Big Date
It’s official: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will officially open on May 26th, 2026!
While I’ll miss the classic Aerosmith vibes, the fact that they’ve turned this around so quickly is actually impressive. It’s effectively a clever “paint job” and re-theme, but it means fans don’t have to wait years for the ride to return. A high-speed upgrade with a bit of Muppet chaos is exactly what the park needs right now without the long-term construction headaches. They’ve even confirmed previews for staff, Season Pass holders, and DVC members starting mid-May, so it’s all moving very fast!
A first look at the new pre-show where we’ll see the first-ever Audio-Animatronic Scooter! (Image credit: Disney Parks Blog)
The Setlist
What is a rock ‘n’ roll road trip without a killer playlist? Disney has confirmed that we aren’t just getting one song – we’re getting a full “concert” experience. The Electric Mayhem have teamed up with some massive artists for the setlist, and it looks incredible.
The launch track is a cover of Blur’s “Song 2” as you blast from 0 to 60mph. Here’s the full confirmed setlist:
“Song 2” – The Electric Mayhem
“Born To Be Wild” – The Electric Mayhem ft. Camilla the Chicken
“Love Rollercoaster” – The Electric Mayhem ft. Jennifer Hudson & Questlove
“Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)” – The Electric Mayhem ft. Def Leppard
“Walking on Sunshine” – The Electric Mayhem ft. Kelly Clarkson
Each limo will have its own unique track which gives the ride so much replayability, I know I will definitely be jumping straight to the back of the queue to hear the next song! Disney have also teased some ‘bonus tracks’ too!
A Bittersweet Change?
The story sounds like classic Muppets. We’re invited to G-Force Records for a VIP tour by Scooter’s uncle, J.P. Grosse (who apparently now owns the studio!), but the band is nowhere to be found.
I’m also really excited to see the new Audio-Animatronic of Scooter in the pre-show. It’s the first time we’ve seen him as an animatronic, and he’s apparently joined by a team of penguins acting as audio engineers – which is just classic Muppets! Instead of the old stretch limo, we’ll be boarding a L.I.M.O. (Lengthy Immediate Motion Object) designed by Muppet Labs.
Disney have also confirmed a massive list of celebrity cameos to look out for in the queue, including “Weird Al” Yankovic, Neil Patrick Harris, and Travis Barker. While most fans were gutted to see MuppetVision 3D go, seeing the Muppets get this level of detail for their own ride feels like a huge win.
Neil Patrick Harris is just one of the massive celebrity cameos confirmed for the new queue. (Image credit: Disney Parks Blog)
The Verdict
I am really looking forward to seeing this for myself, hopefully in the not too distant future! If Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is anything like the conversion of the Paris version into Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, we are in for a real treat. And while I really did have a soft spot for Aerosmith, it always felt a bit “less Disney” than the rest of the park. A Muppets rebrand feels like a fantastic fit, and I’m a big fan of the attention to detail Disney seem to be putting into this!
What do you think of the new Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ride? Are you looking forward to hearing the setlist and seeing the Muppets makeover? Let me know in the comments!
Earth Day 2026 is one week away and for Disney fans, there are plenty of ways to celebrate with some awe-inspiring content on Disney+. From stunning, in-depth documentaries to classic Pixar movies, there is something for fans of all ages to celebrate Earth Day. Here are 10 of my picks ahead of Earth Day 2026.
Documentaries to Watch on Disney+ for Earth Day
Disneynature’s Orangutan (Releasing April 22nd)
Narrated by Josh Gad (Voice of Olaf), Disneynature’s Orangutan is Disney’s flagship 2026 Earth Day release and frankly, it looks awesome! The film follows Indah, an inquisitive adolescent orangutan learning how to navigate life as she prepares to leave her family and venture out on her own for the first time. From the trailer, the visuals of Borneo and Sumatra look stunning and the soundtrack really gives me Tarzan vibes. It definitely looks like a documentary not to be missed!
Secrets of the Bees
Another recent documentary addition to Disney+ is Secrets of the Bees, produced by National Geographic. The two-part documentary discovers the hidden world of bees and their incredible intelligence. James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar) serves as the executive producer for the documentary so as you’d expect, the visuals are phenomenal. It’s a fantastic documentary to understand the impact bees have on the natural world and humanity as a whole.
