Jim Hanks, the younger brother of Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks, has revealed that he has secretly voiced the iconic character Woody in Toy Story merchandise and theme parks for 30 years. While Tom, 69, has voiced Woody in all five films, including the recently released Toy Story 5, Jim has been the voice behind toys and Disney park appearances since 1995.
Jim, 65, told Metro: 'Someone said to me, “I feel like your voice is more Woody than Tom’s.”' He explained that he never worked with Tom on the voice, as Disney and Pixar are 'really protective of it.' Jim said, 'Woody’s really important to me. I mean, the whole franchise is. I love the whole franchise, and working with Disney and Pixar on it.'
Jim Hanks' Voiceover Career and Challenges
Jim has voiced Woody for 30 years, but he also has other credits, including Scrubs, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Dexter, Sunset Beach, and the film Buford’s Beach Bunnies. He famously played Tom's body double in Forrest Gump, particularly in running scenes. Jim joked, 'I might just claim the pinky toe, that’s all. That’s my part of it.'
Despite the opportunities, Jim admitted that being Tom's doppelgänger has impacted his on-camera career. 'I don’t get to walk in with an invisible suitcase with two Oscars in them... they’re comparing me to what Tom does. It has impacted my on-camera career. It hasn’t impacted my voiceover career.' He has since pivoted to writing and behind-the-camera work.
AI and the Future of Woody
Tom Hanks recently acknowledged in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that Disney could use AI to voice Woody in future sequels. Jim expressed strong feelings against AI: 'I would prefer to step in for him rather than they use AI, and I really don’t think they would do that. I think he’d probably go, “Okay, I’ll do Woody again.”' Jim is willing to take over if needed.
Jim recalled a lunch with Tom after Toy Story 4, where Tom said, 'Now, Woody is yours.' But when Toy Story 5 was announced, Tom jumped back in. Jim said, 'And then 5 came along, and Tom jumped back in, so, oh well!'
Play Them Forward Toy Donation Event
Jim is supporting ODEON Cinemas' 'Play Them Forward' toy collection event this weekend (June 27 and 28), coinciding with Toy Story 5 screenings. He encouraged fans to donate well-loved toys to children in need, saying, 'It’ll give people a nice feeling letting those well-loved toys continue their life.' Participating locations are available across the UK and Ireland.
