Taylor Swift is officially joining the world of Toy Story. Disney and Pixar announced today that the 14-time Grammy Award winner, and one of the biggest musical stars on the planet, has written and recorded an original song titled “I Knew It, I Knew You” for Toy Story 5. The new single, which was written and produced by Swift alongside longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, will be released on June 5th ahead of the film’s theatrical debut on June 19th.
“I Knew It, I Knew You” Is Inspired by Jessie’s Journey
According to Disney and Pixar, the song is inspired by Jessie’s (voiced by Joan Cusack) emotional journey throughout the Toy Story franchise and marks a return to Swift’s country roots. The track blends elements from across Swift’s career while reflecting the themes that have defined Jessie’s story since her introduction in Toy Story 2. The song will also appear on the official Toy Story 5 soundtrack when it launches alongside the film.
Heartbreak Coming for Jessie Fans?
While this is pretty massive news from an entertainment business perspective, and for fans of both Taylor Swift and the Toy Story franchise, one can’t help but wonder what this means for Jessie in the upcoming film. Bringing in a massive global superstar to pay homage to her story is an incredible way to give Jessie the spotlight she deserves, but knowing Pixar, it could very well mean that fans need to be prepared for some heartbreak.
Director Praises Swift’s Contribution to the Film
Director Andrew Stanton praised Swift’s contribution, saying her connection to Jessie and understanding of the character’s emotional journey made the collaboration feel natural. The announcement follows a mysterious marketing campaign featuring “TS” billboards with Jessie dancing and a themed countdown on Swift’s official website. Fans can also pre-order one of three exclusive CD editions beginning today on Swift’s official website, each featuring the film version of the song along with acoustic and piano renditions.
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TAYLOR SWIFT ANNOUNCES NEW ORIGINAL SONG
“I KNEW IT, I KNEW YOU” FOR DISNEY AND PIXAR’S “TOY STORY 5”
NEW SINGLE RELEASES THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 5
“Toy Story 5” Debuts Exclusively in Theaters June 19
BURBANK, Calif. (June 1, 2026) – Following the history-making success of her latest album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” 14-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Taylor Swift has announced a brand-new original song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” for Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated June 19 theatrical release “Toy Story 5.”
The new song—written and produced by Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff—releases wherever music is streamed and purchased on Friday, June 5. The single will be featured on the “Toy Story 5” soundtrack when it releases on June 19.
Pre-sales begin today on Taylor Swift’s website for three exclusive CD editions that feature the new single as it appears in the film, a special acoustic version, and a special piano version, all with unique vocals and production.
Inspired by the rootin’ tootin’ cowgirl Jessie’s ongoing journey in “Toy Story 5” that began back in “Toy Story 2,” “I Knew It, I Knew You” also marks a return to Taylor Swift’s country roots, blending styles that have defined her record-breaking career as a songwriter and artist.
“Toy Story 5” director and screenwriter Andrew Stanton said, “It’s incredible just how meaningful it’s been having Taylor write and perform this song. Her connection to Jessie and the immediate way she understood what the character was going through was undeniable. The song is so deeply connected to ‘Toy Story.’ So much so that on first listen, it instantly felt like it had always belonged there, like a long-lost family member. It was kismet.”
The announcement follows a series of “TS” billboards—a play on “Toy Story” and Taylor Swift’s shared initials—that appeared over the weekend in LA, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Toronto, Mexico City and London. Today’s announcement was preceded by a “Toy Story 5”-themed countdown on Taylor Swift’s official website, as well as on billboards in New York and Los Angeles.
ABOUT DISNEY AND PIXAR’S “TOY STORY 5”
The toys are back in Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” and this time it’s Toy meets Tech. Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen), Jessie (voice of Joan Cusack) and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad (voice of Greta Lee), a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same? “Toy Story 5” is directed by Academy Award® winner Andrew Stanton, co-directed by Kenna Harris, produced by Lindsey Collins, p.g.a., and written by Stanton and Harris from a story by Stanton. The film features an original score by Oscar® winner Randy Newman, who returns to score his fifth “Toy Story” feature. “Toy Story 5” is rated PG and releases exclusively in theaters June 19, 2026.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
