Entertainment

Toy Story 4 announced by Pixar for 2017

Toy Story 4 has been announced by Pixar, for release in June 2017. John Lasseter will direct, bringing Woody, Buzz and friends back to the big screen.

John Lasseter will direct upcoming installment, promises new chapter in lives of Woody, Buzz and friends

Woody, left, and Buzz Lightyear, from the animated film Toy Story. Disney Pixar announced it plans to produce Toy Story 4. Pixar chief John Lasseter will direct the film, which is set for release in June 2017. (AP Photo/Disney Pixar)

Buzz Lightyear and Sheriff Woody are coming back to the big screen.

Disney Pixar announced Thursday it plans to produce Toy Story 4, with a release date in June 2017.

Pixar chief John Lasseter will direct the film.

Lasseter directed the first two Toy Story films and says his team has come up with a new idea for the franchise that he can't stop thinking about. He says the fourth Toy Story installment will "open a new chapter" in the lives of Woody, Buzz and their playful pals.

The first Toy Story movie was released in 1995 and went on to earn over $361 million US worldwide. Toy Story 2 came out in 1999, followed by Toy Story 3 in 2010. Both sequels earned critical acclaim and huge box office success. Toy Story 3 won two Academy Awards for best animated feature and best original song. 

With files from CBC News