Toy Story 5 Created a Secret Decoy Version to Hide Taylor Swift’s Involvement. Pixar has managed to pull off one of the entertainment industry’s biggest surprises of the year. While anticipation for Toy Story 5 has continued to build, fans had no idea that one of the world’s biggest music stars had been quietly involved with the project for months. Now, new details reveal that not only did Taylor Swift write and perform an original song for the upcoming sequel, but Pixar reportedly went to extraordinary lengths, including creating a secret “decoy version” of the film, to ensure her involvement remained hidden until the official announcement.
‘Toy Story 5’ VFX Supervisor Says ‘Decoy Version’ of Film Was Created to Hide Taylor Swift’s Involvement
Fans were surprised when Pixar announced that Taylor Swift had written and recorded an original song for Toy Story 5, but it turns out the studio worked incredibly hard to keep the collaboration under wraps.
During a panel appearance at SXSW London, Toy Story 5 VFX Supervisor Thomas Jordan revealed that Pixar created a special “decoy version” of the film to conceal Swift’s involvement from both the public and much of the production team itself.
According to Jordan, only a very small group of people working on the project knew that Swift had contributed the original song “I Knew It, I Knew You” to the film. Early screenings shown to members of the press, Disney employees, and even some Pixar staff reportedly featured an alternate version of the movie that did not include the track.
“The crew that made Toy Story 5 did not know about this secret until last week,” Jordan explained during the event.
The secrecy appears to have been necessary to prevent leaks surrounding one of the film’s biggest surprises.
How Taylor Swift Became Part of Toy Story 5
Jordan also shared how the unexpected collaboration came together.
According to the VFX supervisor, Swift has been a longtime fan of the Toy Story franchise and requested to see an early version of the movie before it was completed. After viewing the unfinished film, she was inspired to write a song specifically for the story and characters.
“She wrote the song and then asked us if we wanted it,” Jordan recalled. “And we said, ‘Uh, yes! Yes we do.'”
The collaboration reportedly began in February, meaning Pixar and Swift’s team successfully kept the project hidden for several months before announcing it publicly.
The song, titled “I Knew It, I Knew You,” was officially announced on June 1 and released on June 5. The track marks a return to Swift’s country-inspired roots and quickly generated excitement among both Disney and Swift fans.
In a message shared on social media, Swift explained how much the Toy Story franchise meant to her growing up.
“I’ve always dreamed of getting to write for these characters who I’ve adored since I was a 5-year-old kid watching the first Toy Story movie,” Swift wrote.
She added that after seeing an early screening of Toy Story 5, she immediately felt inspired to create the song.
A Song Inspired by Jessie
While Pixar has not revealed every detail surrounding the film’s story, director Andrew Stanton offered insight into why Swift’s contribution felt like a perfect fit.
According to Stanton, Swift immediately connected with the emotional journey of Jessie and understood what the beloved cowgirl character was experiencing in the film.
“It’s incredible just how meaningful it’s been having Taylor write and perform this song,” Stanton said in a statement.
He went on to explain that the song felt deeply connected to the Toy Story universe from the very first listen.
“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.”
The song was co-written and produced by Swift alongside longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, marking the duo’s first major collaboration since the release of The Tortured Poets Department in 2024.
With Toy Story 5 already generating significant buzz among Disney and Pixar fans, Swift’s surprise involvement only adds another layer of excitement as audiences prepare to reunite with Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the beloved toy gang.
As Toy Story 5 continues its journey toward theaters, Pixar’s ability to keep Taylor Swift’s involvement a secret may be almost as impressive as the collaboration itself. Between the creation of a hidden “decoy version” of the film, Swift’s heartfelt connection to the franchise, and an original song inspired by Jessie, the sequel is already shaping up to deliver plenty of emotional moments for longtime fans. If the early reaction is any indication, this unexpected partnership could become one of the most memorable aspects of Toy Story’s next adventure.
You May Also Enjoy: Toy Story 5 Breaks a 31-Year Franchise Tradition with Its First-Ever PG Rating
Mouse Fan Travel® an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, has been planning and creating magical Disney vacations since 2005. Their mission is to provide premium service and expert advice to help you get the most for your vacation time and dollar. Their Disney Travel Agents operate with the highest degree of integrity and will handle your family vacation, reunion, honeymoon, corporate incentive trip or getaway, as if it were their own. They pride themselves on expertly representing and advocating for you – their client.
The next time you and your family are planning a Disney vacation, visit Mouse Fan Travel for your no obligation quote or to answer any Disney vacation questions you may have. Are you looking for a beach vacation, tour or cruise to destinations across the globe? Visit MEI-Travel for exceptional expertise with ZERO agency fees.