Taylor Swift announces Toy Story 5 collaboration as fans sent into meltdown over new song for Disney film

It will arrive on streaming platforms and for purchase on Friday, June 5, ahead of the animated film's theatrical debut on June 19.

"It's a Toy Story," Swift wrote on Instagram today. "You knew it! My new original song I Knew It, I Knew You for Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5 will be yours on June 5th."

The 14-time Grammy winner added that she had dreamed of contributing music to the beloved franchise since watching the original as a five-year-old.

The track draws its inspiration from Jessie, the beloved cowgirl character first introduced in Toy Story 2, and represents a return to Swift's country music origins.

Director and screenwriter Andrew Stanton, who won an Academy Award for his work on the franchise, spoke warmly about the collaboration.

"It's incredible just how meaningful it's been having Taylor write and perform this song," Mr Stanton said.

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"Her connection to Jessie and the immediate way she understood what the character was going through was undeniable."

He described the track as feeling instantly at home within the Toy Story universe.

"So much so that on first listen, it instantly felt like it had always belonged there, like a long-lost family member. It was kismet."

Ms Swift revealed she penned the song immediately after viewing an early cut of the film.

The announcement came after days of online speculation sparked by mysterious billboards bearing the initials "TS" – a clever nod to both Toy Story and the singer's name.

These posters, featuring the franchise's distinctive blocky yellow lettering, appeared in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Toronto, Mexico City and London over the weekend.

Eagle-eyed fans noted the billboards displayed exactly 13 clouds against the iconic blue sky backdrop, a reference to Swift's well-known lucky number.

A Toy Story-themed countdown subsequently appeared on Ms Swift's official website, building anticipation before today's confirmation.

Pixar had fuelled the rumours further by sharing images of the billboard on its social media channels, while additional countdown displays went up in New York and Los Angeles.

Fans responded with predictable excitement over the news, with one writing on X: "We're going to get another emotional Jessie flashback scene in Toy Story 5, this time set to a Taylor Swift song."

"IT'S A TAY STORY," a second penned.

A third added: "This Disney adult Swiftie is OVERJOYED!!! Toy Story has always been my fav, and this makes the next movie even that much more special." (sic)

"Yall don’t understand how much this means to meeeeeee," another shared. (sic)

Someone else penned: "Can’t wait to hear it & I feel like a kid… I’m so excited for this movie! lol."

"EXCITED IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. CAN'T WAIT," a different X user wrote.

One more added: "SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED i feel like it will be a tear jerker, just the title is pulling at my heart strings!!!" (sic)

However, not all Toy Story fans were delighted by the news, with one sharing: "God do I hate Taylor Swift's music! I hope the song plays during the credits so I can leave as soon as the movie ends and I won't have to hear it!"

The fifth instalment in the Toy Story series sees Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, and Buzz Lightyear, played by Tim Allen, confronting their most formidable challenge yet: modern technology.

The beloved toys find their purpose under threat when Bonnie becomes captivated by Lilypad, a tablet device voiced by Greta Lee that arrives with its own ideas about what the child needs.

Joan Cusack returns as Jessie, who now leads Bonnie's room with Buzz as her deputy following Woody's departure at the end of the previous film.

Oscar winner Randy Newman has composed the score, marking his fifth contribution to the franchise.