Disney Used a “Decoy” Cut of Toy Story 5 to Keep Taylor Swift’s Song Contribution Confidential

Disney produced a “decoy version” of Toy Story 5 to keep Taylor Swift’s involvement hidden, even from most of the cast and crew.

On June 5, Swift released “I Knew It, I Knew You,” a song she co‑wrote and produced with Jack Antonoff specifically for the film. The track is sung from the perspective of Jessie and sees Swift returning to her country‑music roots.

The movie premieres on June 19, but Swift’s participation was only officially confirmed in recent days, despite the project being in development for several years. Speculation among Swift’s fans had been intense, amplified by a cryptic countdown she posted on her website in May.

Thomas Jordan, a visual‑effects supervisor on the film, disclosed that many crew members were unaware of Swift’s contribution.

Speaking at a SXSW London panel, Jordan explained that only “a very small group” knew about “I Knew It, I Knew You.” Disney and Pixar showed press and staff a version of the finished film that omitted the song.

“The crew that made Toy Story 5 didn’t learn about this secret until last week,” Jordan said, citing Variety, and noted that a “decoy version” was used in early previews.

“Turns out, Taylor Swift is a huge Toy Story fan, like many of us,” Jordan added. “She saw an early cut, requested a screen‑ing before it was finished, wrote the song, and then asked us if we wanted it. We said, ‘Yes!’ That happened in February, and we’ve been keeping it under wraps ever since.”

After the announcement, Swift wrote: “I’ve always dreamed of writing for these characters I’ve adored since I was a five‑year‑old watching the first Toy Story. I fell instantly in love with Toy Story 5 when I saw it in its early stages, and I wrote this song as soon as I got home from the screening. Sometimes you just know, right?”

She also posted a childhood video dressing as Jessie, noting, “Writing this song felt like a musical departure and coming home at the same time.”

“Creating something for Jessie was a new challenge and also felt like second nature all at once. Being a @toystory kid from the age of five until now… is an adventure I plan to continue, to infinity and beyond.”

The sequel picks up after Woody stays with Bo Peep at the end of the previous film. Jessie now leads Bonnie’s room, with Buzz Lightyear as her second‑in‑command, while Bonnie has developed a new favorite toy—a frog‑like tablet named Lilypad.

Bad Bunny also joins the soundtrack, revealed to voice a talking pizza slice named “Pizza With Sunglasses,” described as a forgotten toy living in an abandoned backyard shed.

Source link