Joan Cusack teases emotional new side to Jessie in 'Toy Story 5'

Hollywood favourite Joan Cusack has declared her role in the Toy Story universe is the “most important” work of her entire career, and she’s not holding back on the praise for Jessie the cowgirl.

The 63-year-old star has returned once again to voice the much-loved character in Toy Story 5, continuing a journey that began back in Toy Story 2. 

And for Joan, it’s about far more than just animation and box office success as it’s about shaping young minds.

Speaking to ABC, she said: “It’s been the most important thing I’ve done in my whole life. That’s what kids watch. 

So to do something like that where you’re contributing to their world was fun to think about.”

The Shameless actress also teased that Jessie is stepping into a new era in the latest film, describing a more mature, emotionally layered version of the character. 

“She kind of grows up to be, in this film, a real leader. She’s brave, she’s fearless, it just gets to some emotional depth that is kind of unexpected,” she revealed.

Away from Hollywood, Joan says she’s been enjoying a quieter life in Chicago with husband Richard Burke and their two sons.

Meanwhile, music megastar Taylor Swift has caused a stir by writing a brand-new song, I Knew It, I Knew You, for the film, told from Jessie’s perspective. 

But the cast, including Woody himself Tom Hanks, admitted they were completely kept in the dark until the track dropped.

Tom, who returns alongside Tim Allen, also reflected on the franchise’s legacy, saying he and Allen realised during earlier films they carried a “great responsibility” to audiences.

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