When Bad Bunny started filming playful videos of himself with Toy Story dolls during the COVID-19 pandemic, he likely never imagined it would lead to a role in one of Disney’s most beloved franchises. But that’s exactly what happened, according to Toy Story 5 producer Lindsey Collins, who recently explained how the Puerto Rican superstar went from recording one line to voicing a full character in the highly anticipated animated sequel.
From One Line to a Whole Bunch
Collins revealed that the production team stumbled upon Bad Bunny’s homemade videos during the pandemic, which showed the artist playing with Toy Story dolls. The authentic enthusiasm captured in those clips apparently made a lasting impression on the filmmaking team. When Bad Bunny came in to record his initial part, the chemistry was so strong that his role expanded significantly from a single line to a much more substantial character arc. This organic casting process demonstrates how Pixar continues to find innovative ways to bring fresh talent into its legendary franchises. Here’s the video:
Bad Bunny voices Pizza with Sunglasses, a character described as effortlessly cool and mysterious who belongs to a small but mighty community of forgotten toys living in an abandoned backyard shed. The role marks the Grammy-winning artist’s first appearance in the Toy Story universe and his first voice-acting gig, adding another high-profile credit to a growing acting resume that includes Narcos: Mexico, Bullet Train, and Happy Gilmore 2. It also caps a massive stretch for the artist, following his Super Bowl halftime performance in February and the global success of his album Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
What This Means for Fans
Toy Story 5, directed by Academy Award winner Andrew Stanton and produced by Lindsey Collins, is in theaters now after opening June 19. The film tackles contemporary themes by exploring how electronic devices compete with traditional toys for children’s attention, with the plot centered around Bonnie receiving a frog-shaped smart tablet named Lilypad. Bad Bunny’s involvement brings additional star power to an already impressive voice cast that includes returning favorites Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, and Joan Cusack as Jessie, alongside newcomers Greta Lee as Lilypad and Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants, per Variety’s full cast guide.
The Bigger Picture
The story of how Bad Bunny landed his role illustrates a broader shift in how major studios approach casting and talent discovery in the social media age. His pandemic videos weren’t audition tapes or professional demos, they were genuine expressions of fandom that resonated with the creative team. This authenticity is precisely what Pixar has always valued in its storytelling, and it appears to extend to how the studio identifies voice talent. For fans of both Bad Bunny and Toy Story, this casting represents an exciting collision of contemporary pop culture and animated film legacy. As the franchise continues to evolve with its fifth installment, bringing in artists who genuinely connect with the material ensures that these beloved characters remain relevant for new generations while honoring the nostalgia that made them iconic in the first place.
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