The Toy Story 5 trailer pokes fun at the passing of time (and Woody’s balding)

Some details change everything. The new Toy Story 5 trailer not only introduces its central conflict — classic toys vs. digital distractions — it has also left fans in shock over something far simpler: Woody has a noticeable bald spot.

The sheriff, voiced by Tom Hanks, returns to help Bonnie, now absorbed by Lilypad, a frog-shaped tablet voiced by Greta Lee. But his reunion with the gang comes with a few jokes. Trixie delivers a blunt, “Someone needs a brown marker,” and later Lilypad calls him an “old toy”. Forky (voiced by Tony Hale) sums it up: it’s because he’s bald.

The internet, unsurprisingly, did not hold back. From “Buzz cut” jokes referencing Buzz Lightyear to suggestions of a trip to Turkey for a hair transplant (a quip from Mike Majlak), social media quickly filled with memes.

Beyond the humour, the detail works as a nod to the passage of time in a franchise that has been with us for nearly three decades. Woody may be losing paint, but the series still knows exactly how to connect with its audience.

Toy Story 5 arrives in cinemas on 19 June. And yes, we really are that old.

Levi’s® and Pixar are also celebrating 30 years of Toy Story with a western-inspired collection.