While the soft sounds of the folk song, Both Sides Now performed by Judy Collins (written by Joni Mitchell) plays in the background, the Toy Story gang hold hands and seem to be in perfect harmony — until Forky comes into frame. This is the kickoff to the brand new Toy Story 4 teaser trailer (premiering in theaters alongside Ralph Breaks the Internet on November 21).
Although the new teaser doesn’t reveal too much from the new film (as to be expected from teasers), the footage, paired with the serious-looking teaser poster (shown below) demonstrates a deeper feeling to the film. Watch the teaser and then read more below about Forky (voiced by Tony Hale) and how we think the recent comments from Tom Hanks and Tim Allen tie in to the poster.
UPDATED SYNOPSIS & DETAILS
Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy.
But Forky insists that he is NOT a toy! An actual spork-turned-craft-project, Forky is pretty sure that he doesn’t belong in Bonnie’s room. Unfortunately, every time he tries to get away, someone yanks him back into an adventure he’d rather skip. “The world of Toy Story is built upon the idea that everything in the world has a purpose,” said Josh Cooley (Director). “A toy’s purpose is to be there for its child. But what about toys that are made out of other objects? Forky is a toy that Bonnie made out of a disposable spork, so he’s facing a crisis. He wants to fulfill his purpose as a spork, but now has a new toy purpose thrust upon him.”
Filmmakers called on comedian Tony Hale to provide the voice of Forky. “It’s a huge thrill to be part of the Toy Story family,” he said. “But it’s going to take a while for it to really sink in.”
Said Cooley, “When we thought up this character, Tony was the first actor that came to mind and I’m thrilled he accepted. Tony’s performance as Forky is a comedy salad of confidence, confusion, and empathy… served by hilarious spork.”
How were filmmakers able to convince Hale to give voice to Forky? “A utensil’s existential crisis?” he asked. “I’m in!”
EVERY ENDING IS A NEW BEGINNING
Josh Cooley (Director) noted, “Like most people, I assumed that Toy Story 3 was the end of the story and it was the end of Woody’s story with Andy. But just like in life, every ending is a new beginning. Woody now being in a new room, with new toys, and a new kid was something we have never seen before. The questions of what that would be like became the beginning of an entertaining story worth exploring.”
OUR & YOUR THOUGHTS
With the recent comments from Tom Hanks and Tim Allen about how emotional the ending of Toy Story 4 is, we have a few speculations. Originally, we knew that the film was supposed to be about the journey Buzz and Woody take to find Woody’s long-lost love, Bo Peep. But, with this new update being about an adventurous road trip, we’re wondering how the two elements will combine — will Woody stumble across Bo Peep somehow?
Of course, we won’t know how the two combine until more details arrive, but let’s talk more about the poster for a minute. With the voices of Buzz and Woody recently chatting about the tear-jerking emotional ending to the film, we have to assume this poster is a nod to that element. We are guessing that the emotional moment of the film may be that Woody says goodbye. Could it be? Could this be what led Tom Hanks to have his back to the Pixar crew in the vocal booth — does he literally say his final goodbye while facing away from the gang (and Tom wanted to mirror that in the vocal booth)?
What are your thoughts on the new teaser trailer and speculations? Leave a comment below or chat about it with other Pixar fans in the Pixar Post Forum.
Pixar Post — Julie & T.J.
