Woody (Toy Story)

Woody
Toy Story character
First appearance	Toy Story (1995)
Last appearance	Toy Story 4 (2019)
Created by	John Lasseter
Voiced by	Tom Hanks
In-universe information
Full name	Sheriff Woody Pride
Species	Toy
Gender	Male
Occupation	Sheriff
Significant other	Bo Peep

Sheriff Woody Pride, commonly referred to as Woody, is a fictional character and the main protagonist in the Toy Story franchise created by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. He is a traditional pull-string cowboy doll and the leader of a group of toys that belong to a boy named Andy Davis. Woody is voiced by Tom Hanks in the films and by Jim Hanks in various video games and other media.

Character development

Woody was created by John Lasseter, the director of the first two Toy Story films. The character was originally conceived as a ventriloquist's dummy, but was later changed to a cowboy doll to make him more likable and relatable. Woody's design is inspired by classic cowboy characters from Western films and television shows.

Role in the Toy Story films

Toy Story (1995)

In the first film, Toy Story, Woody is the favorite toy of Andy Davis. He experiences jealousy and insecurity when Andy receives a new toy, Buzz Lightyear, for his birthday. Throughout the film, Woody learns to accept Buzz and they become close friends.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

In Toy Story 2, Woody is kidnapped by a toy collector named Al McWhiggin. He discovers that he is a valuable collectible from a 1950s television show called Woody's Roundup. Woody faces a dilemma between staying with his new friends from the show or returning to Andy.

Toy Story 3 (2010)

In Toy Story 3, Woody and the other toys are accidentally donated to a daycare center when Andy prepares to leave for college. Woody takes on the role of a leader, helping the toys escape and find a new home with a young girl named Bonnie Anderson.

Toy Story 4 (2019)

In Toy Story 4, Woody struggles with his new life with Bonnie and feels neglected. He reunites with Bo Peep and ultimately decides to stay with her, finding a new purpose in helping lost toys find homes.

Personality

Woody is characterized by his loyalty, bravery, and strong sense of responsibility. He is a natural leader and often takes charge in difficult situations. Despite his occasional jealousy and insecurity, Woody always puts the well-being of his friends first.

Relationships

Buzz Lightyear

Woody's relationship with Buzz Lightyear evolves from rivalry to deep friendship. They work together to overcome various challenges and support each other throughout the series.

Bo Peep

Bo Peep is Woody's love interest. Their relationship is rekindled in Toy Story 4, where Bo Peep plays a significant role in Woody's decision to stay with her and help other toys.

Andy Davis

Andy Davis is Woody's original owner. Woody's primary motivation in the first three films is to be there for Andy and ensure his happiness.

Cultural impact

Woody has become an iconic character in popular culture, representing the themes of friendship, loyalty, and leadership. He has appeared in various forms of media, including video games, merchandise, and theme park attractions.

See also

• Toy Story (franchise)
• Buzz Lightyear
• Bo Peep (Toy Story)
• Andy Davis (Toy Story)
• Pixar Animation Studios