For nearly three decades, Jessie has been one of the most beloved characters in the Toy Story universe. Since making her unforgettable debut in Toy Story 2, the spirited cowgirl has embodied loyalty, resilience, and the importance of finding where you belong. Now, as audiences prepare for Toy Story 5, Joan Cusack is once again bringing Jessie’s warmth and wisdom to a new generation of viewers.
During a recent interview with Black Girl Nerds, Cusack discussed some of the film’s deeper themes, including friendship, self-discovery, and the universal challenge of staying true to yourself while trying to fit in.
Why Friendship Feels More Complicated Today
One of the central questions explored in Toy Story 5 is how children navigate relationships in an increasingly complex world. When asked why friendship seems more difficult for kids today than it did for previous generations, Cusack pointed to the changing realities children and young adults face as they grow older.
“The environment of college and the environment of schools kind of gives kids an opportunity to make friends, unless they’re on their phones all the time,” she explained. “But when you get out of school, it gets harder because you have to make a community or find a community, and I think that can be really hard.”
Her comments highlight a challenge many adults recognize as well. While schools naturally create opportunities for social connection, building meaningful relationships later in life often requires more intentional effort. Finding people who share your interests, values, and experiences can be daunting, especially in a world increasingly shaped by digital interactions.
Cusack also emphasized the important role parents play in helping children develop healthy friendships.
“I love that Jessie pays attention to her kid,” she said. “If parents pay attention to their kids and see what they really need and see what kind of friendships work and don’t work, that’s a really important service that they should be doing.”
For Cusack, friendship is not something children should be expected to navigate entirely on their own. Guidance, support, and active involvement from parents can help young people better understand what positive relationships look like and how to build them.
“Kids can’t do it by themselves,” she added.
The Lifelong Journey of Self-Discovery
Another major theme in Toy Story 5 centers on the moment in childhood when fitting in begins to compete with being yourself. It’s a struggle that transcends generations, and according to Cusack, it never truly goes away.
“And so it’s just a lifelong thing about learning about yourself, I think,” she said.
Cusack believes that self-discovery is one of the most important parts of growing up, and that parents can play a crucial role in helping children understand who they are.
“Hopefully, if you’re a good parent, you help your kid learn about themselves so they know what their instincts are,” she explained. “They know themselves, so they know what kind of job they want to try to find.”
Rather than focusing solely on external achievements, Cusack emphasized the value of helping children develop self-awareness. Understanding your own instincts, interests, and strengths creates a foundation that can guide major life decisions, from friendships to careers.
“It’s such an important part of growing up,” she said, “learning about yourself.”
Lessons That Resonate Beyond Childhood
What has always made the Toy Story franchise so enduring is its ability to speak to audiences of all ages. While the films are centered on toys, their stories often tackle deeply human experiences—belonging, change, loss, friendship, and identity.
Cusack’s reflections suggest that Toy Story 5 will continue that tradition. Through Jessie and her relationships, the film appears poised to explore how children develop a sense of self while navigating the pressures of fitting in and finding their place in the world.
For parents, the message is equally meaningful: paying attention, listening, and helping children understand themselves may be one of the most important gifts they can offer.
As Jessie returns to the screen, she’s once again reminding audiences that friendship and self-discovery aren’t destinations — they’re lifelong journeys. And whether you’re a child figuring out where you belong or an adult still learning who you are, that’s a lesson that never goes out of style.
Toy Story 5 premieres in theaters June 19th.
