Nearly three decades and three films into Pixar’s Toy Story saga, one long-standing member of the gang is finally getting something they’ve never had before: an actual speaking voice in the upcoming fifth movie.
Fans know the iconic performances behind characters like Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). But one familiar face from Andy’s toy collection has always communicated without saying a single word.
Bullseye — the loyal horse first introduced in Toy Story 2 as Jessie’s devoted companion and part of the Woody’s Roundup crew — later became a fixture in Andy’s bedroom alongside the rest of the toys. Now, he’s set to ride back into the story with everyone else in Toy Story 5.
Even though Bullseye has always been full of personality, he’s never been given dialogue. That’s about to change, and in a universe where practically every kind of toy can talk, it’s not hard to imagine a horse joining in too.
Alan Cumming — known for roles in Spy Kids and Son of the Mask — will provide Bullseye’s voice in the new film, calling it an ‘incredible honor’ to become part of Pixar’s Toy Story world.
“[It’s] one of these things in my life that I never expected to happen but I’m just so happy and proud and in disbelief about,” he said. “I adored the previous Toy Story movies and it’s going to give me great kudos with my friends’ kids to be in this one.”
Bringing speech to a character audiences already love is a delicate task, and Cumming acknowledged that choosing the right sound for Bullseye wasn’t straightforward.
“We went around the houses a bit before we settled on the one we’re using,” Cumming explained. “But the circumstances of him talking – once you see the film – will make you understand why we had quite a broad church to choose from.”
Although he has urged audiences not to ‘expect too much’ from what he describes as a cameo, Cumming said it’s still a thrill to be the first person to let Bullseye speak. He also shared that Woody has always been his personal favorite from the Toy Story lineup, making the experience even more meaningful.
Discussing his love of the franchise, he said: “Randy Newman’s song ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ is one of the most beuatiful things I’ve ever heard and seen. It grabbed me by the heart and has never let me go.”
Toy Story 5 is set to arrive in theaters on June 19.