Whether you’re still harboring a small feeling of dread after Pixar announced plans to continue its toys-to-life animated series with another installment, or you’re remaining optimistic, Toy Story 4 is happening. With Tom Hanks and Tim Allen already on board – reprising their roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, respectively – it’s now been confirmed that Don Rickles will return as the grouchy yet loveable Mr. Potato Head.
In an interview with Closer Weekly, the 89-year-old comedian confirmed that he will indeed return for the fourth entry in the beloved series, revealing that he was once skeptical about Pixar’s concept for Toy Story, and it took head honcho John Lasseter to convince him of the story’s innate charm before putting pen to paper almost two decades ago.
“They just signed me to do the fourth Toy Story. We start [work on it] in September, and I’m very delighted with that. … “When John [Lasseter] approached me for the first one, I said, ‘I don’t do comedy with cartoons, dummies and toys. Leave me alone.’ And [John] said, ‘No, you’re gonna love this!’ Then he told me the money and how nice it was going to be and, I said, ‘Yeah, I can give it a try.’ All of a sudden it’s going on 17 years.”
As we learned late last year, Toy Story 4‘s screenplay is being handled by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, who are basing the sequel on a concept conjured up by the esteemed Pixar Dream Team: Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter and Lee Unkrich. Of course, given the conclusive, tear-jerker ending of the pervious installment, many fans raised an eyebrow or two at the studio’s decision to continue the series, with many claiming that Pixar saw green dollar signs.
How and ever, Lasseter has reaffirmed that the creative team has dreamed up a story that is ultimately worth telling, and with Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and now Don Rickles attached to the sequel, we’re willing to give Toy Story 4 the benefit of the doubt…for now.
Published: Jul 24, 2015 10:19 am