Carl Weathers' Combat Carl character has been recast forToy Story 5.The Combat Carl action figure first appeared in the 2013 television specialToy Story of Terror, as did Combat Carl Jr., with both characters voiced by Weathers.InToy Story of Terror, Combat Carl encourages Jessie and helps her confront her fear. Several tiny Combat Carls are later seen inToy Story 4whenWoody reunites with Bo Peep. Weathers passed away at the age of 76 on August 04, 2025.
According toDeadline,Ghostbusterslegend Ernie Hudson will voice Combat Carl inToy Story 5. The upcoming sequel in the long-running and beloved animated franchise is scheduled to release on Jun 14, 2025. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are confirmed to be reprising their respective roles of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, and Allen has mentioned that the movie will focus more on Joan Cusack’s Jessie.Toy Story 5is directed by Andrew Stanton, who previously directed Pixar’s Academy Award-winningWALL-EandFinding Nemo.
What This Means For Toy Story 5
Combat Carl Is Back And Could Have A Bigger Part This Time
The latest addition toToy Story 5’s castconfirms thatanother legendary actor is joining the franchise as Combat Carl returns for the sequel.Toy Story of TerrorandToy Story 4are part of the newer era of the toys being with Bonnie, and withToy Story 5continuing that era, Combat Carl’s inclusion in the story makes sense. It remains unconfirmed whether Combat Carl will have an impactful role as he did inToy Story of Terroror if his role will be more of a cameo as inToy Story 4.
The sequels have added high-profile stars to voice major roles before, such as Ned Beatty voicing Lotso inToy Story 3. At the same time,Toy Story 4cast Carol Burnett, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, and Betty White for one short scene. The extent of Hudson’s part inToy Story 5is unconfirmed, althoughthe decision to recast does suggest that Combat Carl could be an important part of the story. If he was just going to be a cameo, Pixar may have opted not to recast the character.
Our Take On Ernie Hudson Playing Combat Carl
He Is A Strong Choice
FromRockytoToy Story,Weathers' movies and television performancesare unparalleled, and his Combat Carl portrayal was hilarious and memorable. If anyone is going to continue the role, Hudson is the best choice. While he is best known forGhostbusters, he has a wide range of experience, which includes voicing the gangster Grini Millegi in the animatedStar WarsshowThe Bad Batch.Hudson has the comedic talent and perfect voice to play Combat Carl inToy Story 5and will honor the foundation that Weathers established for the character.
