Tom Hanks Explains Woody's New Look in Toy Story 5

A viral image from Toy Story 5 showing Woody sporting a bald spot has sparked curiosity among fans, and Tom Hanks is now offering an explanation for the beloved cowboy's altered appearance.

The 69-year-old actor, who has lent his voice to the iconic Pixar character for more than 30 years, sat down with Entertainment Weekly to discuss the changes visible in the film's promotional materials.

According to Hanks, the wear marks on Woody's head are a natural consequence of the character's construction. "He has been played with to excess," Hanks explained. "You put a rubber hat on top of a rubber head again and again and again and again, something's gonna chafe. So, yeah, he does have… let's say a worn area on the back of his head."

The Oscar-winning actor also addressed another noticeable change: Woody now has a bit of a midsection. Hanks laughed off the observation, noting that unlike rigid plastic toys, Woody's body is designed differently. "He is made of stuffing and cloth, and that stuff settles over time," he said.

The latest installment in the franchise brings the familiar gang back for a new adventure. Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and their companions face an unexpected challenge when Lilypad, a tablet device voiced by Greta Lee, arrives in their world with her own vision for playtime with their owner, Bonnie.

Directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris, the film features an ensemble cast including Tim Allen as Buzz and Joan Cusack as Jessie. Randy Newman returns to compose the score for his fifth Toy Story project.

Toy Story 5 hits theaters on June 19, 2026.