The beloved character Combat Carl from the Toy Story franchise will be receiving a fresh voice in the upcoming Toy Story 5. Initially introduced in the 2013 special Toy Story of Terror, the character, along with Combat Carl Jr., was voiced by the late Carl Weathers. In the special, Combat Carl plays a pivotal role by supporting Jessie as she overcomes her fears. Moreover, tiny versions of Combat Carl make an appearance in Toy Story 4, highlighting his connection to the series.
Sadly, Carl Weathers passed away at the age of 76 on February 2, 2024. However, the franchise has announced that the iconic character will now be voiced by none other than Ernie Hudson, a veteran actor known for his work in Ghostbusters. This update was reported by Deadline. Fans can expect to see Toy Story 5 hit theaters on June 19, 2026, featuring returning favorites like Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear. Director Andrew Stanton, who previously directed acclaimed films such as WALL-E and Finding Nemo, will helm this anticipated sequel.
Implications for the Upcoming Toy Story 5
Combat Carl’s Return: A Potentially Larger Role
Combat Carl’s return to the franchise suggests an exciting new chapter as he may play a more significant role in Toy Story 5. His character, having transitioned from Toy Story of Terror to Toy Story 4, represents the continued evolution of the toys as they bond with Bonnie. His appearance raises intriguing questions about the depth of his involvement in the storyline—will he be a dynamic character as seen in the special, or will he merely feature as a bit part similar to his cameo in Toy Story 4?
Over the years, the Toy Story sequels have welcomed numerous prestigious voices among their cast; for example, Ned Beatty voiced the memorable Lotso in Toy Story 3, while Toy Story 4 featured talents like Carol Burnett and Betty White for brief appearances. Though the specific scope of Hudson’s role remains unclear, the decision to recast Combat Carl hints that Pixar may intend to integrate him more significantly into the plot rather than relegating him to a minor appearance.
Our Perspective on Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl
An Excellent Casting Choice
Ernie Hudson’s casting as Combat Carl is more than just a replacement; it is a continuation of a legacy. From his iconic role in Ghostbusters to a variety of performances across multiple genres, Hudson has demonstrated his versatility and charm. His experience as a voice actor, including his portrayal of Grini Millegi in the animated series The Bad Batch, equips him well for this role. His comedic timing and distinct voice perfectly align with the character of Combat Carl in Toy Story 5, promising to pay homage to the foundation laid by Weathers.
With the excitement surrounding this casting choice, fans are eagerly anticipating what new adventures await Combat Carl and the rest of the toys in this next installment.
Source: Deadline