The 'cruel' Toy Story 5 moment that took Joan Cusack's breath away

For Joan Cusack, reprising her role as Jessie in the latest Toy Story installment, there's a scene that still leaves her breathless. It's a moment that cuts deep, one that even surprised the veteran actress, known for her Oscar-nominated performances in Working Girl and School of Rock. The scene in question isn't about toys coming to life or epic battles between Woody and Buzz. Instead, it's about the cruel reality of childhood bullying, and how technology can amplify its effects.

With Toy Story 5, the franchise takes a bold step by shifting the spotlight from its beloved space ranger and cowboy duo to Jessie, the loyal and adventurous horse toy. For Joan Cusack, this change was a surprise, but one that she couldn't be more excited about. "It was just, I got a phone call saying, 'It's gonna be Jessie's story'. I was like 'Whaaat?!' and then so excited," she recalls. This new direction allows Cusack to tap into Jessie's backstory, one that's deeply rooted in her origin story with first owner Emily, and the abandonment issues beautifully explored in the song "When She Loved Me."

Toy Story 5 tackles a pressing issue in today's digital age: the impact of technology on childhood. The film looks at how technology, represented by new character Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee), can both connect and isolate children. In a poignant scene, Bonnie, the toys' owner, is given Lilypad by her parents as she struggles to make friends. However, things don't go as planned, and the film exposes the cruel reality of bullying, which can be both heart-wrenching and infuriating. "When those girls make fun of Bonnie, there's some cruelty in it, which I can't believe they captured so well," Joan Cusack tells Metro. "It took my breath away. I can't believe they captured that."

Pixar's emotional storytelling has become a hallmark of their films, and Toy Story 5 is no exception. With its ability to tap into the complexities of childhood and the human experience, the film has left many of its cast members, including Greta Lee, in tears. "I got a little choked up during that scene," she admits. "Yes, I cried." This emotional resonance is evidence of Pixar's commitment to telling stories that matter, stories that resonate with audiences of all ages.

As Toy Story 5 continues to break box office records, it's clear that the franchise still has a lot to offer. With its new focus on Jessie and the challenges of growing up, the film provides a fresh perspective on the beloved characters we've grown to love. As Joan Cusack reflects on her experience voicing Jessie for over two decades, she's grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. With Toy Story 5, Pixar has once again proven that they're not just a studio, but a storyteller that can capture the hearts and imaginations of people around the world.

As we watch Bonnie navigate the challenges of childhood, we're reminded that growing up is never easy. But with Toy Story 5, we're also reminded that it's okay to feel the pain, to cry, and to face the cruel reality of bullying head-on.