Carl Weathers’ Combat Carl character has been recast for Toy Story 5. The Combat Carl action figure first appeared in the 2013 television special Toy Story of Terror, as did Combat Carl Jr., with both characters voiced by Weathers. In Toy Story of Terror, Combat Carl encourages Jessie and helps her confront her fear. Several tiny Combat Carls are later seen in Toy Story 4 when Woody reunites with Bo Peep. Weathers passed away at the age of 76 on February 2, 2024.
According to Deadline, Ghostbusters legend Ernie Hudson will voice Combat Carl in Toy Story 5. The upcoming sequel in the long-running and beloved animated franchise is scheduled to release on June 19, 2026. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are confirmed to be reprising their respective roles of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, and Allen has mentioned that the movie will focus more on Joan Cusack’s Jessie. Toy Story 5 is directed by Andrew Stanton, who previously directed Pixar’s Academy Award-winning WALL-E and Finding Nemo.
What This Means For Toy Story 5
Combat Carl Is Back And Could Have A Bigger Part This Time
The latest addition to Toy Story 5‘s cast confirms that another legendary actor is joining the franchise as Combat Carl returns for the sequel. Toy Story of Terror and Toy Story 4 are part of the newer era of the toys being with Bonnie, and with Toy Story 5 continuing that era, Combat Carl’s inclusion in the story makes sense. It remains unconfirmed whether Combat Carl will have an impactful role as he did in Toy Story of Terror or if his role will be more of a cameo as in Toy Story 4.
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The sequels have added high-profile stars to voice major roles before, such as Ned Beatty voicing Lotso in Toy Story 3. At the same time, Toy Story 4 cast Carol Burnett, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, and Betty White for one short scene. The extent of Hudson’s part in Toy Story 5 is unconfirmed, although the decision to recast does suggest that Combat Carl could be an important part of the story. If he was just going to be a cameo, Pixar may have opted not to recast the character.
Our Take On Ernie Hudson Playing Combat Carl
He Is A Strong Choice
From Rocky to Toy Story, Weathers’ movies and television performances are unparalleled, and his Combat Carl portrayal was hilarious and memorable. If anyone is going to continue the role, Hudson is the best choice. While he is best known for Ghostbusters, he has a wide range of experience, which includes voicing the gangster Grini Millegi in the animated Star Wars show The Bad Batch. Hudson has the comedic talent and perfect voice to play Combat Carl in Toy Story 5 and will honor the foundation that Weathers established for the character.
Source: Deadline
Toy Story 5
- Release Date
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June 19, 2026
- Director
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Andrew Stanton, McKenna Harris
- Writers
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Andrew Stanton