Months of online speculation surrounding Taylor Swift and Toy Story 5 finally have an answer. Disney and Pixar have confirmed that the global pop superstar is contributing original music to the upcoming animated sequel, but she won't be joining the cast as a voice actor. Instead, Swift wrote and recorded a new song titled “I Knew It, I Knew You,” which will appear in the film, ahead of its June 19 theatrical release.
According to Deadline, the announcement follows a carefully orchestrated marketing campaign that sparked widespread curiosity. Beginning in late April, fans noticed a countdown on Swift's website featuring imagery reminiscent of the iconic Toy Story sky-and-cloud backdrop. In recent weeks, billboards displaying only the letters “TS” alongside cloud imagery appeared in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Toronto, Mexico City, and London.
At the same time, the artwork for 1989 (Taylor’s Version) quietly changed across streaming platforms, replacing its signature seagulls with clouds.
The reveal arrives during a relatively quiet period for Swift’s music career following the October release of her twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. It also comes roughly one year after the singer celebrated regaining ownership of her master recordings, a milestone that marked one of the biggest victories of her career.
According to Swift, the inspiration for the song came directly from an early screening of the movie. “I wrote this song as soon as I got home from the screening,” she said in a statement announcing the collaboration. “Sometimes you just know, right?”
The track was written with longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff and reportedly draws inspiration from Jessie’s ongoing story arc, which began in Toy Story 2. Disney says the song leans into Swift’s country roots, making Jessie—a cowgirl toy voiced by Joan Cusack—a fitting focal point.
Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton praised Swift’s contribution, saying, “Her connection to Jessie and the immediate way she understood what the character was going through was undeniable.” He added that the song felt so naturally connected to the franchise that it seemed like “a long-lost family member.”
The sequel itself introduces a new conflict centered on technology’s impact on childhood. Bonnie, now eight years old, becomes attached to a tablet named Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee, forcing Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and the rest of the toy gang to confront a changing world.
