In the wake of Toy Story’s celebrated run, the creators looked for a way to keep Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of the beloved gang from fading into memory without stacking up endless sequels. The idea was to produce occasional short features centered on the familiar crew, and now the first installment has been confirmed.
The short, titled Toy Story of Terror, is slated to premiere on ABC this October, aligning with Halloween programming. It follows Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the wider Toy Story ensemble as Bonnie and her mother travel with the toys and check into a spooky motel where chaos unfolds. The tone nods to spooky fun while preserving the warmth and humor fans expect, delivering suspenseful moments tempered by the franchise’s hallmark heart and humor. The format aims to welcome both longtime viewers and newer audiences into a Halloween–tinged chapter of the Toy Story universe, with attention to family-friendly thrills that resonate across North America.
Running about 30 minutes, the short places Jessie in the lead, with a different character taking center stage in each installment. The stories unfold after the events of Toy Story 3, recalling the moment when Andy entrusted his treasured toys to Bonnie, ensuring the familiar crew remains a vibrant presence in a new home and new adventures. This approach creates room for fresh dynamics while keeping friendship, loyalty, and shared courage front and center. For families across the United States and Canada, Toy Story of Terror promises a festive, entertaining experience that blends playfulness with a light, spooky edge suitable for the Halloween season.