This past weekend (June 7-9) Disney and Pixar kicked off an incredible Toy Story 4 press junket at The Walt Disney World Resort. Attendees of the event were able to see sneak peeks of various new Toy Story 4 themed products and merchandise, watch an early screening of Toy Story 4, and enjoy an exclusive after-hours party at Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
It wouldn’t be a Disney event without a little magic, and that magic came in the form of a surprise appearance by the Toy Story 4 filmmakers and members of the vocal cast. After the screening of the film, director Josh Cooley, producer Jonas Rivera and producer Mark Nielson spoke to the audience and shared their gratitude before welcoming Annie Potts (Bo Peep), Tony Hale (Forky), Keanu Reeves (Duke Caboom), Christina Hendricks (Gabby Gabby), Tom Hanks (Woody), and Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear). The attendees roared with applause in a moment that is sure to be seared into all of their memories for a lifetime.
In addition to the early screening, some of the media/press attendees were also treated to Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and vocal cast — which is an opportunity beyond words. Shortly after the sessions, clips started to surface online. However, if you are avoiding spoilers — do not watch any Q&A sessions with Tim Allen (as a spoiler is mentioned). Though the Q&A did contain spoilers it was fun to see how great Tim Allen is at adlib, when an audience member asked Tim what kind of hair Buzz Lightyear has under his cap, without missing a beat, Tim chuckled and said, “he has a nice head of hair…curly, with a man bun”.
Three of the newest members of the Toy Story family, Christina Hendricks, Tony Hale, and Keanu Reeves, shared their excitement on being asked to be part of the Pixar legacy. Tony Hale hilariously explained his reaction when the filmmakers first described Forky’s quirky traits to him, “Nervous. CHECK. Asks a lot of questions. CHECK. He’s kinda gullible to a fault. BINGO! I’m in!” Christina Hendricks noted that when she was first offered the role of Gabby Gabby, she was so surprised that she initially thought it was a joke. When Keanu Reeves was asked how he draws inspiration on the character of Duke Caboom, he poetically replied, “I feel like there’s a bit of Duke Caboom in all of us.”
Early Film Reactions
Shortly after the early screening of the film, some of the media/press began to share their spoiler-free thoughts on the film. Below are a few of our favorite reviews.
Toy Story 4 Merchandise
As attendees began to share videos and photos via social media, we were able to get a glimpse of some of the new and exciting Toy Story themed products that are either available now or that will be available soon — including items from Build-A-Bear, Happy Feet, Mattel and more! A couple of the new products showcased was a Toy Story 4 Antique Shop figure set (Mattel), which includes seven characters including 2 Combat Carls. We were also pleasantly surprised to see another Build-A-Bear Workshop collaboration in the form of an Andy’s Room Cloud print plush bear (see photo below).
What are your thoughts regarding the early film reviews? Did you spot any new Toy Story 4 themed merchandise that you just have to own? Be sure to share all your thoughts on Toy Story 4 with other Pixar fans in the Pixar Post Forum.
Pixar Post — Julie & T.J.
