Can you believe it’s been 30 years since Pixar first brought those beloved toys to life in “Toy Story”? The excitement was palpable at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, as a special panel dove deep into the magic of this groundbreaking film.
The star-studded panel included Pixar legends Katherine Sarafian, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Bonnie Arnold, Bob Pauley, and Jonas Rivera, each sharing their unique experiences from the early days of animation at Pixar, which Pauley charmingly described as a “scrappy startup.” The technology they used was state-of-the-art for its time, with Stanton recalling it was like “building the plane as you’re flying it.”
One fascinating tidbit Docter shared involved the restaurant scene where Woody sneaks under a cup; if you look closely, you’ll notice the diners are frozen due to the technological limitations of the era. Tom Hanks, the beloved voice of Woody, also had a hand in shaping the character. Stanton unveiled that some of Woody’s most iconic phrases, such as “There’s a snake in my boots,” were actually improvised by Hanks himself.
Reflecting on the film’s emotional depth, Stanton shared how a simple line, “I’m the one that should be strapped to that rocket,” encapsulated Woody’s insecurities, drawing from common childhood experiences of jealousy and the arrival of new siblings. This simplicity played a crucial role in connecting with audiences of all ages.
As the discussion came to a close, the panelists paid heartfelt tributes to Ralph Eggleston, Joe Ranft, Bud Luckey, and Glenn McQueen—key figures whose contributions were indispensable. Arnold poignantly noted, “This movie would not exist without them.”
Sarafian took a moment to acknowledge the unsung heroes behind the scenes, especially the incredible female role models who helped shape her career. Rivera added a personal note, stating, “Toy Story is everything to me. [It’s] the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.”
What are your favorite “Toy Story” memories? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s reminisce together!
Source: Kimberlee Sakamoto
