Young Artist's Work to Feature Before UK Toy Story 5 Screenings
A distinctive painting created by an eight-year-old schoolboy from Blackpool, named Tommy, is set to be displayed before every UK screening of the highly anticipated film, Toy Story 5. Tommy emerged victorious in a competition to design the official British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) Black Card, which will precede the movie's opening this Friday.
His achievement was celebrated by the film's lead actors, including Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, during a preview event in London where Tommy walked the red carpet. Expressing his disbelief and excitement, Tommy shared, "I was really shocked to win. I felt happy, excited, amazed — so many emotions all at once! I didn't believe it at first."
Inspiration and Artistic Process
Tommy's winning design prominently features the feet of several characters from the Disney Pixar film, including the new character Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee. He explained his artistic choice, stating, "I just wanted to make something colourful, plus feet are easier to draw than faces!" He utilized acrylic paints along with various brushes and sponges to achieve different textures in his artwork. "I can't wait for my friends to see it in the cinema," he added.
Stars Congratulate Young Talent
At the London event, both Tom Hanks, the voice of Woody, and Tim Allen, who voices Buzz Lightyear, personally congratulated Tommy. They also signed a framed copy of his winning design. Joan Cusack, the voice of Jessie, and Greta Lee, who plays the new character Lilypad, initially announced Tommy's win in a special video. Upon seeing his artwork, Cusack exclaimed, "Did you draw that? That's amazing!" while Lee encouraged him to continue his creative pursuits.
Approaching Tommy on the red carpet, Hanks remarked, "Hey little kid! What's this?" before signing the framed design and saying, "Thanks for being here." A video shared by the BBFC captured Tommy's joyous reaction. A dedicated Disney fan, Tommy also informed Allen that Buzz was his favorite character, prompting a playful response from Allen, who joked about ensuring Hanks heard the comment. Director Andrew Stanton praised Tommy's work, suggesting, "You really did your homework… we'll have to hire you some day!"
The BBFC Black Card and Competition
Tommy's signature will also appear on the official BBFC Black Card alongside those of BBFC President Natasha Kaplinsky and Chief Executive David Austin. The competition garnered over 1,000 entries from across the UK.
As part of his prize, Tommy and his family enjoyed a winner's day experience in London, which included a behind-the-scenes tour of the BBFC. During the tour, Tommy learned about the film classification process from a BBFC Compliance Officer. The British Board of Film Classification is the independent regulator for film and video in the UK.
Natasha Kaplinsky, BBFC President, commented, "Tommy's design absolutely captures the spirit of Toy Story 5, and we are excited to see it on the big screen this summer. The film's theme of toys vs tech is particularly important as young people are navigating an online world that is more complex now than ever before." Charlotte Tudor, Vice President of Studios Marketing Disney and Animation at The Walt Disney Company UK and EMEA, also extended congratulations to Tommy, expressing excitement for his artwork to be seen in cinemas nationwide.
Source: Tom Hanks congratulates boy, 8, on Toy Story 5 artwork