“Toy Story 5” Introduces Blaze, a New Star

For over three decades, the “Toy Story” franchise has captivated audiences by exploring the question of what happens when a child grows up. Now, Disney and Pixar are set to release “Toy Story 5,” which promises a modern twist on this theme, introducing a vibrant new character named Blaze and shifting the focus to Jessie and Bonnie in an era dominated by screens.

Meet Blaze: A New Face in the “Toy Story” Universe

During an exclusive preview event at Disneyland, filmmakers revealed the introduction of Blaze, a confident, horse-loving 9-year-old who lives on a ranch. Voiced by Mykal-Michelle Harris, Blaze is a mixed-race character with a Black mother, voiced by Krys Marshall. Her arrival is poised to reshape the future of playtime within the beloved franchise.

Co-director Kenna Harris shared that Blaze was conceived as an aspirational character to help Bonnie navigate feelings of loneliness. “Bonnie is dealing with some loneliness and wants to connect with others in the film, so the first idea was just like, who is an aspirational character that we’ll just be like, ‘Yes, Bonnie, go be her friend,’” Harris explained. The character quickly became a favorite among the Pixar team, with character designer Matt Nolte creating her distinctive look: Black and half Armenian, with gorgeous curly hair.

Technological Milestones and Cultural Representation

Bringing Blaze’s tightly coiled hair texture to life presented a new challenge for Pixar’s animation technology. Visual effects supervisor Thomas Jordan noted that Blaze was the studio’s first character to feature this new hair technology, which will be accessible for all future Pixar films, aiming for broader representation. “It’s our hope that we can represent everyone now,” Jordan stated.

A dedicated culture trust, composed of Black colleagues at Pixar, ensured Blaze’s authentic and accurate depiction. The team even developed a second hairstyle for scenes showing Blaze waking up, complete with a bonnet. This meticulous attention to detail resonated strongly with test audiences, with producer Lindsey Collins reporting that Blaze was a top favorite, with parents expressing a desire for their children to have friends like her.

Exploring Childhood in the Digital Age

Beyond introducing Blaze, “Toy Story 5” delves into the realities of modern childhood, particularly the impact of technology. The central conflict emerges with the arrival of Lily Pad, a frog-shaped smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee. Lily Pad believes she knows what’s best for Bonnie, who has previously been an inventive, hands-on player, as seen in her creation of Forky in the last film.

The filmmakers aimed to present a nuanced exploration of technology’s role in children’s lives, rather than a simple anti-technology message. “We wanted it to feel real,” said co-director Kenna Harris. The story highlights how devices can affect children’s ability to connect with each other, especially as they reach an age where social branching becomes crucial for development.

Elevating Jessie and Expanding Worlds

The shift in focus to Bonnie and Jessie opens up new storytelling avenues. Co-director Harris noted, “With Bonnie and Jessie, you get to show how messy girls are, how imaginative, how limitless.” This perspective allows for a “breath of fresh air” in exploring childhood. Blaze’s ranch setting, described as a warm, nostalgic contrast to Bonnie’s tech-focused environment, further enriches the film’s visual landscape.

The introduction of a Black and Armenian family like Blaze’s is a significant step in expanding the franchise’s representation. The filmmakers aimed for authenticity, creating a familiar yet nuanced family dynamic. Furthermore, Blaze’s love for horses arrives at a time when the history of Black cowboys is gaining renewed attention, allowing more children to see themselves reflected in the expansive world of “Toy Story.”