“Toy Story 5,” the latest installment in Pixar’s long-running franchise, opened to strong box office results this past weekend, generating an estimated $160 million in domestic ticket sales and $152 million internationally for a global total of $312 million. This performance marks the biggest opening weekend of the year and sets a new franchise record, surpassing the $120 million debut of “Toy Story 4” in 2019.

The release arrives 31 years after the original “Toy Story” film premiered in theaters and continues to build on the series’ substantial success. Prior to this latest release, the franchise had grossed over $3 billion worldwide, in addition to billions more through merchandising. Despite initial controversy over continuing the storyline beyond what many considered a natural conclusion in 2010’s “Toy Story 3,” sequels have proven to be financially lucrative, with “Toy Story 4” crossing the $1 billion mark in ticket sales. Industry analysts expect “Toy Story 5” to reach similar thresholds.

The film, directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, finds the series’ beloved characters—Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie—facing new challenges as technology intrudes into their world, specifically through a tablet device named Lilypad introduced by the character Bonnie. The original voice cast returns, including Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, and Joan Cusack as Jessie. Production reportedly involved a crew of around 300 people working at Pixar’s Emeryville, California headquarters. Estimates on the film’s production budget vary, ranging from $150 million to $250 million, excluding marketing costs. The soundtrack features a new song by Taylor Swift titled “I Knew It, I Knew You.” Audience reception has been favorable, with the movie earning an “A” CinemaScore.

Although “Toy Story 5” achieved the second-highest opening weekend for an animated feature—behind only 2018’s “Incredibles 2,” which debuted with $182.7 million—it also contributes to broader industry optimism. Domestic box office figures are improving this year, with total ticket sales up from last year and projections indicating a potential return to near-pre-pandemic levels by summer’s end. Several high-profile titles are lined up for release in the coming weeks, including Warner Bros.’ “Supergirl,” Universal’s “Minions & Monsters,” Disney’s live-action “Moana,” Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” and Sony’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”

Meanwhile, Steven Spielberg’s latest sci-fi thriller “Disclosure Day” dropped to second place with $17 million in its sophomore weekend, experiencing a 61% decline from its opening. The film, with a production budget of approximately $115 million and starring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and Colman Domingo, has grossed roughly $160 million globally to date. Its steep week-to-week drop raises questions about its staying power during the competitive summer season.

Other new releases, such as A24’s “The Death of Robin Hood,” starring Hugh Jackman, struggled at the box office with a $2.6 million opening and mixed critical reception. The film’s modest $20 million budget and “C+” CinemaScore indicated a lukewarm audience response.

Overall, “Toy Story 5”’s robust debut underscores the enduring appeal of the franchise while contributing to a generally positive outlook for this summer’s theatrical season.