In an exciting development for fans of both Taylor Swift and Pixar, news has emerged regarding the singer’s new track titled “I Knew It, I Knew You,” which is featured in the upcoming film, Toy Story 5. Swift penned the song after viewing an early screening of the much-anticipated movie earlier this year. It was officially released on June 5, generating considerable buzz among audiences and cast members alike.
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In a surprising revelation, Tom Hanks, who reprises his iconic role as Woody in the Toy Story franchise, disclosed that he and his fellow cast members were entirely unaware of Swift’s involvement until the song’s launch. Speaking at the film’s premiere held in Los Angeles on June 9, Hanks expressed his astonishment during an interview with Variety. “It was top secret. We did not know until, literally, when the moment came,” he shared. “They ushered us into a soundproof room and said, ‘Tonight at 9 p.m., the true end titles song is going to drop, and it’s by Taylor Swift.’”
Hanks, who has been part of the franchise for years, revealed that the cast had experienced the movie without the song and had only heard a placeholder track in its place. He likened the surprise to the revelation that “By the way, Judy Garland is singing ‘Over the Rainbow’ at the beginning of this,” highlighting the significance of Swift’s contribution to the film.
The news of Swift’s involvement was not officially shared until June 1, just a few days before the song’s release. The 36-year-old singer took to Instagram to announce the track, stating that the inspiration had come to her immediately after seeing the film. “I wrote this song as soon as I got home from the screening,” she disclosed to her fans.
“I Knew It, I Knew You” draws inspiration from the character Jessie, who is portrayed by Joan Cusack in the film. Andrew Stanton, the screenwriter and co-director of the project, remarked on Swift’s innate connection to Jessie, stating, “Her immediate understanding of what the character was going through was undeniable.” Swift also elaborated on her creative process, describing the song as a blend of nostalgia and challenge: “Writing this song felt like a musical departure and coming home at the same time.”
In the lead-up to the premiere, journalists and industry insiders had already seen a version of Toy Story 5 that did not include Swift’s song. According to Thomas Jordan, a visual effects supervisor involved with the film, the secret surrounding the song remained closely guarded even amongst the crew. He noted that Swift wrote the piece as early as February, keeping it under wraps right until its release.
Fans were treated to a special moment at the Los Angeles premiere when Swift took the stage to perform “I Knew It, I Knew You” after the movie’s credits. Additionally, she joined composer Randy Newman, the original creator of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” to deliver a nostalgic duet that resonated with both long-time fans and newcomers to the Toy Story franchise.
Toy Story 5 brings back beloved character voices, including Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, and Cusack as Jessie. Tony Hale also reprised his role as Forky from Toy Story 4, while Conan O’Brien joins the cast as a new character, a toilet-training toy named Smarty Pants.
This latest entry into the Pixar franchise introduces an engaging storyline that sees the toys navigating a conflict with a high-tech, frog-shaped tablet that Bonnie, the young child in the series, has acquired. The technology, voiced by Greta Lee, serves as a new challenge for the beloved characters as they adapt to the evolving landscape of childhood play.
With all eyes set on its release, Toy Story 5 is set to hit theatres on June 19, promising to deliver both nostalgia and innovation for fans of all ages. The combination of Swift’s emotional songwriting and the franchise’s longstanding charm is anticipated to make this film a memorable addition to the beloved series.