New 'Toy Story' Sequel Poised to Set 2026 Box Office Record with Massive Opening Weekend

Disney and Pixar's "Toy Story 5" is tracking for a blockbuster debut, with projections placing its opening weekend between $145 million and $160 million from approximately 4,400 North American theaters. According to Variety, some industry watchers believe the film could even reach $160-175 million, while The Hollywood Reporter reports a more specific projection of $160 million, which would make it the biggest opening of 2026 so far.

Variety'Toy Story 5' Projected for $145-150 Million Box Office Debut

The sequel has already demonstrated strong audience appeal, earning an A CinemaScore and achieving the second-largest opening day for an animated feature with $71 million, behind only "The Incredibles 2," as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The film is outperforming "Toy Story 4's" $120.9 million opening, benefiting from strong franchise goodwill and positive critical reviews, according to Variety.

"The film benefits from strong franchise goodwill and positive critical reviews, following the success of recent Disney animated sequels like 'Inside Out 2' ($154M debut) and 'Zootopia 2' ($100M debut)."

Directed by Andrew Stanton with Kenna Harris co-directing, per The Hollywood Reporter, the new installment arrives as Disney continues to capitalize on its animated legacy. The projected debut follows the pattern set by "Inside Out 2," which opened to $154 million, and "Zootopia 2," which debuted at $100 million, according to Variety.

Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter noted that Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" is dropping 69% in its second weekend, and "Obsession" is experiencing its first weekend smaller than its opening. These declines contrast sharply with the strong start expected for "Toy Story 5," which appears poised to dominate the box office landscape.