How a Pixar Producer's Personal Letter Brought Taylor Swift to 'Toy Story 5'

Taylor Swift's latest single for Pixar's upcoming film is already shattering records, though the collaboration nearly never came to fruition.

The 36-year-old artist was initially hesitant about contributing an original track to the movie. What changed her mind? A personal letter from Pixar producer Jessica Choi, who took the time to share her vision for the project and the reasoning behind extending the invitation.

In the correspondence, Choi acknowledged that discussions about an original song had already taken place with another party, while making clear there was zero expectation for Swift to participate. "We would certainly kick ourselves if we didn't give you some background on the film and the team we've fought to build," Choi wrote.

Choi detailed her own path to the production, explaining she came to Toy Story 5 as something of an outsider after working on major studio films including Thor: Ragnarok, Avatar, and Cats. She revealed her mission was to collaborate with accomplished female creative minds on large-scale projects centered on female characters.

She initially had reservations about joining the Toy Story franchise, given its historically male-driven focus. However, upon reading the script, Choi recognized a genuine opportunity to reshape that narrative.

The producer drew parallels between Swift's career trajectory and the film's direction. "We are so inspired by your journey carving a path in a male dominated industry and advocating for it through music, and we believe if Jessie were not but a tiny toy, she would be equally inspired and would also have the whole world in the palm of her hand," Choi expressed in the letter.

Jessie, the cowgirl character voiced by Joan Cusack, takes center stage in the fifth installment. Choi emphasized that the production assembled a deliberate team specifically equipped to honor the character's significance.

Industry observers are already speculating whether Swift's contribution might position her for major award recognition in both film and music categories.