‘Toy Story’ Co-Stars Tim Allen and Tom Hanks Reflect on 30 Years of Friendship

Tim Allen and Tom Hanks are reflecting on 30 years of friendship as they reunite for "Toy Story 5." The longtime co-stars open up about their bond — from a frosty first meeting to a friendship built to last.

Tim Allen and Tom Hanks are reflecting on three decades of friendship as the two legendary actors celebrate the release of the fifth installment of their beloved franchise, "Toy Story."

Allen and Hanks have lent their voices to best friends Woody and Buzz Lightyear, but their connection has always extended far beyond the screen. After years of collaborating on the films, the two have never been closer.

"We completely, whether surface or subsurface, completely connected as two individuals," Allen, 72, told Us Weekly in a new cover story exploring the costars' bond. "Almost like we're related."

Allen — who has voiced toy spaceman Buzz alongside Hanks' cowboy Woody since 1995's "Toy Story" — notes that their relationship, much like the toys they play, has evolved considerably over the years.

Before their first meeting, the "Last Man Standing" star was already well acquainted with Hanks' work. He explained that after years on the road as a successful stand-up comedian, he was offered a TV adaptation of "Turner and Hooch," inspired by Hanks' 1989 film of the same name.

"I said, 'Didn't Hanks already do this?'" Allen recalled of his conversation with Disney, noting that "comics don't do that." He ultimately turned the role down, but would go on to meet Hanks after both were cast for "Toy Story."

"All I remember is he's kind of a very independent little kid," Allen said of their first encounter. "I came from a very large family, he did not come from a very large family."

Those differences came to a head in one particular moment that has stayed with Allen ever since — the now-infamous french fry incident. "I wasn't being funny. I said, 'What are you doing?' And he goes, 'Eating some of your fries?'" Allen recalled. "And I was actually very angry, and then he started laughing."

He echoed the same story in a separate interview with Empire magazine, saying, "When I met him [...] well, I wasn't all that thrilled with him. Because he ate French fries off my plate."

Allen remembers pointing out that Hanks seemed unbothered by his reaction — but Hanks knew exactly what he was doing. "He goes, 'Yeah, I can see that.' And just kept on it," Allen added with a laugh. "And that's the type of guy he is."

Doubling down on his position, Allen put it plainly, "I grew up around a lot of children and Tom did not. We did not ever share."

By "Toy Story 2," though, the pair had become firm friends — a shift that came when they both recognized they were part of something far greater than themselves.

"We started to realise we were in the midst of something that was quite grandiose, and perhaps we needed a check on our hubris," Hanks said. "So we started getting together. It's good for the soul when Tim and I get together. And we cause some really good triple-takes when we're out."

The "Forrest Gump" star added that both he and Allen feel a deep sense of gratitude for their place in the franchise, pointing to the generations of fans who continue to share how much the films have meant to them.

"That's an emotional and very important thing that came out of something that Tim and I deserve a tiny modicum of credit for. It's all been a gift," Hanks said.

Allen, who says he still enjoys revisiting the "Toy Story" films, attributed their enduring friendship in part to a foundation of shared values and intellectual curiosity.

"I mean, it seems like I really know this guy, and sometimes we're standing there together, we look kind of similar," he said, laughing at the occasional resemblance. "We relate on so many levels that I don't relate with anybody else."

He continued, "We read deep books. He writes very good stuff. I have a very strong interest in philosophy and metaphysics, and so does he. And he loves warfare, and he's so honorable to our vets and the military, as am I, and we get along."

Thirty years on, it seems the friendship between Allen and Hanks is as strong as ever — proof that even the most unlikely bonds can stand the test of time.