Tom Hanks has revealed that advances in artificial intelligence may enable Disney to continue using Woody's voice even if he steps away from the franchise. The two-time Academy Award winner is currently reprising his role in Toy Story 5, which has opened strongly at the global box office.
Hanks on Future Installments
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Hanks said another Toy Story film would only be worthwhile if it offered something meaningful. "If you're gonna do another Toy Story, it better be worthwhile. It better be great. You better be examining some theme that is not just dragging it out because people like the title," he stated.
AI and Digital Recordings
Hanks acknowledged that Disney possesses decades of recordings from his work as Woody. Because those performances exist in digital form, he believes AI could theoretically assemble new dialogue without requiring fresh recordings. "Time is undefeated," Hanks said. "Every word we have ever recorded in time in Toy Story is on digital media somewhere, so they could put together anything they would want."
His long-time co-star Tim Allen reportedly agreed that such a possibility is unsettling. Hanks described the prospect as "a scary thought."
Previous Warnings on Deepfakes
The actor has previously spoken about AI and deepfake technology. During a 2023 appearance on The Adam Buxton Podcast, Hanks recalled that The Polar Express introduced him to digital preservation of performers. He warned that audiences may eventually struggle to distinguish between genuine performances and AI-generated recreations, and that actors could appear at any age or continue performing after death, raising artistic and legal questions.
Industry Debate
These comments come as Hollywood debates AI's role in filmmaking, with concerns about consent, ownership, and digital likeness rights becoming major issues for actors and studios. For now, Hanks is once again bringing Woody to life in Toy Story 5, currently in theaters.
