Tom Hanks Reveals Why Original Toy Story Was Scrapped

Tom Hanks Reveals the Scrapped Original Version of Toy Story

In a recent interview, Tom Hanks candidly discussed the lesser-known origins of the beloved animated classic, Toy Story. As the film marks its 30-year anniversary, Hanks revealed that an earlier draft of the movie was not only recorded but was also “completely thrown out.” This original version featured a different storyline than the one that eventually graced theaters in 1995.

A Surprising Revelation on The Late Show

During his appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Hanks reflected on the film’s history, noting that it has actually been over 30 years since he and fellow voice actor Tim Allen first recorded lines for what would become Toy Story. Their initial session produced approximately 80 minutes of footage, which was ultimately deemed unusable.

An Early Version With a Different Tone

Hanks explained that studio executives at the time wanted the characters to exhibit a more comedic, improvisational style. They encouraged the actors to “wisecrack and improvise, insulting each other” throughout the film. However, this approach did not resonate with the essence of the story that Toy Story was aiming to convey.

The Call to Start Over

After reviewing the original footage, director John Lasseter reached out to Hanks and Allen, indicating that the project was not progressing as intended. He proposed a complete rework of the film. Hanks recounted, “We looked at it and it’s just not working, and we would like to start all over from scratch.” This decision marked the beginning of a lengthy two-and-a-half to three-year process to create a version that would ultimately charm audiences worldwide.

The Impact of Toy Story’s Success

The revamped version of Toy Story not only launched an immensely popular franchise but also marked Pixar’s first feature-length film, laying the foundation for a series that would include Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010), and Toy Story 4 (2019). The fourth installment continued the themes of friendship and loyalty that resonated deeply with audiences.

Looking Ahead: Toy Story 5

Excitingly, fans can anticipate the next chapter in the franchise with the scheduled release of Toy Story 5 on June 19, 2026. This will arrive 31 years after the original, with both Hanks and Allen reprising their iconic roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Returning cast members will also include Joan Cusack as Jessie, Tony Hale as Forky, and Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl.

The Legacy of Toy Story

The release of the original Toy Story was pivotal, not only for Pixar but for the animation industry as a whole. Had the original version been released and failed, the trajectory of not just future Toy Story films but also other Pixar projects could have been significantly altered. Today, Pixar has 29 feature-length films to its name, including hits like Monsters, Inc. (2001), Finding Nemo (2003), The Incredibles (2004), WALL-E (2008), and the upcoming Inside Out 2 (2024).

Conclusion: The Unseen Version of Toy Story

Hanks’ recollections of the scrapped version of Toy Story ignite curiosity about what might have been. While it is unlikely that this version will ever see the light of day, it adds depth to the film’s lore and the narrative behind Pixar’s development. The story of Woody and Buzz continues to evolve, and with every new installment, audiences eagerly await to see how the characters’ journeys unfold.

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