Tom Hanks 'couldn't stop laughing' at Woody's new look in Toy Story 5

The weight of growing older is something we can all relate to, but for Tom Hanks, seeing his beloved character Woody in Toy Story 5 with a bald spot and dad-bod was apparently hilarious.

As the original Toy Story film dropped 31 years ago, introducing us to Woody and the gang, we were given a glimpse into a world of wonder and magic that drawn attention of all ages. Now, with Toy Story 5 on the horizon, fans are in for a shock, or so we thought. The trailer for the latest installment has revealed the ravages of time on Woody, and the reaction was mixed, to say the least. Some were shocked, others impressed, but as Greta Lee, the voice of Bonnie's new tablet Lilypad, astutely observed, 'But it s so cool that it s the passage of time, they’re really going there.'

When Tom Hanks first read the script, producer Lindsey Collins confirms that he was onboard with the changes, and the reason for his enthusiasm was more than just a desire to laugh. Collins, chuckling, told Metro that Hanks was told that this was what was happening, and he 'just couldn t stop laughing.' Director and co-writer Andrew Stanton adds that there was a much deeper reason behind exploring Woody’s ageing in the new movie, a desire to take the pressure off of Woody having to undergo some huge inner development. This is a clever move by Stanton, as it allows the character to experience a shift in his appearance that is more in line with the passage of time.

One of the most interesting aspects of this change is the way it reflects the human experience. As Stanton notes, 'You live long enough, you realise your life has chapters, no matter what. Things shift every four or five years, and some are great shifts, some are minor shifts.' This is a profound insight, one that speaks to the idea that growth and change are an inherent part of life. By showing Woody in his 'been outside, been retired' era, the filmmakers are giving the character a new lease on life, one that is more in line with the realities of growing older.

But what does this say about the weight of tradition in the Toy Story franchise? For 31 years, Woody has been the face of the franchise, a symbol of childhood innocence and wonder. Now, with his age and appearance changed, the filmmakers are taking a risk by introducing a new chapter in the character's life. However, it's a risk that pays off, as it allows the franchise to explore new themes and ideas while still staying true to its core values.

As Toy Story 5 drops, I predict that the franchise will experience a significant shift in its approach to storytelling. With Woody's age and appearance changed, the filmmakers will be able to explore new themes and ideas that are more in line with the passage of time. This will not only allow the franchise to stay relevant but also to appeal to a new generation of fans. So, while the reaction to Woody's new look may have been mixed, I believe that it's a change that will ultimately pay off for the franchise.

As the sun sets on the Toy Story franchise, it's clear that the filmmakers are committed to introducing new and exciting changes that will keep the series fresh and relevant. By showing Woody in his 'been outside, been retired' era, the filmmakers are giving the character a new lease on life, one that is more in line with the realities of growing older. A notable step, but one that I believe will pay off in the end. As the franchise continues to evolve, I predict that we'll see even more exciting changes that will take the series to new and unexpected places.