Don Rickles, known for his role as Mr. Potato Head in the ‘Toy Story’ franchise, passed away in 2017. With the recent announcement of ‘Toy Story 5’ set for a 2026 release, there are questions about the character’s future in the film.
Key Takeaway
Mindy Rickles, daughter of the late Don Rickles, is advocating for the use of her father’s archived audio to keep his iconic voice as Mr. Potato Head in ‘Toy Story 5’, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in portraying the character.
Daughter’s Hope
Mindy Rickles, Don Rickles’ daughter, is advocating for Disney or Pixar to consider using her late father’s archived audio to keep his iconic voice in the upcoming movie. She expressed her desire for her dad to be a part of the film, emphasizing the importance of using his authentic voice rather than artificial intelligence.
Previous Approach
When ‘Toy Story 4’ was released in 2019, the team utilized unused recordings of Don Rickles from previous movies, theme parks, video games, and even a live show to incorporate his character into the film. Mindy hopes a similar approach can be taken for ‘Toy Story 5’ to maintain the continuity of her father’s portrayal of Mr. Potato Head.
Uncertain Future
While Mindy has not been contacted by Disney or Pixar regarding the use of her father’s voice, she remains optimistic about the possibility. With the passing of Estelle Harris, the voice of Mrs. Potato Head, the direction for the characters in the upcoming movie remains uncertain.
