Greta Lee had an unexpectedly emotional reaction to Toy Story 5, revealing she “cried, like, 600 times” while watching the highly anticipated Disney Pixar sequel for the first time.
The Past Lives and The Morning Show star, who voices new character Lilypad in Toy Story 5, admitted the moment was overwhelming — and slightly awkward. “It was so embarrassing, because it was the first time I’d met Tim and Joan. Tom Hanks wasn’t there, thank God,” she said, referring to co-stars Tim Allen and Joan Cusack.
Lee plays Lilypad, a frog-shaped tablet positioned as the film’s central antagonist, reflecting Toy Story 5’s exploration of children, technology, and screen time. “The email arrived with a rendering of Lilypad and it said ‘Villain’,” she recalled of landing the role.
The actress said she was drawn to the complexity of the character. “I like playing interesting people – and devices! – who are very sure-footed in what they want, even if they’re wrong,” Lee explained. “I like the idea that Lilypad is a self-proclaimed expert of everything – we all know people like that.”
Toy Story 5 continues the beloved Pixar franchise while tackling modern themes, particularly how technology is reshaping childhood. One key idea in the film is captured in the line “The age of toys is over!”, signaling a shift that deeply resonated with Lee.
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“The fact that children are no longer playing with toys feels extremely resonant and urgent,” she said. “It’s funny to say this of a Toy Story movie, but I think this is one of the most important works of film that I’ve ever done.” She added, “I’m so pleased my kids will see it.”
Off-screen, Lee shares similar concerns about screen time and digital dependence. “They’re only allowed [devices] at the weekend,” she said of her children. Still, managing it is far from easy: “It’s a battle, and it’s not a casual one.” She added candidly, “The fuckery of tech and screens and what that does to not just them, but to us too.”
Her concerns extend beyond children’s devices to broader technological shifts, including artificial intelligence. “We need to regulate AI,” Lee said. “We should be very, very concerned.” At times, she jokes, the solution feels drastic: “Part of me wants to move to an island with nothing but a rope and a bucket, and just call it a day.”
While Toy Story 5 marks a major moment in her career, Lee has been open about the long road to success in Hollywood. “It was really painful for so many years,” she said. “You have to have some kind of psychosis to keep going.” Early on, she added, “it was very clear that the industry wasn’t looking for me.”
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She continues to speak out about inequality in the entertainment industry. “I would be lying if I said there wasn’t a part of me that wishes that I had some of these opportunities two decades earlier,” Lee said. “There is a lot of inequity with pay, being a woman and a person of colour.” Progress, she warned, requires effort: “You can’t just sit back and assume things are getting better – they tend not to.”
Amid the heavier themes, Lee has also had lighter, unexpected moments — including working with Taylor Swift. After receiving an invitation to appear in a music video, she recalled her reaction: “I was like, ‘What? Yeah, yeah, yeah!’” She added, “I get the sense that this is just the warm-up,” joking, “When’s your full-length feature coming out?”
Still, it’s her emotional response to Toy Story 5 that stands out most — and hints at what audiences can expect from Pixar’s latest sequel.
“I cried, like, 600 times.”
Toy Story 5 will be released globally in theatres release on June 19, 2026.
