Joan Cusack 'so grateful' for Jessie becoming lead character in Toy Story 5

Joan Cusack feels "so grateful" that her Toy Story character Jessie is the lead in the fifth instalment.

The School of Rock actress made her debut as the voice of the cowgirl doll Jessie in Pixar's 1999 animation Toy Story 2, and she subsequently returned for the sequels.

In the fifth film, Jessie takes over from Woody as the leader of Bonnie's toys and leads their fight against Bonnie's new frog-shaped tablet, Lily Pad. The story also gives viewers an insight into Jessie's life before her time with Andy and Bonnie.

During the UK Launch Event in London on Thursday, Cusack reflected on Jessie's journey to becoming a lead character.

"I'm just so grateful for (director Andrew Stanton), 'cause he did the whole beautiful thing in Toy Story 2 and what he wanted to do with Jessie's story in Toy Story 5, I was like, 'God, I can't believe it,'" she shared, before addressing Stanton directly. "But it was you doing it and I knew it would be unbelievable."

She continued, "It's hard work to make something not sentimental but powerful and real, and I think you did it, and it's so beautiful, and I'm so grateful to be part of it."

Stanton was touched by Cusack's words, calling her comments "the best compliment".

Franchise producer Lindsey Collins explained that she has wanted to tell Jessie's story since her introduction almost 30 years ago.

"Jessie's story is something that I've wanted since Toy Story 2... Jessie's running the room so we have the chance to actually tell Jessie's story for the first time," she said.

Referring to the gap between 2019's Toy Story 4 and the upcoming chapter, the Working Girl star assured fans that it's worth the wait.

"It took them seven years to make this movie. You guys thought about it for a long time to make it right, and you're gonna love it, it's so good," she praised.

The UK Launch Event marked Cusack's first red carpet appearance in 11 years. She was joined by her long-standing co-stars Tim Allen and Tom Hanks and new cast member Greta Lee.

Toy Story 5 will be released in cinemas on 19 June.