Taylor Swift surprised the Toy Story 5 premiere audience after the movie ended.
The singer attended the June 9 Los Angeles premiere of Disney and Pixar’s new sequel, then returned after the screening to perform “I Knew It, I Knew You,” her original song for the film. People reported that the song plays over the movie’s credits and was written with Jack Antonoff.
Swift did not perform alone. After singing the new track, she brought out Randy Newman for “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” the song Newman wrote for the original Toy Story in 1995.
The appearance gave the premiere a second event after the screening itself, with Swift’s new soundtrack contribution and Newman’s franchise classic performed for the same audience.
Swift Sang After the Credits Rolled
View this post on Instagram
People reported that Swift changed out of the white Erdem minidress she wore on the red carpet and appeared after the film in a bright yellow gown. The outlet reported that the post-screening performance lasted about nine minutes.
Reuters reported that Swift performed at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and told the crowd it meant a lot to contribute to the Toy Story franchise. Newman then joined her for “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” connecting her new song to the music that has been part of the series since the first film.
I Knew It, I Knew You Was Written for Jessie
Disney announced “I Knew It, I Knew You” on June 1 and released the single on June 5. The company said the song was written and produced by Swift and Antonoff and will appear on the Toy Story 5 soundtrack when the film opens on June 19.
The song is tied to Jessie, the cowgirl voiced by Joan Cusack. Disney said director and screenwriter Andrew Stanton showed Swift an early version of the film, and Stanton said Swift understood what Jessie was going through in the new story.
People reported that Swift also released a music video for the song featuring Jessie moments from the Toy Story films.
The Premiere Brought Back the Toy Story Cast
View this post on Instagram
E! News reported that Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Greta Lee, Kristen Schaal, Craig Robinson, and other stars attended the Los Angeles premiere. Hanks returns as Woody, Allen returns as Buzz Lightyear, and Cusack returns as Jessie.
Greta Lee joins the franchise as Lily Pad, a smart tablet that pulls Bonnie’s attention away from her toys. Disney lists Toy Story 5 as a June 19 theatrical release, with Andrew Stanton directing and McKenna Harris co-directing.
People reported that the voice cast also includes Tony Hale, Conan O’Brien, Alan Cumming, Craig Robinson, Bad Bunny, and Lee.