Disneynature’s Tiger
Much like Disneynature’s Orangutan, Tiger is another Disneynature documentary film, which as the title suggests, follows the journey of a young tigress raising her cubs in the forests of India. Priyanka Chopra Jonas serves as the narrator and it’s a really wholesome tale of parenthood and understanding the life and journey of tigers.
A Real Bug’s Life
Spanning 2 seasons, A Real Bug’s Life transports viewers into the micro-universe of insects of all shapes and sizes. It’s another fantastic documentary that shows the extraordinary lives insects live and as someone who is fascinated by bugs, this really hits the spot for me as a series! Again, some of the visuals are phenomenal and there is even an episode at the end of the second series which shows how the series was filmed – I’d highly recommend checking it out!
Best Disney Movies for Earth Day
The Lion King
Arguably one of Disney’s most iconic movies of all time, it’s hard not to include The Lion King as part of any Earth Day watch-along! It’s not just the Savannah setting or the abundance of animal species that make The Lion King essential Earth Day viewing, it’s the message the movie conveys. Mufasa famously says the following quote, which I think embodies the beauty of our natural world and captures the essence of Earth Day:
“Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope… When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass. And so we are all connected in the great Circle of Life”.
A Bug’s Life
We can’t have A Real Bug’s Life in the list without having the Pixar classic! A Bug’s Life is a fantastic depiction of the weird and wonderful insect world and I think does a fantastic job at giving an insight into how organised and intelligent bugs actually are. As a film too, it’s one of the funniest Pixar movies in my opinion and is severely underrated!
Elemental
Another Pixar movie to watch ahead of Earth Day is the fantastic Elemental! The premise and backdrop of the film is literally built on the four elements; fire, water, air and earth. It’s a visually stunning animated movie that cleverly plays on how all of the elements tie in to one another. Plus, at the heart of the movie is a love story that gets me every time I watch it!
Short Films & Relaxing Picks on Disney+
Lava
Lava is a short film (10-minute run time), produced by Pixar which really embodies Earth Day. In essence, it’s a musical love story about two volcanoes that takes place over millions of years. If you’ve never watched it before, it does sound like an odd concept, but in typical Pixar fashion, they do a fantastic job of making the characters so relatable. Also, the song is particularly catchy, so be warned!
Zenimation
I feel like the short Zenimation series on Disney+ has totally gone under the radar for Disney+ fans, but it’s such a wonderful little series. Essentially, it’s a series of short clips from Disney movies (like the water from Moana or the forest from Bambi) edited together for a relaxing visual experience. It’s a really simple concept and if you’ve seen the movies, there is no extra content here, however it really does allow you to appreciate the animation and the calming effects of nature.
Earth Moods
Okay so not quite a ‘short’ as such, Earth Moods is a National Geographic series of videos, ambiently exploring various biomes across the world. There’s no narration, it’s purely an ambient journey through some of the most beautiful places on earth. They remind me of the sort of thing you’d see on display on a TV in an electronics store, but nonetheless, they are perfect for having on in the background while you work or relax.
The Verdict
Whether you’re in the mood for a deep dive into the jungle with Josh Gad or just want some calming scenery while you finish your work, Disney+ really has gone all out for 2026. For me, Earth Day is all about taking a moment to appreciate that “delicate balance” Mufasa talks about – and if I can do that while eating popcorn and watching a Pixar classic, even better.
I’m definitely going to be sat front and centre for Orangutan on the 22nd. There’s just something about those Disneynature films that makes you want to go out and plant a tree (or at least buy a reusable water bottle!).
What are your Earth Day plans? Are you going to be diving into the new Orangutan documentary, or are you sticking with a classic like The Lion King? Let me know your watchlist in the comments below!
Disney merchandise, be it toys, clothing, video games, plushies or pins, is seemingly unavoidable. Everywhere you look there is a new partnership or collaboration being announced on social media. It’s unsurprising, particularly when you consider how much revenue merchandise generates for the Walt Disney Company.
According to their 2025 Annual Report, Disney’s total “Product” revenue (which covers merchandise, publishing, and games) reached a whopping $9.8 billion. Despite this, there has been a noticeable lack of merchandise in recent years, specifically for modern Disney films.
