Tony Hale harbored uncertainties about venturing into the vast cosmos of animation. More than six years after lending his voice to Forky in 'Toy Story 4,' he confessed in a recent interview with People, published on August 27th, that he initially doubted his inclusion in the animated feature. "Throughout the process, I kept thinking, 'They'll cut me out. They'll replace me with some A-list celebrity,'" said the 54-year-old actor. "It wasn't until I heard my voice in the 'Toy Story 4' trailer that I truly believed I was part of it. Only then did it sink in."
Indeed, the voice of the 'Veep' star resonated in the film's inaugural trailer back in November 2018. Intriguingly, Forky—a endearing yet oddly conceived spork character—was the sole speaker in the teaser, where he encountered seasoned toys like Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen). Tony's frenetic lines served as an ideal introduction to his character, propelling Forky into the spotlight as the movie's protagonist.
Throughout the narrative, the utensil grappled with embracing its identity as a toy. Amidst his intricate emotions, Tony cherished Forky's personality and design, inspired by his owner Bonnie. "What I adored was that Forky was the first toy crafted by a child," he elaborated. "Imagine the simplicity: a spork with pipe cleaner arms and popsicle sticks for feet." Ultimately, he believed that Forky's "wide-eyed simplicity" endeared him to audiences, enhancing the beloved franchise.
"Embarking on a world populated by Forky from 'Toy Story' underscores the power of simplicity," continued the 'Arrested Development' actor. "This is why children's books resonate so deeply. Sometimes, adults are drawn to them precisely because of their simplicity."
As he reprises his role for 'Toy Story 5,' slated for release on June 19, 2026, Tony revealed that the toys will forge a new bond with technology. Though he refrained from revealing specific details, Forky's forthcoming escapade promises to be captivating. "They give you snippets of the script, and I caught glimpses," he noted. "The glimpses I saw were pretty awe-inspiring. I don't want to spoil the surprise. I crave the element of surprise when I watch 'Toy Story 5.'"
