New and Beloved Toy Friends Return to the Big Screen, New Adventure Earns Overwhelming Acclaim
ShanghaiJune 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The classic animated sequel “Toy Story 5,” produced by Disney Studios and animated by Pixar Animation Studios, is set to hit theaters on June 19. Today, The Walt Disney Company held the Chinese premiere of “Toy Story 5” at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Shanghai Disney Resort. One of the performers of the newly arranged Chinese theme song “I Am Your Friend,” popular and talented singer Huang Zihongfan, made a surprise appearance, while renowned host He Jiong, who co-sang the song, sent his blessings via a specially recorded video message. As among the first audiences, the attending guests embarked on this joyful and heartwarming adventure of childhood on the big screen.
One of the performers of the newly arranged Chinese theme song ‘I Am Your Friend,’ popular and talented singer Huang Zihongfan, made a surprise appearance
The premiere venue was transformed into the playful and imaginative toy room of young owner Bonnie. Oversized room furnishings, colorful toy elements, and hidden movie-themed decorations were artfully arranged, full of whimsy and creativity. At the end of the premiere, beloved Pixar friends Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Bullseye, and Bo Peep made a surprise appearance, posing for a “family photo” with the guests, igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm. Afterwards, the attending guests entered the “Disney•Pixar Toy Story Land” at Shanghai Disneyland to explore the new film elements integrated into it. Visitors who love “Toy Story” can also step into this joyful toy world to find movie-themed Easter eggs scattered throughout the land, allowing the big-screen adventure to continue in reality.
The premiere venue was transformed into the playful and imaginative toy room of young owner Bonnie
The audience response was enthusiastic, with the reunion of new and old toy friends on screen quickly evoking widespread resonance. Many viewers noted that the film continues the warmth, humor, and imagination of the “Toy Story” series, “balancing laughs and tears,” and praised that “Pixar has once again delivered a perfect answer.” Amid the collision of old and new toys with tech products, the film was hailed as “a healing work that protects children’s hearts in the digital age,” showing that toys still accompany children in their own way, helping them face growing-up challenges, moving many viewers to tears at emotional peaks. The film’s nods to previous settings and classic details also deeply touched fans, who remarked that “the familiar ‘Toy Story’ essence is still there.” From older fans who grew up with toys to a new generation growing up in the screen era, “Toy Story 5” still “focuses on new realities, shares new fun, and brings new emotions.” Overseas early reviews have also been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling the film “humorous, emotionally sincere, and full of Pixar’s signature magical charm,” a “heartfelt return”; the storyline centered on Jessie was also praised for “presenting profound and moving emotional power.”
Attending guests, as among the first audiences, watched ‘Toy Story 5’ on the big screen
Since the release of the first film in 1995, the “Toy Story” series has ushered in the era of global computer-animated feature films and, with its sincere and warm emotional core and imaginative storytelling, has become a timeless animated classic, with the series grossing over $3 billion worldwide. Ahead of the film’s release, Disney China partnered with Shanghai Animation Film Studio to produce an animated promotional short film “Zhua Zhou” inspired by “Toy Story.” Additionally, the newly arranged Chinese theme song “I Am Your Friend,” performed by He Jiong and Huang Zihongfan, was released on major music platforms on June 11, along with its music video.
“Toy Story 5” will be released in Chinese mainland theaters on June 19, 2026, in 2D/3D/CINITY/IMAX/Dolby Cinema/CGS Giant Screen formats, simultaneously with North America. Coinciding with the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, step into the cinema and embark on a new journey full of laughter, imagination, and emotion with new and old toy friends!