After watching Pixar’s Hoppers recently, I was incredibly excited to check out what merchandise would be available, particularly given the impressive marketing push Disney and Pixar gave the movie. With the film’s cast of cute and cuddly characters, I was expecting a range of plushies and maybe even a series of pins too, but I was frankly left incredibly disappointed with what I could find on the Disney Store.
A very disappointing search on the Disney Store!
A single plush toy of King George and a figurine set of a handful of the characters made up the merchandise available here for fans in the UK. Upon checking the US Disney Store, stateside Hoppers fans didn’t get much of a better treatment, with only a handful of T-shirts available in addition to the soft toy and figurine set. As a fan who is partial to a Disney collectable or two, I was really disappointed with what was available to coincide with the release of Hoppers.
So, why are we getting less and less merchandise for original Disney movies? Why are we seemingly getting more and more merchandise for the classic Disney movies instead? I’ve taken a look at why this might be happening…
The Financial Unknown
Despite the vast amount of revenue which merchandise delivers for the Walt Disney Company, to ensure that revenue is profitable, Disney’s current strategy is built on “guaranteed wins.” It’s reported that in 2025, Lilo & Stitch merchandise alone generated over $4 billion. When one 20-year-old movie makes that much (granted, the live-action remake certainly had an impact on that figure!), Disney is less likely to risk floor space on a brand-new movie like Hoppers until they are certain it has the same “staying power.”
Walking past the Disney Store, you’d expect to see the latest hits front and centre, but the reality inside the shelves is often very different.
From “Toy Aisle” to a “Lifestyle Brand”
Have you noticed how the toy aisles in supermarkets seem to be shrinking, while the adult sections in shops like H&M or Pandora are growing? Disney is undergoing a massive pivot. They’ve realised that while a child might play with a plastic figurine for a week, a Gen Z or Millennial fans will pay a premium for a high-end collaboration they can actually wear or display.
We’re seeing fewer traditional “playthings” and more “lifestyle” items – designer handbags, jewellery, and “streetwear” collections. By targeting fans with disposable income who grew up with the classics, Disney is essentially trading the £10 plastic toy for a £100 fashion statement. It makes sense for their bottom line, but for those of us who just want a decent plushie of a new character we love, it feels like we’re being left behind.
The Digital Takeover
It’s not just physical aisles that are changing; it’s digital ones, too. Disney has realised that a lot of their audience, especially the younger generation, would rather spend their money on a digital “skin” for Fortnite than a plastic toy for their bedroom. With Disney’s massive $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, we’re seeing a shift where characters like Buzz Lightyear or the Incredibles gang show up as playable avatars before they even hit the Disney Store shelves.
These digital goods are a goldmine for Disney; there are no manufacturing costs, no shipping delays, and no clearance aisles. When you consider that in-game spending is projected to hit over $170 billion by 2030, it’s easy to see why Disney might prioritise a virtual “Mabel” skin over a physical plushie. In their eyes, a digital item that you can show off to millions of other players online has more “social currency” than a toy sitting on a shelf at home.
The “Wait and See” Strategy
In the 90s, you couldn’t move for merchandise hitting the shelves months before a movie even premiered. Today, the strategy has flipped. To avoid the dreaded “clearance aisle” fate that hit films like Wish, Disney often waits for a movie to prove its “staying power” before mass-producing a full range.
It’s a frustrating cycle for fans. We want to celebrate a movie like Hoppers while the hype is at its peak, but Disney is playing it safe, waiting to see if the streaming numbers justify the manufacturing costs. It feels like they’re missing the “magic” of the moment in favour of a spreadsheet.
While new films struggle for shelf space, the “Classics” like Mickey Mouse and Stitch continue to dominate the physical Disney Store aisles.
The Verdict
It’s a bittersweet time to be a Disney fan. While it’s great to see the classics getting so much love, the lack of support for original stories like Hoppers feels like a missed opportunity. If Disney doesn’t let us bring these new characters home through merch, how are they ever supposed to grow into the ‘classics’ that the next generation falls in love with?
What do you think? Have you struggled to find merch for your favourite modern Disney films, or are you happy sticking with the classics? Let me know in the comments!
