One of the newest members of the Toy Story family is helping bring a familiar character back to the big screen in Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5.

Scarlett Spears, the young Puerto Rican actress who voices Bonnie Anderson in the highly anticipated sequel, recently spoke with Entertainment Affair’s Melissa Ramiz about joining one of animation’s most beloved franchises, her experience recording the film, and why the story’s themes still resonate with kids today.

For Spears, landing the role of Bonnie was especially meaningful because she has long been a fan of the Toy Story films. The opportunity also marked her first voice acting project, giving her the chance to explore a completely different side of performing. She described the recording process as both exciting and challenging, explaining that voice actors must rely heavily on facial expressions and emotion in the recording booth to help bring animated characters to life.

In Toy Story 5, Bonnie is now 8 years old and facing many of the same changes that children experience as they grow older. While she still loves her toys, technology has become an increasingly important part of her world. The film explores that shift through the arrival of Lilypad, a smart tablet that influences Bonnie’s daily life and challenges the role her toys have traditionally played.

Unlike Bonnie’s growing fascination with technology, Spears admitted she still gravitates toward traditional play. She shared that dolls remain among her favorite toys, making her an ideal fit for a character who continues to value imagination and playtime even as the world around her changes.

One of the highlights of the experience for Spears was finally seeing the completed film for the first time. As both a fan and a performer, watching Bonnie’s latest adventure unfold on the big screen was a memorable moment. While she remained careful not to reveal any story details, she teased that audiences can expect new characters, an impressive cast, and an emotional adventure that stays true to the heart of the franchise.

Spears has also embraced the colorful spirit of Toy Story off-screen. During the film’s promotional events, she wore a custom outfit inspired by the franchise, featuring bright colors and Toy Story-themed details that reflected the fun and creativity of the films themselves.

When discussing her favorite part of the franchise’s music, Spears pointed to Randy Newman’s iconic “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” a song that continues to capture the themes of friendship and loyalty that have defined Toy Story since the beginning.

As Bonnie continues to grow up in Toy Story 5, Spears helps bring a fresh perspective to a character audiences have watched evolve over multiple films. Her performance arrives at a pivotal moment for the franchise as Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang confront a world where technology increasingly competes with imagination for children’s attention.

Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 opens exclusively in theaters on June 19.