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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Carla Feric

Toy Story 5 star hails ‘important’ film focusing on children’s screen time debate

American actress Greta Lee has championed the upcoming Toy Story 5, describing it as an "important movie" due to its exploration of technology’s pervasive influence.

Lee, 43, lends her voice to Lilypad, a smart tablet character in the latest instalment of the beloved animated comedy.

Her character, while not a traditional antagonist, forces the iconic toys to unite in a bid to rescue their owner from the encroaching threat of electronic devices.

Speaking to the Press Association at a launch event, Lee reflected on her role, stating: "Lilypad is not quite a villain. She often has really good intentions.

“The issue is complicated because tech isn’t going anywhere, and it is beneficial in a myriad of ways, but there is a real concern about the cost of all of this screen time that we get to see in the movie."

The actress, known for her roles in Tron: Ares (2025) and Past Lives (2023), reiterated the film's significance, adding: "Toy Story 5 is an important movie, and I get to say that, which is amazing and an honour."

Greta Lee portrays smart tablet Lilypad in the latest instalment of the animated comedy film, forcing the toys to band together to save their owner from the threat of electronic devices (Getty)
Greta Lee portrays smart tablet Lilypad in the latest instalment of the animated comedy film, forcing the toys to band together to save their owner from the threat of electronic devices (Getty)

She also expressed her delight at joining the much-loved franchise and collaborating with Hollywood stalwarts such as Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack.

She told PA: “I’ve loved these actors for so, so long, and I’ve loved these characters.

“I mean, they’re iconic, and I grew up with them, so it’s just surreal and it continues to be surreal.”

Rapper Bad Bunny and actor Alan Cumming are also part of the star-studded cast of Toy Story 5, as DisneThe Puerto Rican music sensation will lend his voice to a character named “Pizza With Sunglasses”, while the host of The Traitors US, Alan Cumming, is slated to portray the evil alter ego of the horse Bullseye.

The first Toy Story film was released more than three decades ago in 1995 and achieved global success, leading to sequels, shorts and TV specials, and the franchise has won many awards.

Among its spin-offs is 2022 film Lightyear, which followed the “real life” adventures that are meant to have inspired the toy line that produced Allen’s space ranger character, Buzz Lightyear.

The third movie also produced Oscar-winning song We Belong Together by Randy Newman.

Toy Story 5 will be available to watch in cinemas in the UK from June 19.

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