Hoppers has barely been in cinemas a week, but after receiving a wave of positive reviews – with many calling it the best Pixar original in years – it got me thinking: could we see a sequel to Hoppers in the future?
We know Pixar loves a sequel, but as with any movie, there are a few factors that determine the green light: Does it make sense to the story, does it make sense financially, and frankly, do we even need one?
Note: This post contains spoilers for the ending of Hoppers!
Does a sequel make sense to the story of Hoppers?
First things first, let’s address whether or not a sequel makes logical sense. At the end of the film, Mabel graduates from college and Dr. Sam tells her that the “Hoppers” programme has been discontinued – essentially meaning there will be no more “hopping” into animals. I thought it was really interesting that the film seemingly closed off the opportunity for future animal-hopping so definitively; they could have easily said the tech was just moving off-campus, but instead, it’s been shut down.
What Dr. Sam goes on to say, however, is that closing the program allows her to focus on “future projects.” The chalkboard reveal in her lab was one of my favourite moments, showing prototypes for Dug’s talking collar (Up), Sox the cat (Lightyear), and a cleaning robot that is unmistakably WALL-E.
This awesome Easter egg was the largest clue that a sequel could be on the cards! Dr. Sam also offers Mabel a job as her assistant, which feels like a clear setup for a follow-up. It suggests a premise where a sequel wouldn’t necessarily be about the beaver robot, but about Mabel helping to develop the iconic tech that populates the rest of the Pixar universe.
Could we see a TV Series instead?
I genuinely think a follow-on TV series for Hoppers could work brilliantly. If a sequel goes down the route of developing Dr. Sam’s prototype projects, that translates perfectly to an episodic format. Each episode could explore a new piece of technology with Mabel helping to implement it. Seeing how Dug got his collar or learning how WALL-E was first created would provide amazing background lore for our favourite Pixar classics.
It’s worth noting that director Daniel Chong actually comes from a heavy TV background (he created the hit series We Bare Bears), so he knows exactly how to build a world that works in a serialized way. Given the success of Pixar’s Win or Lose series on Disney+ last year, there is clearly an appetite for this. A series based on this “prototype development” angle would allow Pixar to be experimental and fun without the pressure of a massive theatrical release.
Do we even need a sequel?
It’s the age-old question: do we even need one? The movie ends on a beautiful, complete note. The glade is saved, the freeway is rerouted, and Mabel has found her place in the world. Sometimes a “true original” is better left as a standalone masterpiece like Ratatouille or WALL-E.
One of the things that made Hoppers so great was the eclectic cast of characters, from King George to Tom Lizard. Since the ending suggests we won’t be seeing the “glade gang” anytime soon, any direct sequel without them might struggle to hit the same heights. However, a spin-off focusing on the dynamic between Mabel and Dr. Sam would be a huge positive in my book.
Does it make sense financially?
This is often the biggest clue as to whether a sequel gets greenlit. Despite it being early days, the signs are very positive. Globally, Hoppers reached an estimated cume of $88M on its opening weekend, making it the biggest original animated debut since Coco in 2017.
This is a massive indicator of intent. It’s particularly relevant because Pixar last year confirmed that ‘Coco 2’ is officially in development. If Pixar is willing to return to a beloved standalone hit like Coco after it proved its financial and critical worth, they will almost certainly be looking at these #1 box office numbers for Hoppers as a reason to turn it into a franchise.
The Verdict
While it’s still early days, the combination of a record-breaking opening weekend and that “Pixar Cinematic Universe” ending makes a follow-up feel almost inevitable. Whether it’s Hoppers 2 or a Disney+ spin-off called The Assistant, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Mabel Tanaka.
What do you think? Do you want to see more of Mabel’s new job, or should Pixar leave this as a one-off win? Let me know in the comments!
Pixar’s latest exhibition hit London last month, and I had the pleasure of visiting just a few days after it opened to the general public. Mundo Pixar is an interactive, walk-through experience that transports you to various worlds from the Pixar Universe.
London is actually the 7th stop on the Pixar Mundo ‘world tour,’ with it having already wowed audiences in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, Barcelona, Brussels, and Mexico City. It has now set up camp in a purpose-built venue in Wembley Park, and being a big fan, I had to see it for myself.
Feeling completely dwarfed in Andy’s room – the scale here is absolutely spot on for making you feel like one of the toys.
