Woody and the gang welcome a reluctant new toy in the upcoming fourth installment of Pixar’s venerable animated comedy adventure franchise.
A reluctant new toy, a spork named Forky, is welcomed to Bonnie’s room by Woody and the rest of the toys in Pixar’s all-new adventure, Toy Story 4. But Forky insists that he is NOT a toy! An actual spork-turned-craft-project, Forky is pretty sure that he doesn’t belong in Bonnie’s room. Unfortunately, every time he tries to get away, someone yanks him back into an adventure he’d rather skip.
Filmmakers called on comedian Tony Hale to provide the voice of Forky. “It’s a huge thrill to be part of the Toy Story family,” he said. “But it’s going to take a while for it to really sink in.” How were they able to convince Hale to give voice to Forky? “A utensil’s existential crisis?” he asked. “I’m in!”
According to the film’s director, Josh Cooley (Riley’s First Date?), “The world of Toy Story is built upon the idea that everything in the world has a purpose. A toy’s purpose is to be there for its child. But what about toys that are made out of other objects? Forky is a toy that Bonnie made out of a disposable spork, so he’s facing a crisis. He wants to fulfill his purpose as a spork, but now has a new toy purpose thrust upon him. When we thought up this character, Tony was the first actor that came to mind and I’m thrilled he accepted. Tony’s performance as Forky is a comedy salad of confidence, confusion, and empathy... served by hilarious spork.”
“Like most people, I assumed that Toy Story 3 was the end of the story,” Cooley added. “And it was the end of Woody’s story with Andy. But just like in life, every ending is a new beginning. Woody now being in a new room, with new toys, and a new kid, was something we have never seen before. The questions of what that would be like became the beginning of an entertaining story worth exploring.”
Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack return as the voices of Woody, Buzz and Jessie. The voice cast also includes Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Jeff Pidgeon and Blake Clark. The film is being produced by Jonas Rivera (Inside Out, Up) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer Inside Out). Toy Story 4 hits U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.
Source: Walt Disney Studios
