Pixar Confirms Toy Story 4 For 2017

Rejoice, Woody and Buzz fans, Toy Story is back! The Hollywood Reporter have released the news that the revered animated franchise will return in 2017.

Walt Disney company chairman Bob Iger told attendees to an earnings call that a fourth instalment of the beloved franchise will be directed by original Toy Story director John Lasseter (he also helmed Toy Story 2 and A Bug's Life), the two-time Academy Award-winner whose title at the moment is chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios. With his guidance, Disney have also produced hits such as Wreck-It Ralph (2012) and Frozen (2013).

According to Entertainment Weekly, Iger said "John created Toy Story and directed the first two films, and it's great to have him back directing one of our most valuable properties." 

Slated for June 2017, Toy Story 4 will be adding to a franchise that's already raked in almost $2 billion worldwide since the original story of toys-come-to-life was released in 1995. Across its three movies, it currently stands as the third-highest grossing animated film franchise of all time, behind Shrek and Ice Age. 

It's good news for Pixar, who had to postpone and delay release dates for their planned next two films, Inside Out (June 19, 2015) and The Good Dinosaur (Nov. 25, 2015). 

There are no casting details as yet, but the ending of Toy Story 3 - along with the Pixar series of shorts featuring cameos from the Toy Story characters - do leave the franchise open for a reboot. Still, it would be a shock if Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and the rest of the beloved toy crew didn't return to reprise their roles in some form.