Tom Hanks and Tim Allen may be best known as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, but it turns out the longtime Toy Story co-stars have built a real-life friendship over the last three decades, too.
While promoting Toy Story 5 during a recent SiriusXM Front Row event hosted by Julia Cunningham, the actors reflected on the bond they’ve formed since first stepping into the recording booth together for Pixar’s groundbreaking 1995 animated film.
Tom explained that the friendship between Woody and Buzz helped spark a genuine connection between the actors themselves.
“We found out that there was wicked importance in the friendship between Woody and Buzz and the stories that were being imagined and brought to us by the Pixar people,” he said. “So much so, that’s why we sort of started getting together and talking about this and other aspects of life and career.”
Tom Hanks reveals how often he and Tim Allen get together
According to the A League of Their Own star, he and Tim still make time for one another even after nearly 30 years of working together.
“It’s hilarious. When we get together and have lunch—we do it about every three or four months—and people put together that Woody and Buzz are sharing, you know, a club sandwich,” he said.
Tom joked that fans often can’t help but react when they spot them together.
“At some point they just come over. ‘I’m sorry, my head just exploded, Woody and Buzz right here.’”
Tim couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at his frequent co-star.
“You’re so much older in person,” he joked.
Why Tom Hanks and Tim Allen keep returning for more Toy Story movies
Tom also revealed that he and Tim don’t automatically sign up whenever Pixar proposes another installment. They often discuss whether there’s a good reason to continue the beloved franchise.
“Every time they said, ‘Hey, we would like to do another Toy Story movie,’ first of all, they do not have to,” the Oscar-winning actor explained. “No one is saying, ‘Hey, come on, crank out another Toy Story movie.’ They have to come up with it, and they actually have to pass muster with us a little bit already.”
Tom continued, “[Tim and I] talk about it on the phone. We get together and say, ‘What do you hear? What are the jungle drums that are beating?’ And they sort of have to, you know, prove that there is a reason to be yet another Toy Story film. And they did.”
Tim agreed, noting that the friendship at the center of the franchise is what has always made the movies special.
Toy Story 5 will be out in theaters on June 16, 2026. Watch the trailer!
Posted To:Disney Movies Pixar Tim Allen Tom Hanks Toy Story Toy Story 5