We visited as two adults without children during the school holidays, so we got a first-hand look at what the experience is like at full capacity. Albeit we are big kids ourselves, I was a little concerned that we might feel out of place, but there were plenty of other Pixar-crazed adults enjoying the exhibit too.
Read my thoughts below on the good, the bad, and the ugly of our experience at the Pixar Mundo London exhibition.
The Good
Firstly, let me start by saying that the exhibition is actually a really fun experience and brilliantly put together! There are 14 rooms in total, which explore scenes from Toy Story, Up, Monsters Inc, Cars, Coco, Elemental, Finding Nemo, Inside Out, Ratatouille, and Luca. Walking into each room, it felt like you were instantly transported into the movie.
The exhibits look high quality and there are a ton of smaller touches that Pixar fans of all ages can appreciate, such as the swinging monkeys from Toy Story or the Paradise Falls adventure fund jar from Up. The attention to detail here is really impressive; I was a little hesitant that it might feel like a ‘knock-off,’ but I’m pleased to report that the experience wouldn’t feel out of place at Disneyland.
Stepping into Portorosso – the set design here does a great job of capturing that seaside Italian charm from Luca.
My favourite room had to be Andy’s bedroom from Toy Story – the room does a fantastic job of putting you at the scale of a toy and seeing things from Buzz and Woody’s perspective! Other standouts are definitely the Finding Nemo room, which depicts a scene from the deep blue, as well as Carl and Ellie’s house from Up. As an added bonus, they even have a small Hoppers photo opportunity featuring beaver Mabel at the entrance, which was a nice touch!
A nice surprise at the entrance: a photo-op with Mabel from the upcoming movie Hoppers.
One of my big concerns about going during the school holidays was how busy it would be, but thankfully the whole exhibition is actually very well managed. Entry is staggered by designated time slots, which prevents major bottlenecking. Even in the smaller rooms, the flow felt smooth, and despite it being at capacity, the only queue we spent too much time in was at the coat check!
Speaking of photo opportunities, these are in plentiful supply! In each room, there is at least one designated photo shoot location, be it with Mike and Sulley in the Scare Factory or with Lightning McQueen and Mater in Flo’s V8 Café. I’d also recommend getting creative; pretending Andy has just walked into his room in the Toy Story section makes for some brilliant memories to look back and laugh at! There are staff on hand in every room to help take photos, and they were incredibly friendly and helpful, especially given the constant flow of guests.
Making ourselves at home in Carl and Ellie’s house!
Another really positive thing I saw was how accessible the exhibition is. There are no steps throughout, meaning it’s fully accessible for wheelchair users. Additionally, at the entrance to each room, there were QR codes for visually impaired users, which I thought was a really nice touch. It’s great to see an exhibit putting accessibility at the forefront of its design rather than feeling like an afterthought.
The Bad
Whilst the rooms are well designed, not all of them quite live up to the standard of the Toy Story areas. The Elemental room felt really poorly executed – crammed into a small space, it’s essentially just Wade and Ember sat together on a metro carriage. There is only one photo opportunity in this room, and it feels like a waste given how awesome an “Element City” scene could have been. As someone who loves Elemental, this was a big disappointment. Likewise, the Ratatouille room felt, pardon the pun, a little half-baked.
Similarly, I think there could have been more variety. With 14 rooms in total, six of those come from the same three franchises (Up, Toy Story, and Coco). Did we really need two rooms dedicated to Coco? I’d have loved to see a scene from Brave or The Incredibles instead. That’s not to say those rooms weren’t great, I’d just have liked a little more variety given Pixar’s catalogue of fan favourites.
Hector and Dante taking center stage.
I’d also have liked to see a bit more signage or memorabilia. Other than a small sign briefly outlining the room, there was very little to engage with other than the sets themselves. Granted, this is an interactive exhibition and not a museum, but a bit more signage with fun facts about the movies or maybe framed scripts and posters certainly wouldn’t have gone amiss.
My biggest issue with the experience is the cost. For two adults, it cost us £35 each, and if you factor in travel, it quickly amounts to an expensive day out. The experience lasts approximately an hour, which is probably the perfect length for children, but frankly, it works out as an expensive hour! For context, a single undated adult ticket to Disneyland Paris costs £115, which works out at £9.67 an hour if you stayed from open to close!
