Ernie Hudson is stepping into some legendary boots — or, in this case, action-figure shoes — as he takes over the voice role of Combat Carl in Toy Story 5, a character originally brought to life by the late Carl Weathers.
The move comes just over a year after Weathers passed in February 2024 at 76, following complications from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The actor, who famously portrayed Apollo Creed and Colonel Dillon, voiced Combat Carl in Toy Story of Terror! and again in Toy Story 4, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide. And now, Hudson — a familiar face (and voice) across generations — will carry that torch forward in the next chapter of Pixar’s iconic franchise.
A Fitting Successor
If anyone understands legacy, it’s Ernie Hudson. From his work in Ghostbusters to The Crow, Grace and Frankie, and Quantum Leap, Hudson has made a career of playing grounded, commanding characters — often in roles that mirror the strength, steadiness, and humanity Carl Weathers brought to the screen.
Now, Hudson is bringing that energy to Combat Carl — a G.I. Joe-style figure who, fun fact, was loosely inspired by Weathers’ Predator character. He’ll also reportedly voice Combat Carl Jr., who audiences met in Toy Story 4.
And while Toy Story 5 will no doubt lean into heart and humor, this casting isn’t just about filling a role. It’s about honoring a legacy — and continuing a character that meant something to audiences, particularly Black viewers who saw Carl Weathers’ animated counterpart as more than a side toy.
What We Know About the Film So Far
Details on Toy Story 5 are still being kept under wraps, but what’s been teased sounds promising. Tim Allen, who returns as Buzz Lightyear, recently shared that the film has “an unbelievable opening scene with Buzz” and will center “a lot about Jessie,” the beloved cowgirl voiced by Joan Cusack. Allen also confirmed that Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz will “realign,” setting up a reunion that long-time viewers will be eager to see.
Behind the scenes, the film is in the hands of Oscar-winner Andrew Stanton (WALL-E, Finding Nemo), with Jessica Choi producing and Pete Docter executive producing. Anna Faris has also joined the cast in an undisclosed role.
The film is slated to hit theaters June 19, 2026.
Hudson’s Busy Slate
This isn’t Hudson’s first rodeo when it comes to voice acting — his credits span Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Transformers Prime, and Puppy Dog Pals. He also recently reprised his role as Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, proving that franchises know the value of calling in a seasoned pro.
Up next, Hudson’s keeping the momentum going with Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole, a horror mash-up with a public-domain twist, and Famous, starring Zac Efron and Phoebe Dynevor.
And while this might not be the Marvel role he once said he had his eye on, landing in the Pixar/Disney world is still a major win — especially when it means preserving the spirit of another icon.
A Legacy That Lives On
Carl Weathers didn’t just play Combat Carl — he was the blueprint. From his physicality to his voice, he brought weight and warmth to a character that could’ve easily been a throwaway sidekick. That’s why it means something for another Black Hollywood veteran to pick up where he left off.
Ernie Hudson knows how to hold it down. And come summer 2026, he’ll remind a whole new generation why Combat Carl isn’t just a toy — he’s a hero.