Disney has always known how to tug at the heart strings of its fans, and the Toy Story franchise has certainly been no exception. Toy Story 3 was a devastating emotional journey, as the group of toys nearly perished, before being passed on to a new kid. That threequel was originally set to be the final installment for the property, but Toy Story 4 will arrive in June.
Information about Toy Story 4 has been slowly trickling out, with the latest update revealing that Annie Potts' Bo Peep would be returning, and rocking a brand new look. The generations of fans are eager to catch up with Bo after her she was written out of Toy Story 3, but PETA is taking umbrage with the character. More specifically, the group is urging Toy Story 4 to ditch Bo Peep's signature crook from the film.
PETA just sent the request to the folks working on Toy Story 4, hoping that the tool used to gather sheep would end up cut. The advocacy group finds the use of crooks cruel, and therefore hopes the imagery won't make it into the upcoming sequel. Peta wrote a letter to Toy Story 4 director Josh Cooley, with it's call to remove the crook reading:
At PETA, we're working hard to change the way in which people regard and treat animals, including sheep. Our exposés are heartbreaking and show that sheep are routinely punched, kicked, dragged, and stomped on when they're shorn by workers who are paid to work quickly and remove a lot of wool in a short amount of time, as you can see here. Surely you can agree that a symbol of domination over any animal is a thing of the past and not something that belongs in Toy Story 4.Won't you please consider removing Bo Peep's crook from the final animation?
Not much is known about Bo Peep in Toy Story 4, considering her long break from the public eye. The first glance simply revealed the character's new costume, and the return of her teal colored crook. While this will likely be her main weapon and tool for surviving in the world, PETA is hoping that it would be removed, due to the message it sends to audiences.
While Toy Story 4 isn't working with any actual animals due to being completely animated, The House of Mouse likely thought it was free from any PETA-related concerns. But the group is just as worried about imagery in the media as advocating for actual animals, which is why the letter to Toy Story 4 director Josh Cooley was made public. At the time of writing, Cooley and Disney haven't responded to the calls against Bo Peep's crook.
Timing wise, it may be too late for take the crook out of Toy Story 4. Since the animated blockbuster is only a few months away, the animation may be at least partly completed. And if Bo Peep was planned to use her accessory heavily in the film, there just might not be a way to write it out at this point.
The Toy Story franchise has been going strong since the original movie opened back in 1995. It quickly became a classic, with Woody and Buzz flying into the hearts of both the kids and their parents. Toy Story 2 followed quickly thereafter, while the fandom was left to wait (and age) a number of years before the threequel arrived in theaters in 2010.
Toy Story 3 picked up on Andy as he packed up for college, and decided what to do with his childhood toys. After they go on a wild adventure and nearly burning to a crisp, Andy ultimately passed on his toys (including Woody) to a little girl named Bonnie.
But throughout the threequel, one question nagged hardcore fans of Toy Story franchise: where the hell is Little Bo Peep? Bo was voiced by Designing Women icon Annie Potts, and was a porcelain figure attached to Andy’s sister’s lamp. She shared a romance with Woody throughout the first two films, but she was noticeably absent from the third installment.
Little information was given about Bo Peep’s fate, save that she was eventually disposed of by Andy’s sister as the siblings grew up. Since she was made of such a breakable material, things weren’t looking good for Bo as the narrative moved on.
But she’s finally returning for Toy Story 4, having survived all these years on her own. Sometime during the group’s journey on a road trip, Woody runs into his former flame, and audiences will get the chance to catch up with Annie Pott’s character.
While we’ve only gotten a few brief glimpses at Bo Peep, but she’s already in a bit of hot water with PETA. It remains to be seen if the character’s signature crook will ultimately end up cut, although that does seem unlikely. Even in the first two films, Bo regularly used the tool in Andy’s room, even pulling in Woody for a kiss.
Woody’s fans are no doubt happy that he’ll find love again, after being completely focused on Andy in his last appearance. And while Buzz and Jessie have each other, the primary love story took a backseat in the threequel.
Toy Story 4 only recently wrapped, with the voice cast finishing up their roles for the animated blockbuster. It’s unclear if the fourth movie will be the franchise’s last, but it appears that the studio has been a very emotional place. Both Tim Allen and Tom Hanks have posted about just how high the stakes feel, and how hard it’s been to get through the upcoming movie’s serious dialogue.
The Toy Story franchise is always one that has included adult issues, with Toy Story 3 being arguably the most serious and tear-inducing. Knowing how the entire third act reduced its audience to puddles years ago, smart money says that Disney and company are going to keep the tears coming with the upcoming installment. So bring you tissues, Cowboy.
Toy Story 4 will arrive in theaters on June 21st, 2019. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
