Tom Hanks, Tim Allen Warn of Tech Harms Ahead of Toy Story 5's June 19 Release
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 11
Tom Hanks, Tim Allen Warn of Tech Harms Ahead of Toy Story 5's June 19 Release
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 11
Summary
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen used interviews around Toy Story 5 to argue that phones and social media can damage attention, empathy and childhood play, while saying the film directly tackles those risks.
Bonnie’s experience with the in-film platform Lilypad was cited as a key example: Hanks said online messages hurt in ways toys do not, and Allen said algorithm-driven feeds now routinely push fabricated or manipulative content.
Greta Lee said she and her family set clear screen-time limits and push outdoor activities, boredom and parental involvement, while Joan Cusack said attentive parenting matters more than simply handing children devices.
Allen also warned streaming has widened children’s access to harmful material despite parental controls, though both actors said technology is not wholly negative and pointed to YouTube and online videos helping with repairs, learning and creativity.
The cast framed the movie as a conversation starter rather than a cure, with Toy Story 5 set for a June 19, 2026 theatrical release.