‘Toy Story 5’ was already one of the most emotional stories in the franchise, but it looks like Pixar almost took it to the next level with Jessie. The beloved cowgirl toy took center stage in the latest installment, finally confronting the pain that has followed her since ‘Toy Story 2’.
The heartbreak of being abandoned by her owner, Emily, had been with Jessie for years. It became one of the most emotional moments in Pixar history. While ‘Toy Story 5’ gave Jessie a sense of closure, an early version of the film almost featured a reunion that may have left audiences reaching for even more tissues.
Pixar Almost Reunited Jessie With Emily In ‘Toy Story 5’
Co-director and writer Kenna Harris says that an original idea for the film’s conclusion was for an older Emily to reunite with Jessie. In this version, Emily was a grandmother and would have introduced Jessie to her grandchild in the climax of the movie.
“Emily was now a grandmother and introduced her beloved childhood doll to her grandbaby in a touching climactic sequence. I drew this in exploration of that special, nostalgia-filled moment. Though the film ultimately went in a different direction, we always knew that Jessie’s special connection to Emily would be key to Toy Story 5,” she told Slashfilm.
The concept was conceived as a very nostalgic moment, in order to make the character come full circle after decades of their heartbreaking separation. The thought of the scene is enough to evoke emotions.
The deepest hurt that Jessie felt was that she was forgotten. It was one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the franchise, seeing Emily again after all these years, and finding out that she was still loved. Ultimately, Pixar decided to take a different approach.
Why The Final Ending Still Worked
The reunion never appears in the final cut of the movie, but the presence of Emily is at the core of Jessie’s story. Jessie doesn’t meet her old owner in person, but finds out that Emily named her daughter after her. It’s a lesser moment, but still a very powerful one.
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The ending isn’t about the past, but about the legacy and how toys can have an impact on the children who love them. That’s a subtle statement of power. It doesn’t take a dramatic reunion for Jessie to find peace.
Simply knowing that she remained an important part of Emily’s life is enough to heal a wound she carried for years. The choice also enabled the film to pay tribute to Jessie’s legacy while also introducing the audience to the newer characters, Bonnie and Blaze.
When it comes to ‘Toy Story 5’, it’s hard to say anything bad. However, the disclosure of Pixar’s original idea provides a fascinating look at what could have happened. For long-time fans, it’s an emotional “what if?” that Emily will meet Jessie again.
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