Ernie Hudson Called To Take Over As 'Toy Story' Character Combat Carl From Carl Weathers
Weathers died in February 2024 at the age of 76 after two performances as the character
In the 6 years thus far since Toy Story 4, a film that resorted to using archive recordings of Mr. Potato Head Don Rickles, half of the comedy legends that made up that scene in the closet have left us too, in Betty White and Carl Reiner, who were Bitey White and Carl Reineroceros. But that isn’t even everyone, as Carl Weathers, who voiced Combat Carl starting with 2013’s Toy Story of Terror! special, died of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in February 2024 at the age of 76. Now it’s been confirmed that the character is returning for Toy Story 5, and has been recast not with He-Man, but Ghostbusters veteran Ernie Hudson.
Known as Ghostbuster Winston Zeddemore in the four films thus far that are set in the main continuity, Hudson saw his BET/BET+ series The Family Business wrap a six-season run last year, which also saw the end of the Quantum Leap continuation end after two. His most known recent TV role is probably recurring as Jacob on Grace and Frankie. His other film credits include the Miss Congeniality films and the latter two Beverly Hills Chihuahua films. One might forget Hudson was Poseidon for an episode of Once Upon a Time. He even has two roles in Arrowverse productions, as General Roy Stewart, John Diggle’s stepfather in an episode of Arrow, and as Santa Claus in the animated Christmas special Beebo Saves Christmas (praise Beebo). His other voice work includes as Atticus on the first season of Infinity Train, recurring on Puppy Dog Pals, and guest roles on Firebuds and Star Wars: The Bad Batch.
Carl Weathers, 'Rocky' And 'The Mandalorian' Actor, Has Died At 76
The light switch of life has turned off. Actor Carl Weathers, best known as Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky movies, and for starring in films such as Predator, Action Jackson, and Happy Gilmore, among other films and television series died Thursday, February 1 at the age of 76. His family and publicist confirmed it Friday.
Continuing the beloved Disney-Pixar franchise, Toy Story 5 is currently set for release on June 19, 2026, written and directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, originally confirmed at D23 in August, and co-directed by Ciao Alberto director McKenna Jean Harris. The plot isn’t quite known yet but star Tim Allen, voice of Buzz Lightyear, has been talking about the film quite a bit. Back in December he told upon completing his first voiceover session that it had “a very, very clever story” with “a brilliant script,” adding, “It’s a really good story, guys. It’s really good.” In a much fresher interview, he said that the film is “a lot about Jessie,” Joan Cusack’s cowgirl doll who was a Woody’s Roundup costar. “Tom [Hanks] and I do — Woody and I — do realign. And there’s an unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyear. I can give you that, but I can’t give you much more.”
Hanks himself posted on Instagram a shot from his first recording day, with his hand up to the microphone with all five fingers out, saying “First day of work on a certain Story Number 5! Need a hint? Disney. Studio B.”
Disney & Pixar Are Ready To Raise The Dead With 'Coco 2' In 2029
Remember me, mi amor? Disney and Pixar are a proud corporation, announcing that Coco 2, the sequel to the 2017 film, is in the works for a 2029 release.
