Fans of Pixar have had a disappointing year so far, as 2014 marked the first time since 2006 that moviegoers were not treated to a new feature film from the animation powerhouse. However, things are looking up in that department – with both Inside Out (which just debuted a teaser trailer) and The Good Dinosaur set for release in the summer and fall of 2015 respectively.


And today, we have news that will please Pixar fans even more. It turns out 2014 won’t be a total loss for the company, since they are bringing back the beloved Toy Story gang in their second TV special. ABC has announced that Toy Story That Time Forgot will air on the network at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2. Many of the principle voice actors from the films, including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, and Joan Cusack will be returning to reprise their roles.

ABC also revealed some plot details for the show, which will feature the toys in “uncharted territory” during post-Christmas play time with Bonnie. They come across a set of extremely impressive action figures that are apparently very delusional and dangerous. Trixie, the triceratops from Toy Story 3, will be tasked with helping the group return to safety in Bonnie’s bedroom.

Toy Story 3 Trixie and Woody New Toy Story Special Airing on ABC This December
Trixie will help Woody once again in the new TV special

For followers of the series, that synopsis should sound very familiar, as it borrows some elements from the 1995 original – namely the idea of “delusional” action figures. You may recall that Buzz Lightyear was not right in the head for most of Toy Story‘s running time; believing that he was, in fact, a real space ranger. There’s no information on what kind of delusions of grandeur these new characters will have, but if the franchise’s history is anything to go off of, it might be something similar.

During NYCC, there was a poster unveiled to promote the project, which was designed by artist Mike Mignola. Judging from this, it looks as if our heroes will face off against some new dinosaur toys who appear to be quite formidable. That’s presumably Reptillus Maximus (to be voiced by Kevin McKidd) at the top wielding the weapon. We can easily see where the “dangerous” aspect of the new figures comes into play and why the gang would be so eager to get back to their owner’s room. The Toy Story franchise is full of memorable villains, and these guys have a lot of potential to add to that legacy.

You can see the one-sheet below:

[CLICK FOR FULL SIZE]

Toy Story Time Forgot Poster 570x825 New Toy Story Special Airing on ABC This December

While there are rumblings of a Toy Story 4 that pop up every once in a while, it seems as if Pixar has determined that the best way to keep the brand going is to look outside the full-length pictures and use the other avenues available to them. Last year, Toy Story of Terror was a smash-hit in the ratings, and the studio has brought back the characters a few times for shorts played in front of other theatrical releases (Small Fry, Party on Rex, etc.). It’s a creative and cute way of illustrating the toys’ lives after Andy went to college, especially for tried and true fans.

We’d have to say that this is a wise decision. There would no doubt be a ton of intere$t in a fourth installment, but on a thematic level, many would agree that Toy Story 3 ended the series on the highest possible note. These anecdotes and specials are more than enough to keep us satisfied, and if they keep proving to be successful, Disney will be more than happy to sign off on more.

Toy Story That Time Forgot will air on ABC on December 2nd, 2014 at 8 p.m. ET.