Following the massive, history-making success of her latest album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’, 14-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Taylor Swift has officially announced a brand-new original song for Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated feature, Toy Story 5. The new track, titled ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’, is set to release this Friday, June 5.
The single will be featured on the official Toy Story 5 soundtrack, which drops on the same day as the film’s theatrical debut, June 19, 2026.
Co-written and produced by Swift and her frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff, the song marks a significant creative step, signaling a return to Taylor Swift‘s country roots. The track is directly inspired by the ongoing journey of the spirited cowgirl, Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), whose story arc first began in Toy Story 2. The song is described as blending the different styles that have defined Swift’s record-breaking career as both a songwriter and artist.
Andrew Stanton, who serves as director and screenwriter for Toy Story 5, praised Swift’s involvement, calling it “incredible”. Stanton highlighted her deep connection to the character: “Her connection to Jessie and the immediate way she understood what the character was going through was undeniable”. He added that the song instantly felt like it “had always belonged there, like a long-lost family member. It was kismet.”
The announcement comes after a weekend of heavy speculation fueled by “TS” billboards—a clever dual reference to the film’s title, Toy Story, and Taylor Swift‘s shared initials. These advertisements appeared across major cities including LA, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Toronto, Mexico City, and London. Today’s news was also preceded by a Toy Story 5-themed countdown that ran on Swift’s official website and on billboards in New York and Los Angeles.
Fans eager to own the new single have multiple options starting today, as pre-sales have begun on Taylor Swift’s website for three exclusive CD editions. These editions feature the film version of ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’, along with a special acoustic version and a special piano version, all boasting unique vocals and production.
About Toy Story 5
Toy Story 5 is set to explore a new theme: Toy meets Tech. Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and the rest of Bonnie’s toys find their purpose challenged by the arrival of a new, disruptive tablet device named Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee).
The film is directed by Academy Award® winner Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris. It is produced by Lindsey Collins, pga, and written by Stanton and Harris from a story by Stanton. The score will feature a return by Oscar® winner Randy Newman, who is composing his fifth Toy Story feature. The film is rated PG and releases exclusively in theaters on June 19, 2026.
