Toy Story 4 (2019) is the heartfelt and visually stunning continuation of Pixar’s beloved series about toys who come to life when humans aren’t watching. Directed by Josh Cooley, this chapter dives into themes of purpose, identity, and letting go — proving that even toys can grow and change.
Detailed Summary
Life After Andy
After the emotional farewell in Toy Story 3, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the gang are now living with Bonnie, Andy’s new owner. However, life isn’t quite what Woody expected. Bonnie doesn’t play with him as much, and he struggles with feeling forgotten. The opening scene sets this emotional tone by revisiting the moment when Bo Peep was given away years earlier — a loss that still haunts Woody.
The Birth of Forky
On her first day of kindergarten, Bonnie feels nervous and alone. During arts and crafts, she creates a toy from a spork, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes — naming him Forky. Forky comes to life thanks to Bonnie’s love, but he doesn’t understand that he’s a toy. Believing he’s “trash,” Forky repeatedly tries to throw himself away, leading Woody to take responsibility for keeping him safe.
The Road Trip Adventure
When Bonnie’s family goes on a road trip, Woody sneaks into her backpack to protect Forky. Predictably, Forky jumps out of the RV window, forcing Woody to go after him. Their journey leads them to a small town carnival, where Woody unexpectedly reunites with Bo Peep, who has become a “lost toy” — free and independent, helping other toys find new homes.
Gabby Gabby and the Antiques Store
While searching for Forky, Woody encounters Gabby Gabby, a talking doll with a broken voice box. She longs to be loved by a child and believes Woody’s working voice box could make that dream possible. When Woody refuses, she takes Forky hostage. The antiques store sequence introduces a creepy-yet-fascinating group of ventriloquist dummies that serve as Gabby’s henchmen.
The Reunion and Emotional Choices
With Bo’s help, Woody rescues Forky and plans to return to Bonnie. But as he spends more time with Bo, he starts to question his place in Bonnie’s life. Bo encourages him to consider a different kind of existence — one not defined by belonging to a child. Meanwhile, Gabby Gabby’s story takes a turn when she finally finds a lost child who needs her comfort, realizing that even unwanted toys can find new beginnings.
Movie Ending
Woody successfully gets Forky back to Bonnie, but by now, he’s come to a major realization: Bonnie no longer needs him. She has moved on, and Woody’s sense of purpose has faded. At the carnival, Bo invites him to stay with her and live freely as a lost toy, helping others find happiness.
In one of Pixar’s most emotionally powerful endings, Woody decides to say goodbye to his lifelong friends — Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of Andy’s old toys. Buzz reassures him, saying, “Bonnie will be okay,” giving Woody permission to move on. Woody embraces Bo Peep, choosing a new life alongside her, filled with adventure and meaning beyond being someone’s toy.
The movie closes with Woody and Bo helping lost toys find new owners at the carnival while the rest of the gang drives away in the RV with Bonnie. It’s a touching, bittersweet conclusion that closes Woody’s character arc that began back in 1995.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes, Toy Story 4 includes several mid-credits and end-credits scenes.
- The mid-credits scenes show Bonnie creating a new toy named Karen Beverly (using a plastic knife), and Forky hilariously welcoming her to existence.
- The final end-credit scene features Duke Caboom (voiced by Keanu Reeves) helping toys win prizes for children at the carnival. There’s also a small Pixar logo gag at the very end.
Type of Movie
Toy Story 4 is an animated adventure-comedy with deep emotional themes about self-discovery, loyalty, and change. It blends humor and heart in a way that appeals to both children and adults.
Cast
- Tom Hanks as Woody
- Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear
- Annie Potts as Bo Peep
- Tony Hale as Forky
- Christina Hendricks as Gabby Gabby
- Keegan-Michael Key as Ducky
- Jordan Peele as Bunny
- Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom
- Joan Cusack as Jessie
- Bonnie Hunt, Wallace Shawn, and John Ratzenberger return as beloved supporting toys.
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Randy Newman, who has written music for every Toy Story installment. His signature blend of warmth and nostalgia is present here, with standout tracks like “I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away” (Forky’s theme) and “The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy.”
Filming Locations
As an animated film, Toy Story 4 wasn’t shot on physical locations, but its settings were inspired by real Americana. The carnival environment, antique store, and RV park were modeled after actual locations in Northern California and small-town America to give the film a sense of authenticity.
Awards and Nominations
- Won: Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2020)
- Nominated: Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature
- Nominated: BAFTA for Best Animated Film
- Won: Annie Award for Best Music in an Animated Feature Production
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Tom Hanks and Tim Allen both admitted they got emotional recording their final scenes together.
- The animation team spent months perfecting the lighting and texture of Bo Peep’s porcelain surface.
- Keanu Reeves personally contributed to Duke Caboom’s voice and personality, even mimicking toy commercials from the 1970s.
- Forky’s simple design took surprisingly long to finalize, as Pixar wanted him to look handmade but expressive.
Inspirations and References
The film is inspired by classic adventure and western films, particularly “The Great Escape” and “The Searchers”. Bo Peep’s reinvention draws influence from female-led adventure stories, while Forky embodies existential questions about identity reminiscent of Pinocchio.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Pixar originally considered ending the film with Woody returning to Bonnie after his adventure, but test audiences preferred the more emotional version where he chooses a new life with Bo. Deleted scenes include an extended version of Forky’s “trash” obsession and a darker alternate scene involving Gabby Gabby’s ventriloquist dummies.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie has an official novelization and a junior novel, both closely following the film’s plot. The books offer small expansions on character thoughts, particularly Woody’s internal conflict, but no major story differences.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Woody’s emotional reunion with Bo Peep.
- Forky’s creation and first “I’m trash!” moment.
- The daring rescue at the antique store.
- Woody’s final farewell to Buzz and Jessie at the carnival.
Iconic Quotes
- Woody: “So long, partner.”
- Buzz Lightyear: “Bonnie will be okay.”
- Forky: “I’m trash!”
- Bo Peep: “Who needs a kid’s room when you can have all of this?”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The antique store is filled with references to past Pixar movies, including a Luxo Ball and Grape Soda pin from Up.
- The license plate on the RV reads “RMRF97” — a nod to a command that once nearly deleted all of Toy Story 2 during production.
- Tinny, the character from Pixar’s first short film Tin Toy (1988), appears in the antique store.
- Duke Caboom’s commercial references real vintage Evel Knievel ads.
Trivia
- Toy Story 4 took nearly a decade to develop after Toy Story 3.
- It’s the first Toy Story film not directed by John Lasseter (he was replaced after stepping down from Pixar).
- Forky became an instant fan favorite, leading to a Disney+ spinoff called Forky Asks a Question.
- The animation team used new rendering technology to achieve photorealistic lighting and shadows.
Why Watch?
Because Toy Story 4 is not just a sequel — it’s a profound conclusion to one of the greatest animated sagas ever made. It’s funny, emotional, and visually breathtaking, offering closure for longtime fans and introducing memorable new characters for younger audiences.
Director’s Other Movies
- Inside Out (2015) – story supervisor
- Up (2009) – storyboard artist
- Toy Story Toons: Small Fry (2011) – short
