[Dispatch=Reporter Jung Tae-yun] In an era when smart tablets and smartphones have pushed toys aside. Children increasingly hold screens in their hands instead of dolls at a younger age.

Yet Pixar has once again brought out 'play.' The film 'Toy Story 5' asks what remains unchanged in front of a changing world.

Director McKenna Harris hinted, "No matter how much the times change, I think play is instinct. The desire to play by exercising imagination. And 'connection' is the keyword for this film."

The 'Toy Story 5' team held a video press conference on the 8th. Director McKenna Harris, along with actors Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and Greta Ri, greeted Korean press.

'Toy Story' started as the world's first feature-length CG animation and is marking its 31st anniversary this year. It returns as a new series seven years after 'Toy Story 4' (2019).

'Toy Story 5' depicts a story that unfolds as a smart tablet called 'Lilypad' becomes Bonnie's new friend. Toys including Jessie, Woody, and Buzz reunite and face an unprecedented crisis.

Andrew Stanton, who won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature twice for 'Finding Nemo' and 'WALL-E,' took the helm. McKenna Harris, who served as producer on 'Elemental,' joined as co-director.

Harris spoke about the biggest departure from previous series: "The most significant advancement is that we directly address what kind of reality people are living in," adding, "They face a greater ordeal than any difficulty experienced in previous series."

In fact, the 'Toy Story 5' team brought together creators of various age groups. People from each generation shared their nostalgia about play from their generation.

Harris explained, "Director Andrew is actually 30 years younger than me. We explored how to express ourselves by listening to each other's memories and talking about real children we encounter in our actual lives."

"What we thought was most important was avoiding a dichotomy like 'smart pads are bad, play is good.' It would be easier to resolve it that way, but that's not reality." (McKenna Harris)

They sought to balance the perspectives of toys and machines. That led to the keyword 'connection.' Harris said, "I think that even as times change, the instinct to play and connect remains. We tried to unfold the story in that aspect."

The protagonist of this season is Jessie (played by Joan Cusack). Where in the last season Woody (played by Tom Hanks) held the leader role in Andy's room, this time Jessie protects and leads Bonnie's room.

Joan Cusack said, "This film depicted Jessie's journey," adding, "Parents will be able to relate as they watch Jessie, feeling the desire to allow their child to grow independent."

"Children will empathize too. When they're away from smart devices, it will be good for them to have someone telling them, 'You need to play, you need to have fun.'" (Joan Cusack)

Director Harris said, "I thought Jessie would bring new energy. Watch how Jessie, who takes on the sheriff role of Bonnie's room, will lead the room differently from Woody."

"Woody led the toys in a perfect manner. Jessie cares for them in relation to what young girls experience while becoming someone Bonnie can completely trust." (McKenna Harris)

Woody, who left in season 4, also returns. Tom Hanks recalled, "Woody has been through so much. From a disciplined and authoritative leader, he ventured out into a wider world and rescued abandoned toys."

He grows in this season too. He emphasized, "I've been with Woody for 30 years. When I returned as Woody, I thought I needed to be aware of all the learning process and act with it. I acted with more responsibility than any other character."

Buzz also grows. Tim Allen spoiled, "Buzz appears in an upgraded version this time. I had a lot of fun working while doing various ad-libs," adding, "His feelings toward Jessie will be revealed a lot."

Greta Ri newly joined as the voice of Lilypad. She made an impression on Korean audiences with the film 'Past Lives' (directed by Celine Song).

Greta Ri said, "It's an honor to work with such stellar actors," adding, "At first, I wondered how to act as a machine. But the director told me to focus on the human aspect rather than the machine, so I felt reassured."

She also pointed out points to anticipate. McKenna Harris said, "This film has many dimensions. It will be difficult for audiences worldwide to pick which aspect they empathize with," expressing confidence that it is "fun, funny, and touching."

"In the story, Bonnie yearns for empathy while speaking a similar language and having similar abilities as her friends. But she discovers that she couldn't achieve the connection she truly wanted, and I hope you watch with empathy toward that part," she added.

Lastly, Tom Hanks said, "I hope you ignore the number 5. We're just 'Toy Story' as one," urging, "We've returned with a consistent story at the speed of laughter. Please enjoy it."

Meanwhile, 'Toy Story 5' opens on the 19th.

<Photo courtesy=The Walt Disney Company Korea>