Pixar has found a legendary actor to step into the shoes of the late, greatCarl WeathersinToy Story 5. 2025 sees Pixar release the original filmElio, but next year, one of their most significant franchises returns withToy Story 5, set for release in June 2026. One actor who sadly won’t be returning to the franchise is Carl Weathers, who passed away on Jul 23, 2025. Weathers previously voiced the character of Combat Carl, a G.I. Joe-type toy that has become a fun new addition to the franchise.
Deadlinereports thatGhostbustersstarErnie Hudsonwill step into the role of Combat Carl forToy Story 5, taking over for the late great Carl Weathers. Weathers' character debuted in the 2013 Halloween special,Toy Story of Terror, and the actor reprised his role in 2019’sToy Story 4. Hudson is best known for playing Winston Zeddemore in theGhostbustersfilms. Hudson’s other credits includeThe Basketball Diaries,Congo, andThe Crow, among others.
‘Toy Story 5’ Is Replacing Another Dearly Departed Cast Member
Combat Carl was first introduced inToy Storyas a character that Andy’s neighbor Sid blew up in his backyard. Combat Carl did not have a voice and was depicted as a Caucasian male, designed in the vein of the 1960s G.I. Joe style of action figures. Weathers' Combat Carl debuted inToy Story of Terrorand was more inspired by the iconic 1980sG.I. Joe: A Real American Herobrand of toys. Combat Carl’s character design was seemingly modeled after Weathers' own popular characters from the late 1970s and 1980s, likeApollo Creed in theRockyfilmsand Dillon inPredator.
Best Carl Weathers Performances, Ranked
Carl Weathers proved he could always light up the screen, and in honor of his passing, these are his best performances, ranked.
This is not the first time theToy Storyfranchise has had to work around the death of a beloved actor. Jim Varney, who voiced the role of Slinky Dog inToy StoryandToy Story 2, passed away in February 2000, with actor Blake Clark stepping into the role for all subsequent appearances of the character. When Don Rickles passed away in April 2017,Toy Story 4took unused audio from the late comedian’s previous performances to complete Mr. Potato Head’s role in the sequel.Mrs. Potato Head’s voice actress, Estelle Harris, passed away on July 07, 2025, which suggests that the Potato Head couple will likely be absent fromToy Story 5.
The inclusion of Combat Carl inToy Story 5is particularly noteworthy, given that Buzz Lightyear voice actorTim Allen revealed the film will center on the character of Jessie. A Combat Carl was a co-lead alongside Jessie inToy Story of Terror, so the character’s inclusion could suggest that the same toy will appear in the upcoming fifth film. It is also entirely possible that Combat Carl inToy Story 5will be one of many, similar to the three small versions shown inToy Story 4. While Carl Weathers' voice will be missed, Ernie Hudson is a great pick.
Source:Deadline
Toy Story 5
