‘Toy Story 4’ Loses Director John Lasseter, Who Will Still Executive Produce
Pixar’s creative chief John Lasseter, who has directed all three of the Toy Story movies so far, has stepped down as director of Toy Story 4. He revealed as much during Pixar’s presentation at D23 on Friday, where he also introduced the film’s new co-directors: Josh Cooley, who wrote and directed Riley’s First Date (and who was going to co-direct with Lasseter), and Jonas Rivera, who produced Up and Inside Out.
Lasseter’s exit is a little shocking, as this was a movie he was really, really excited to direct. He even said as much at the presentation (per /Film): The idea was “so exciting to me, I knew we had to make this movie—and I wanted to direct it myself.” He did say that he will still be the executive producer of the movie.
Toy Story 4 brings back Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz, and Annie Potts will be voicing Bo Peep. Apparently, this new story revolves around Woody and Bo’s relationship, as he and his buddies have to go on an epic quest to find her when she goes missing. It’ll pick up 8 years after the ending of Toy Story 3, with all the toys now living with Bonnie. The script is written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. Randy Newman will return to compose the soundtrack.
Toy Story 4 will hit theaters on June 21, 2019.