Taylor Swift gets emotional discussing her song for 'Toy Story 5', says she was "dazzled" by film
Los Angeles, June 12
Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, who penned 'I Knew It, I Knew You' for Pixar's upcoming animated film 'Toy Story 5', said she felt honoured to contribute to the beloved franchise.
People cited her interview to 'Good Morning America'.on Wednesday, in which the pop icon noted that she is the only songwriter to create music for a 'Toy Story' movie besides composer Randy Newman, who famously wrote its iconic theme "You've Got a Friend in Me" for the original 1995 'Toy Story'.
Swift turned emotional during the interview, People reported. Her song was officially released on June 5.
A preview shared by 'Good Morning America' features Swift and Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Conan O'Brien among the cast of the highly anticipated film, which is set to release in theatres on June 19.
"I felt wonderful knowing that I had Randy's blessing to write for this film given that I'm the first songwriter to get to partake in the Toy Story world outside of Randy," Swift said, according to People report.
Reflecting on her experience watching the film, she added, "I was absolutely dazzled by it. It is my favorite Toy Story movie."
Swift attended the film's Los Angeles premiere on June 9, where she surprised audiences by performing 'I Knew It, I Knew You' after the credits rolled. She also joined Newman, 82, for a performance of the franchise's iconic song, 'You've Got a Friend in Me'.
The Grammy-winning artist had first announced her involvement with the project on June 1, revealing that she wrote the song after watching an early screening of the film.
"I wrote this song as soon as I got home from the screening," Swift shared on Instagram.
The track is inspired in part by Jessie, the fan-favourite cowgirl character voiced by Joan Cusack.
"Writing this song felt like a musical departure and coming home at the same time," Swift wrote while announcing the song's release on June 5.
"Creating something for Jessie was a new challenge and also felt like second nature all at once. And being a Toy Story kid from the age of 5 till now... is an adventure I plan to be on, to infinity and beyond," she added.
A VFX supervisor associated with the film recently revealed during a SXSW London event that Swift completed the song in February and that even members of the film's crew were unaware of the collaboration until shortly before the announcement, according to People.
'Toy Story 5' brings back franchise veterans Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear and Joan Cusack as Jessie, alongside several returning cast members. Tony Hale reprises his role as Forky, while Conan O'Brien joins the voice cast as a toilet-training toy named Smarty Pants, according to People.
The film centres on a new conflict between the toys and a high-tech frog-shaped smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee, which becomes the latest addition to Bonnie's collection.
'Toy Story 5' is scheduled to hit theatres on June 19.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who grew up watching Toy Story in India, this is really heartwarming. Taylor Swift writing for Jessie makes perfect sense - she's always been about storytelling and emotions. Can't wait to see how the movie turns out!
I don't usually follow Western pop stars, but Toy Story is timeless. My kids watch it even today and love it. If Taylor Swift can add something meaningful to the franchise, then more power to her. But let's not compare her to Randy Newman please... 🙏
The fact that it's inspired by Jessie makes it even better! That cowgirl character always had such deep emotions in the earlier movies. Taylor Swift is a lyrical genius so I have high hopes. Also, Conan O'Brien as a toilet-training toy called Smarty Pants? 😂 That's pure gold.
I'm skeptical about Toy Story 5. The franchise has had its ups and downs, and sometimes sequels feel forced. That said, if Taylor Swift cried during the screening maybe it's genuinely moving? I'll wait for reviews but I'm not rushing to the theatre. 😶
Taylor Swift and Toy Story together - it's like a dream collaboration for me! Her songwriting has always been deeply personal and emotional, so I'm sure the Jessie-inspired track will be beautiful. Also, kudos to the VFX team for keeping the secret so well! 😊
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