When Pixar began casting for Toy Story 5, they didn't just look for a big name. They looked for a real fan. And they found one in Bad Bunny — not through an agent or a casting call, but through his own YouTube channel, where the Puerto Rican artist had been posting videos playing with the franchise's iconic toys.
Lindsey Collins, the film's producer, explained that the team noticed Bad Bunny's genuine affection for the saga. “We saw his videos and thought, this guy truly loves these toys. The worst he could say is no,” she said. So they reached out, and the answer came back almost instantly: yes.
For Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, the invitation was a childhood dream realized. He grew up with Woody and Buzz Lightyear, and the chance to voice a character in the same universe felt surreal. He accepted without hesitation, describing the opportunity as an authentic dream come true.
From YouTube to the Recording Booth
Once inside the studio, Bad Bunny didn't just read lines. He brought his own creative energy to the project, improvising dialogue and suggesting new ideas that shaped the personality of his character — a forgotten toy named “Pizza con lentes de sol.” The filmmakers were impressed by his versatility and asked him to record multiple versions of his lines in both Spanish and English, making full use of his bilingual skills.
The recording sessions became a collaborative, fun experience. The Pixar team noted that Bad Bunny's willingness to experiment and his natural charisma turned the booth into a lively space. He even left a special surprise for fans who stay through the credits — a nod to his signature style and sense of humor.
This isn't the first time Latin music has crossed paths with Hollywood animation. Earlier this year, Bizarrap and Bad Bunny joined the Toy Story 5 cast, marking a significant moment for Latin music representation in mainstream cinema. The film also features a new track by Taylor Swift, who returns to her country roots with “I Knew It, I Knew You.”
A Premiere That Bridges Generations
Toy Story 5 is set to premiere on June 18, 2026. The plot pits Woody, Buzz, and the gang against a modern technological threat — a smart tablet — while exploring themes of nostalgia and adaptation. Bad Bunny's involvement adds a layer of cultural relevance, especially for younger Latino audiences who see themselves reflected in his journey from reggaeton star to Pixar voice actor.
For Bad Bunny, this role is more than a cameo. It's a continuation of his mission to break barriers and represent Puerto Rico on global stages. As he once said, reggaeton is resistance — and now, so is a toy with sunglasses and a pizza box. The film promises to keep the magic of the original saga alive while connecting with new generations, proving that even the biggest music stars can fulfill their childhood dreams by becoming part of legendary stories.
For more on Bad Bunny's cultural impact, read our piece on reggaeton as resistance and the voice of Puerto Rico.
