Tony Hale has returned to The Movie Dweeb with a confession: he may have lied to me. Not on purpose, of course. But the last time we chatted, he told me not to get my hopes up about Forky ever returning to the Toy Story universe. And just days later, Pixar announced Toy Story 5. “I was surprised too,” Hale admitted, laughing. “I didn’t know!”
Turns out, even Forky’s voice doesn’t get the full download from Pixar. “They give you pieces of things,” Tony explained. “I recorded and I still don’t know [what happens].” Classic Pixar: tight-lipped, top-secret, and ten steps ahead of everyone… Even their own cast.
But one thing Tony can confirm? Forky is back, and he’s still the neurotic, lovable spork we all fell for in Toy Story 4. “He is just so full of love and questions and quirkiness,” Hale beamed. “That’s not what you want to hear,” he joked, but honestly? I’ll take it.
The full plot might be locked away in the Pixar vault, but knowing that Forky is returning with all his oddball charm is enough to keep me counting down to 2026. Because let’s be real, Toy Story without Forky now feels like toast without jam. Or, you know… A utensil drawer without a confused plastic spork.
A Brief History of Forky: The Existential King of Trash
Introduced in Toy Story 4, Forky quickly became a fan-favourite despite being made from literal rubbish. Crafted by Bonnie using googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and a plastic spork, Forky was born into a world he did not understand, immediately declaring himself “trash” and trying to throw himself away at every opportunity. Iconic behaviour, really.
What followed was one of the most unexpectedly touching character arcs in Pixar history. Forky went from rejecting his new identity to embracing his place in the toy world, thanks to a bit of guidance (and a lot of patience) from Woody. He was clumsy, anxious, and deeply confused, but that’s what made him so lovable.
Voiced by Tony Hale with the perfect balance of childlike wonder and total existential dread, Forky brought a fresh, weird energy to the Toy Story universe. He also spawned the Disney+ spinoff Forky Asks a Question, where he pondered life’s biggest mysteries… Like “What is cheese?”
By the end of Toy Story 4, Forky wasn’t just accepted by the gang; he was one of them. And if Tony Hale’s recent tease is anything to go by, Forky’s return in Toy Story 5 will continue that quirky, heartfelt journey. With maybe just a few more breakdowns along the way.
What We Know About Toy Story 5 So Far
Announced by Disney and Pixar earlier this year, Toy Story 5 is officially happening, and this time, the toys are going digital. According to Pixar, the fifth instalment will follow Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang as their roles are challenged by the rise of kids’ new obsession: electronics.
The premise opens the door for endless possibilities (and chaotic new characters), but it also promises something deeper: a story about relevance, change, and the fear of being left behind.
Directed by Finding Nemo’s Andrew Stanton, co-directed by Kenna Harris, and produced by Jessica Choi, Toy Story 5 will be the first film in the franchise made post-Lightyear, and it’ll be interesting to see how it fits into the wider Pixar multiverse. And yes, I’m calling it that now.
The film is set to hit cinemas on June 19, 2026, so mark your calendars and start emotionally preparing.
Tony Hale and D’Arcy Carden Team Up for Sketch
While Forky fans await the next Pixar outing, Tony Hale has been busy with another quirky, heartwarming project: Sketch. In the film, he stars alongside The Good Place’s D’Arcy Carden, and the pair bring their signature comedic chemistry to a story that blends art, vulnerability, and self-discovery.
With its indie charm, emotional core, and two genuinely loveable leads, Sketch is the kind of film that sneaks up on you… In the best way. And while it may not involve sentient toys or alien invasions, it proves that Tony Hale can make any character feel like a lifelong friend… Even when he’s not made of plastic.
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