The Iranian Artists Forum hosted a special screening of the animated film Toy Story 5 in Tehran on Thursday. Local organizers presented a full Persian-dubbed version to a packed audience at Nasseri Hall inside the cultural center. The screening brought Pixar’s latest animated feature to Iranian audiences and film enthusiasts.
Director Andrew Stanton helmed the fifth main installment in the popular Pixar and Disney animated franchise. Set two years after the previous events, the story follows Jessie, Woody, and Buzz Lightyear as they face a new crisis. A smart tablet named Lilypad becomes Bonnie’s new favorite toy, creating an existential challenge for the longtime characters.
The story explores how touchscreen devices and modern technology increasingly compete with traditional toys for children’s attention. Jessie fears that electronic gadgets could weaken the emotional connections between children and their toys. As a result, the characters must find ways to remain meaningful in an increasingly digital world.
Veteran voice actors Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack returned to their iconic roles. Conan O’Brien, Greta Lee, and Scarlett Spears also joined the high-profile ensemble cast. Renowned composer Randy Newman created the original score, while pop star Taylor Swift contributed a featured song.
Disney invested approximately $250 million in the production, making the film one of the most expensive animated projects ever produced. Strong global box-office results reportedly helped the film recover its production costs within weeks of its worldwide release.
International ticket sales reportedly surpassed $1 billion, setting major financial records for the studio. Critics praised the film’s visual animation, comedic performances, and thoughtful commentary on children’s screen time. The Tehran screening also demonstrated the continued international appeal of major animated films.