I was really looking forward to the gift shop and was hoping to pick up some merchandise, but again, everything felt so expensive. It’s well-stocked and has some great items, but the pricing felt out of touch. I fell in love with a Finding Nemo water bottle but sadly couldn’t justify the eye-watering £30 price tag. Perhaps if the tickets had been a little cheaper, I would have had more pocket money to spend!
Just keep swimming! The Finding Nemo reef was one of the most vibrant rooms in the whole exhibition.
The Ugly
To enjoy the exhibit, you really need to be as free as possible to take photos, which means not carrying coats or bags around. The organisers acknowledge that and offer a coat check, but sadly, this comes at a cost of £3. Honestly, given the ticket prices, the coat check should be free on principle! I appreciate £3 isn’t a crazy sum, but for me, it’s the principle of it.
There is an area to leave buggies and prams next to the coat check which I’m hoping was at no extra cost, so if you are travelling with one of those, it may be an idea to leave your jackets in the pram to avoid the extra fee.
One of those small, beautiful touches: Carl and Ellie’s mailbox, complete with their signature handprints.
One minor nitpick I had was an interaction in the Elemental room. A guest asked who the characters (Ember and Wade) were, and the staff member responded by saying he thought they were just ‘Fire Girl and Water Guy.’ Maybe I’m being extremely pedantic (I am!), but it did ruin the magic a little that some staff weren’t more knowledgeable – I suppose I’m just a bit used to the Cast Members at Disneyland!
It’s a bit of a weird disconnect; while the sets are designed by Pixar (and they look incredible!), the actual event is run by an outside production company. It shows that while the ‘production’ is top-tier, the ‘service’ doesn’t quite have that Disney training where everyone knows the world inside out.
The Verdict
Despite the ‘Disney tax’ applied to nearly everything, Pixar Mundo London is a fun day out that calls to your inner child. It gives you that rare joy of actually entering the world of Pixar, making it a great way to spend an hour for kids young and old!
I was super excited for Hoppers when I first saw the trailer last year. The concept of transferring your mind into an animal to communicate with nature really had me hooked. I’m pleased to report that not only does Hoppers execute this premise brilliantly, but it also packages together a fantastic story with memorable characters and top-tier gags.
WARNING: Minor spoilers below!
The Story
The film follows Mabel Tanaka, an animal lover who sets out to save a local habitat from destruction by transferring her mind into a lifelike robotic beaver. As I mentioned, the concept is handled excellently. I really appreciated that the stakes didn’t feel world-ending; it felt like a much more grounded, personal Pixar movie compared to the high-concept scale of something like Lightyear.
The film is set in the aptly named city of Beaverton, a metropolis on the edge of vast woodlands. The alpine setting really complemented the theme of the movie. While watching, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to 2006’s Open Season. Granted, the similarities are mostly in the forest setting and the quirky animal cast, but it’s interesting to see where Hoppers may have drawn some of its inspiration.
The Characters
The characters are what make Hoppers so enjoyable! Mabel is relatable, fiery, and funny – everything you want in a lead. I was really impressed with how Pixar managed to translate Mabel’s specific mannerisms and appearance into her beaver form. I can definitely see her becoming a fan favourite in the years to come.
While Mabel is the star, the supporting cast makes the film truly entertaining. From King George (voiced by Bobby Moynihan), the beaver monarch, to Jerry Generazzo (voiced by Jon Hamm), the greedy mayor attempting to drive the animals out of Beaverton, the ensemble is a lot of fun. My personal highlights include the wacky Tom Lizard, the slow-moving beaver Loaf, and the insect king, Titus.
A Fast-Paced Adventure
My only real complaint is that I wanted more of them! It felt like the supporting characters – particularly Tom Lizard, Loaf, and Ellen the bear – didn’t get quite enough screen time. In truth, despite a 104-minute runtime, Hoppers felt a little rushed in spots. There wasn’t much opportunity for Mabel and King George to build a deep bond like we see with Lightning McQueen and Mater in Cars.
I appreciate this is an animated film primarily aimed at a younger audience, but Hoppers felt like a total breeze. There were definitely scenes that could have been expanded to give us more character depth and background, but it’s still a very well-packaged movie.
