Stepping Into the Toy Box: Jeff Bergman on Taking Over as Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story 5
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Veteran voice actor Jeff Bergman speaks with Polygon about stepping into the massive shoes of the late Don Rickles to voice Mr. Potato Head in the upcoming Toy Story 5.
Taking on a beloved legacy character is never easy, especially when the original voice is as iconic as the late Don Rickles. In a recent interview with Polygon, veteran voice actor Jeff Bergman discussed his upcoming role in Toy Story 5 as the new voice of Mr. Potato Head. Bergman, who has built a legendary career stepping into massive shoes like Bugs Bunny and Fred Flintstone following the passing of Mel Blanc and others, faces a unique challenge in honoring the legendary insult comedian who defined the role for the first three films.
While archival recordings were used for Rickles in Toy Story 4, Pixar ultimately decided a proper recast was necessary to keep the character alive for future installments. Bergman shared that his fandom for Rickles stretches back to his childhood in the 1960s when he used to secretly listen to comedy albums from the top of the stairs. That lifelong affinity for Rickles' signature rapid-fire delivery helped lay the groundwork for a performance that aims to respect the character's rich history while bringing fresh energy to the screen.
For modern audiences and cross-platform fans who have grown up alongside Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang, transitions like this highlight how enduring digital and cinematic franchises manage the passage of time. As Toy Story 5 approaches its release, the community will be watching closely to see how Bergman brings his precise impersonation skills to one of animation's most memorable toys. You can read the full interview over at Polygon.
Tags: Toy Story 5, Pixar, Animation, Entertainment, Gaming Culture
Original article: Polygon