The world of electronic dance music and the nostalgic realm of children’s toys are colliding in a way no one quite anticipated. Australian music producer and DJ FISHER, known for filling massive festival stages at Coachella and holding down residencies in Ibiza, is officially trading his headphones for a pair of ceramic boots. Disney and Pixar have confirmed that the Gold Coast-born artist has joined the voice cast for the Australian and New Zealand release of the highly anticipated Toy Story 5.
And his role? A fiercely protective Garden Gnome.
A New Frontier for Australia’s Favourite Export
While the Toy Story franchise has historically welcomed massive Hollywood names, adding one of Australia’s most recognisable music exports brings a distinct local flavour to the local release. FISHER joins a sprawling ensemble that includes returning icons Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack, alongside high-profile newcomers like Greta Lee and Conan O’Brien.
For the artist, the move from the DJ decks to the recording booth is a welcome family milestone.
“I am incredibly excited to be part of Toy Story 5,” FISHER shared. “This is a franchise that my family and I have loved for years – I can’t wait to watch it with my kids.”
The casting represents a major shift in scenery for the producer, moving from high-octane global nightlife to a family-friendly universe that has spanned three decades.
When Classic Toys Meet Modern Tech
The premise of Toy Story 5 steps directly into contemporary parenting dilemmas, framing the narrative around a “Toy meets Tech” showdown. Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie find their traditional roles in Bonnie’s life severely threatened by the arrival of Lilypad, a sleek, brand-new tablet device voiced by Greta Lee. Lilypad comes packed with disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, forcing the classic gang to navigate a world where screen time is king.
FISHER’s character enters the fray as part of the outer fringes of Bonnie’s world. He voices Garden Gnome, a resident of a small, tight-knit community of forgotten toys relegated to an abandoned backyard shed. Despite being pushed aside for newer gadgets, this miniature lawn ornament is fiercely protective of his designated kid and, crucially, his teatime.
Behind the Scenes of the Fifth Instalment
Pixar has assembled its premier creative team to steer this tech-focused narrative. The film is directed by Academy Award winner Andrew Stanton, who has been a core creative force behind the franchise since the 1995 original. Kenna Harris co-directs, with Lindsey Collins producing.
Crucially for fans of the franchise’s classic emotional hooks, Oscar winner Randy Newman returns once again to compose the original score, marking his fifth consecutive time anchoring a Toy Story feature film.
The final trailer and a fresh batch of character posters have officially dropped, giving audiences their first real look at the impending generational clash between plastic action figures and digital screens. With advance tickets already on sale, the film is positioning itself as the definitive family cinematic event of the year.
Toy Story 5 releases exclusively in cinemas across Australia and New Zealand on June 18, 2026.