Animation and Humour
I also loved the animation style. Calling it “simplistic” might be an insult, because the fur and hair rendering is phenomenal; most of these characters look so fluffy you just want to give them a big hug! The simplicity actually lies in the environment around the characters – it feels a bit more stripped back, but that’s to no detriment of the movie. If anything, it just keeps the focus on the heart of the story.
What really stood out was the humour. Both the kids and adults in my screening were in stitches. The jokes never feel forced and land perfectly; I honestly can’t think of a recent Pixar movie that offered as many laughs as this one.
Heart and Meaning
Despite the comedy, there’s plenty of deep meaning rooted throughout. Mabel’s struggle to control her anger and her feelings of helplessness felt really relatable, especially as she processes the loss of her Grandma. As someone whose own grandparents influenced my love of animals, I really connected with Mabel – something I didn’t necessarily expect going in.
As a Pixar fanboy, Hoppers was a real treat. There are dozens of Easter eggs and callbacks that will have me rewatching this multiple times when it hits streaming later this year. I also noticed a few darker tonal shifts that felt inspired by the Win or Lose series – not a criticism at all, just a cool observation of how Pixar’s style is evolving.
The Verdict
All in all, Hoppers is a thoroughly enjoyable, well-packaged, low-stakes adventure packed to the brim with comedy and heart. It will no doubt be a beloved Pixar classic in the years to come.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
4.5/5
P.S. A quick heads-up for my fellow UK Pixar fans! If you go to watch Hoppers at Vue, they have these brilliant popcorn buckets for sale. It’s a great little souvenir to grab while you’re there.
If you’ve caught Hoppers in cinemas, you already know it’s a “dam” good time. But as with any Pixar release, the film is absolutely loaded with callbacks and hidden details that link it to the wider Disney and Pixar universe. Some are classic staples we see in every movie, but others feel like a massive nod to the “Grand Unifying Pixar Theory.”
Just a heads-up: There are spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen the film yet!
Here are the biggest Easter eggs and references I spotted in Hoppers:
Hidden Pixar Staples
A113: Dr. Sam’s lab is designated as room A113, the classic nod to the CalArts classroom found in almost every Pixar film.
The Pizza Planet Truck: During the sequence where the animals are escaping, you can see the iconic yellow truck sitting in a display case by the exit door.
The Pixar Theory Chalkboard: Late in the film, Dr. Sam shows a chalkboard covered in sketches for “future projects.” These clearly show prototypes for Dug’s talking collar from Up, Sox the cat from Lightyear, and a cleaning robot that is unmistakably WALL-E.
Disney & Pixar References
Finding Nemo: Young Mabel tries to save a class turtle named Crush.
When Mabel asks which way to go in the forest, a spider webs an arrow to point her in the right direction – a direct mirror of the Moonfish forming an arrow for Marlin and Dory.
Diane the Shark is also a massive tribute to Bruce. Not only is she a Great White with that same “polite assassin” personality, but her movements during the chase scenes are a direct mirror of Bruce’s pursuit in the submarine.
Big Hero 6: If you look closely at Mabel’s jacket, the name “TANAKA” is embroidered on it. This is likely a nod to Kiko Tanaka from the Disney+ series Baymax!. It’s rare to see Pixar reference a Disney Animation project so directly, but the character designs in Hoppers definitely share that BH6 DNA.
Up & Toy Story: Mabel’s phone case features a Wilderness Explorers Badge and one of the Little Green Men aliens.
Bambi: There is a specific shot of a bunny and a skunk hanging out in the forest, which is a direct tribute to Thumper and Flower.
Soul: When Jerry is on his tablet watching YouTube, check the suggested “Funny Cat Videos” sidebar. The thumbnail features Mr. Mittens from Soul.
The Lion King: King George’s backstory is a mirror of Simba’s, and he even quotes The Haunted Mansion by telling Mabel there is “always room for one more.”
High School Musical: George also tells the group they are “all in this together.”
The Incredibles: One of the cat videos Mabel watches features an orange cat that looks exactly like Squeakers.
For the Birds: During the Animal Council meeting, look at the huddling blue birds on the branch – they are the same neurotic birds from the classic Pixar short.
