Tom Hanks Explains Why Woody Has a Bald Spot in Toy Story 5

Tom Hanks has finally explained the viral bald spot on Woody’s head in Toy Story 5 promotional material. After Pixar and Disney began releasing material for the upcoming entry in the beloved franchise, the missing patch of hair at the back of Woody’s head immediately drew fan attention. It has become a widespread topic of discussion as the release date for Toy Story 5 nears.

Tom Hanks talks about Woody’s bald spot in Toy Story 5

The two-time Academy Award winner addressed Woody’s bald spot during a recent interview.

During Entertainment Weekly’s summer preview of Toy Story 5, Tom Hanks revealed that the paint in that part of Woody is missing because the doll “has been played with to excess.” He added, “You put a rubber hat on top of a rubber head again and again and again and again, something’s gonna chafe. So, yeah, he does have… let’s say a worn area on the back of his head.”

In the official trailer for the movie, Woody returns and removes his hat, revealing the spot. As sunlight reflects from the area, it hilariously blinds the other toys, albeit temporarily.

The Polar Express star also spoke about the big gut, as seen on the doll in the CinemaCon trailer. “He is not shaped plastic,” Hanks explained. “He is made of stuffing and cloth, and that stuff settles over time.”

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time that Woody has sported a “worn area” on his head. A less prominent hairless spot appears briefly in Toy Story 2 until the Cleaner (voiced by Jonathan Harris) paints over the area.

Andrew Stanton directed Toy Story 5 from a screenplay he penned with Kenna Harris. Its voice cast also includes Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack as Jessie, and Greta Lee as Lilypad. Additionally, Scarlett Spears, Jeff Bergman, and Anna Vocino voice various characters. The movie premieres in US theaters on June 19, 2026.

Source: Comingsoon.net