Veteran filmmaker Andrew Stanton, Pixar’s ninth hire and second animator, returns to helm Toy Story 5. Over a three‑decade run he wrote or directed ten of the studio’s flagship titles, from the original “Toy Story” through “Finding Nemo” and “WALL‑E.” The sequel drops in theaters Friday, adding another chapter to the billion‑dollar franchise. Fans anticipate how the new frog‑themed tablet antagonist will reshape the toys’ dynamic and spark fresh emotional beats.

In a WSJ sit‑down, Stanton credits Pixar’s insistence on story‑first development, rigorous storyboarding and a willingness to discard scenes that don’t serve emotion. That discipline, he says, explains why the studio repeatedly triggers adult tears despite cartoon trappings. The formula translates into repeat‑view ticket sales and premium‑price streaming deals. He notes that test screenings with adult audiences reveal the moments that will become cultural touchstones.

Investors watch the franchise’s box‑office track record; each new entry typically lifts Disney’s quarterly earnings and fuels merchandise pipelines ranging from toys to apparel. With the sequel arriving amid a crowded summer slate, its performance will signal whether legacy sequels can sustain growth without fresh IP. Early ticket‑presales suggest strong demand, reinforcing the brand’s cash‑flow engine.