Tom Hanks says Pixar hid Taylor Swift’s song until the last moment in Toy Story 5
Tom Hanks found out about Taylor Swift’s participation inToy Story 5just hours before the release of her original track. The actor, who returns to voice Woody, told the episode during the film’s premiere in Los Angeles, on Wednesday night.
“It was complete secrecy,” Hanks told Variety. He and the main cast watched the film with a provisional version in the final credits, without knowing that the real song was by the singer. Only then were they taken to a soundproof room and informed of the imminent release of the track “I Knew It, I Knew You”.
The revelation came after months of mystery. Disney and Pixar kept Swift’s involvement a secret even from much of the production team. The song, written in partnership with Jack Antonoff, was recorded in February, but was only officially announced on June 1st, with a themed counter on the artist’s website.
What the surprise says about the film
The secrecy strategy reinforces the emotional and nostalgic tone ofToy Story 5. The film shows Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie dealing with a new threat: technology that competes for Bonnie’s playtime. At the beginning of the plot, Woody appears worn out from adventures, with a bald spot visible under his hat — a detail that Hanks treated with humor, comparing it to the natural use of a toy over the years.
Hanks compared the arrival of Swift’s song to an instant classic: “By the way, Judy Garland is going to sing ‘Over the Rainbow’ at the beginning of this movie.” For him, it was a “pleasure” to have an artist of her caliber on the project.
Cast and release
In addition to Hanks, Tim Allen (Buzz), Joan Cusack (Jessie) and other veterans, the film features new names such as Greta Lee, Keanu Reeves (returning as Duke Caboom), Craig Robinson, Alan Cumming, Conan O’Brien and Bad Bunny. The production hits Brazilian and global cinemas on June 19th.
At the premiere in Los Angeles, Taylor Swift took the stage for the first live performance of “I Knew It, I Knew You” and even performed a duet with Randy Newman on “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”, moving the audience.
