The Overwhelm of Forky
Tony Hale, who voices Forky, is new to the crew and is still working on the impact this new character is having already. From costumes, to the creation of the upcoming Disney+ show “Forky Asks A Question,” Hale is still working through the idea of being known as Bonnie’s new creation.
“It’s overwhelming, which helps because Forky is very overwhelmed. I remember when they brought me up to Pixar and they described him as he’s kind of nervous. I was like ‘check.’ He asked a lot of questions. CHECK. And he’s kind of gullible to a fault. It was like ‘bingo. I’m in.’”
Why Tony Hale Hearts Forky
Even with it’s overwhelm, Tony Hale had no choice but to fall in love with Forky. The reasons he loves this character are the reasons we all are going to love him — his innocence.
In my Toy Story 4 review for parents, I challenged them to ask their young kids two things after seeing the film, mostly centered around the newness and innocence of the Forky.
“I love that he sees everything as new. Mainly, I love that he’s a character that his home place is trash. That’s all he knows – is to help people eat soup. Then Woody comes along, and shares that he has a greater purpose in life. Anybody who might see themselves that way — they have worth. They have purpose. That’s just a beautiful message that Toy Story is giving us.”
Toy Story 4 Interview Gold – Bo and Woody together
One of the reasons this interview was so monumental, was having both Woody and Bo Peep in the same room. Annie Potts and Tom Hanks were fascinating to watch during this interview, because all Toy Story fans enjoy the low-key love story between Woody and Bo Peep.
Also, one treasure Annie and Tom shared with us was that they were able to record together for Toy Story 4. This was a new treat for both of them, since most voice-over work for animated films is done alone.
Tom Hanks shared his excitement with us:
“What was brand new on this one was that Annie and I got to record together at the same time. That never happens. You’re always in a sound stage by yourself, not being able to move off mic. We got to actually relate with this vast history between the two of us.
You leave a recording studio (and) the session thinking ‘wow, we took it pretty far there.’ But every time we showed up for the next one, something was revealed to us in the pages that they had for us. So we always knew what territory we were going into, but never the specific route.”
Tom said when Annie was able to look him in the eye and say “Oh Woody,” he couldn’t help but love it. Annie Potts said it a few times in our interview, and the whole press audience swooned. You just can’t beat that Bo Peep voice!
Annie Potts is Back – And We’re Here For it
I’ll have more details about the return of Bo Peep in our exclusive Toy Story 4 interview with Annie Potts, but we have to acknowledge the coolness of having Annie back as Bo.
Annie said “when Pixar calls, you answer.” Her return was so natural, and she said it was “lovely” to voice her again. She described Bo Peep as,
“A new improved, emboldened, courageous, seasoned gal.”
For instance, Annie noticed that Bo speaks a little differently now, since we missed her in Toy Story 3. More on that progression in our upcoming exclusive interview.
Toy Story 4 Is About Transition
The internet has been abuzz since the announcement of a 4th Toy Story film, and the question of “why” has been asked repeatedly. Josh Cooley answered this by giving us one word — transition. Once you see the film, you will wholeheartedly agree with this brilliant director.
“Every character in this movie has gone through a transition, is struggling with going through one, or has not gone through one.
Bo Peep has gone through a transition. Woody is struggling with moving from Andy’s room to Bonnie’s room. Forky doesn’t even want to transition at all.
And Gabby Gabby is kind of stuck in time. That’s part of the reason we put her in an antique store. Things are not changing around her and they’re dust everywhere. Even Duke is haunted by his past, as well.”
What a beautiful way to continue with the Toy Story franchise, while transitioning us (see what I did there?) into loving new characters.
Speaking of new characters, our next Toy Story 4 interview post features Gabby Gabby, Duke Caboom, and original fan favorite — Buzz Lightyear. Be sure to come back for our interview with Tim Allen, Keanu Reeves and Christina Hendricks.
Toy Story 4 hits theaters June 21st!
