Toy Story 5 opens Friday in 4,425 theaters. Current tracking puts its domestic opening weekend between $140 million, the baseline according to Deadline, and $175 million at the industry's higher end. Worldwide, the film is projected to open at $275 million, which would beat Toy Story 4's $249 million global launch from 2019.
The franchise has generated more than $3 billion across its five films. Presales have reached $25 million, outpacing the Super Mario Galaxy Movie but trailing Moana 2.
Andrew Stanton directs, returning to the franchise he co-wrote in 1995. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack reprise their roles as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie. The plot centers on Bonnie's fixation with a smart tablet called Lilypad, which the toys must compete against for her attention. Taylor Swift contributed the original song "I Knew It, I Knew You."
Critics have certified the film 93 percent Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. That is the lowest score in the franchise, following Toy Story at 100 percent, Toy Story 2 at 100 percent, Toy Story 3 at 98 percent, and Toy Story 4 at 97 percent. Audiences, judging by presales, have processed this distinction and moved on.
The competition opens thin: A24's The Death of Robin Hood and Neon's Leviticus are each tracking at $3 to $4 million.
