Ernie Hudson Steps into Toy Story 5 Role After Carl Weathers’ Death
Brace yourself—Pixar’s latest casting curveball is here, and it’s as predictable as sequels and spin‑offs. When Carl Weathers, the voice behind everyone’s favorite action‑figure alter ego in Toy Story 4, tragically passed away in March 2025 at age 78, the studio wasted zero time lining up a replacement. Enter Ernie Hudson—yes, Ghostbusters’ Winston Zeddemore—who officially snagged the “Combat Carl” gig for Toy Story 5, slated to hit theaters in summer 2026.
According to an April 21 TMZ exclusive, Hudson inked the deal with Disney/Pixar just days after Weathers’ death was announced. Variety confirms that Pixar boss Pete Docter personally phoned Hudson to pitch him the part, praising his “gritty charm” and “veteran gravitas” in a statement posted on the studio’s official blog. Meanwhile, People magazine reports Hudson delivered his first recording session on April 18 at Pixar’s Emeryville studio—complete with zero fluff and plenty of “Let’s get this done” attitude, as per sources inside the booth.
Of course, Hollywood’s go‑to playbook for handling an untimely actor departure is shockingly rehearsed: express public mourning, promise to honor the original, then reveal a shiny new name in barely a month. Disney’s press release, also cited by The Hollywood Reporter, gushes that “Ernie Hudson embodies the spirit Carl brought to Combat Carl,” while Weathers’ estate quietly released a tribute acknowledging Hudson’s “stellar career” and hinting that Carl “would have approved.” No word on whether Bonnie the kid toy‑hoarder will notice the voice swap, but studio execs are banking on audience nostalgia to smooth over any jarring tonal shift.
Let’s not pretend this is anything other than business as usual in franchise land. Sure, Weathers’ fans are lighting virtual candles on social media, and #RIPCarlWeathers is trending across Twitter and Instagram. Yet, for the rumor‑hungry masses already complaining about “sequel fatigue,” Hudson’s casting is both a lifeline and a cynical reminder: death won’t derail Disney’s endless loop of reboot‑and‑resurrect. If the trailer teases more high‑octane toy adventures, fans will swallow a new voice with their popcorn and move on to merch drop number 37.
Still, credit where it’s due—Hudson’s no rookie. With decades of genre‑staple credits, he might just give Combat Carl a fresh spin. And who knows? Maybe this switcheroo will be the secret sauce that resuscitates Pixar’s minty‑fresh franchise mojo. Or maybe it’ll end up buried under formulaic plot beats and sidekick gags. Only time—and box‑office returns—will tell.
So there you have it: Casey’s Law of Hollywood Casting in action. Nothing revolutionary, folks. But hey, if you spot Hudson mouthing “Dad, you’re a toy” in next summer’s Toy Story 5 trailer, don’t say you weren’t warned.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, Variety, People magazine, The Hollywood Reporter
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