Onward: The van used by Dr. Sam is the same model as Guinevere, Barley’s van from Onward.
Elio: In a photo on Mayor Jerry’s wall, you can spot a female Camp Carver scout, which is a direct nod to the characters in Elio.
Future Teases
Toy Story 5: On Mabel’s windowsill, there is a small toy of Atlas the Hippo, who is rumoured to be a major new character in the upcoming sequel.
Movie Tributes
Avatar: In one of the most “on the nose” references in Pixar history, Mabel describes the whole mind-transfer concept by saying it “is like Avatar!” It’s pretty rare to see them name-drop a non-Disney franchise so clearly!
Back to the Future: The character of Dr. Sam is heavily modelled after Doc Brown, right down to the hair and the eccentric scientist energy.
Frankenstein: The opening scene where the beaver comes to life is a shot-for-shot homage to the creation of Frankenstein’s Monster.
Jaws: Diane the Shark attacks with the exact movements of the shark from Jaws.
Free Willy: When Diane jumps over the dam to help put out the fire, the shot is a perfect recreation of the famous Free Willy jump.
The Terminator: The robotic “Hopper” suits and the final confrontation feature heavy nods to Terminator. Between the mechanical scanning and the red-glowing “eye” in the dark, it’s a clear tribute to the T-800.
It’s great to see Pixar finally leaning into the fan theories by showing Dr. Sam essentially “inventing” the tech we see in later movies. It makes the whole universe feel much more connected!
One Easter egg I actually did miss during my first watch was the Luxo Ball – I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for that yellow and red star on the rewatch!
Did you spot any other references while watching? Let me know in the comments!
If you felt like February was a bit of a slow burn, March is here to completely change the pace. This is easily one of the biggest months we’ve seen in a long time. Not only are we finally getting the streaming debut of the record-breaking Zootopia 2, but the back half of the month is absolutely stacked with the return of Daredevil and a massive celebration for Hannah Montana.
Whether you’re looking for blockbuster animation or the dark, gritty streets of the MCU, there is actually something for everyone this month.
Here is the breakdown of what’s hitting Disney+ this March:
Sunday, March 1
How Not to Draw (Season 5)
Vet Detective – Premiere
Monday, March 2
In Your Radiant Season (Hulu Original) – New Episode
Tuesday, March 3
American Idol (Season 9) – New Episode
BeddyByes – Premiere
Wednesday, March 4
Battle of Fates (Hulu Original) – Season Finale
Saturday, March 7
Locker Diaries: ZOMBIES: Shorts – Premiere
Sunday, March 8
Ghost Elephants – Premiere
Monday, March 9
In Your Radiant Season (Hulu Original) – New Episode
Tuesday, March 10
American Idol (Season 9) – New Episode
Wednesday, March 11
Zootopia 2 – Streaming Premiere
Monday, March 16
In Your Radiant Season (Hulu Original) – New Episode
Tuesday, March 17
American Idol (Season 9) – New Episode
Wednesday, March 18
Short Circuit Experimental Films: Maddie & The Test – Premiere
Short Circuit Experimental Films: Life Drawings – Premiere
Saturday, March 21
Locker Diaries: ZOMBIES: Shorts – New Episode
Monday, March 23
In Your Radiant Season (Hulu Original) – New Episode
Tuesday, March 24
Daredevil: Born Again (Season 2) – Premiere
Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special – Premiere
Magicampers – Premiere
American Idol (Season 9) – New Episode
Friday, March 27
Versa: Short Film – Premiere
Chibi Tiny Tales: Shorts (Season 6) – New Episodes
Saturday, March 28
Locker Diaries: ZOMBIES: Shorts – New Episode
Monday, March 30
American Idol (Season 9) – Live Stream
In Your Radiant Season (Hulu Original) – New Episode
Super Animals (Season 3) – New Episodes
Chibi Tiny Tales: Shorts (Season 6) – New Episodes
Tuesday, March 31
If It’s Tuesday… It’s Murder (Hulu Original) – Premiere
March is looking like an incredible month, and I honestly can’t wait to dive back into Daredevil and finally watch Zootopia 2 at home.
What are your thoughts on the March lineup? Are you most excited for the MCU return or the Miley Cyrus special? Let me know in the comments!
Steamboat Charlie 