Taylor Swift Made The 'Toy Story 5' Song in Just One Day, Producers Reveal

Published 06/10/2026, 2:42 AM EDT

via Imago

Taylor Swift wrote 'I Knew It, I Knew You' for Toy Story 5 in just one day after watching an early screening of the film, according to the movie's producers. Taylor Swift is no stranger to writing songs that resonate with millions, but her latest creative feat has left even seasoned filmmakers impressed. As excitement continues to build around Toy Story 5, new details have emerged about how one of the movie's most talked-about musical additions came together.

The beloved Pixar franchise has inspired generations of fans, and Swift’s connection to the series runs deeper than many realized. That personal bond would ultimately play a key role in a creative collaboration that surprised both audiences and the film's team.

Taylor Swift's remarkably fast creative process behind the film’s new track

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What began as a routine meeting quickly turned into something much bigger for the Toy Story 5 team. According to the film’s producers, Taylor Swift moved at an astonishing pace after getting an early look at the movie. According to the film’s producers, Swift moved at an astonishing pace after getting an early look at the movie. Her immediate response to the story reportedly left the filmmakers stunned, as the idea for a new song came together almost instantly. The experience highlighted both her creative instincts and her longstanding affection for the beloved Pixar franchise.

“We were in a meeting and somebody wants to talk to you. And by the end of that day she had written the song. She is a beast,” the producers recalled, speaking to Variety. 

The track, titled 'I Knew It, I Knew You,' was reportedly inspired by the film’s story and became an immediate favorite among those working on the project. Its emotional connection to Jessie’s journey helped it resonate strongly with the creative team from the start. Producers have since praised how naturally the song fit into the movie’s themes, making it a memorable addition to the franchise.

‘Toy Story 5’ Cast and Character Guide: Everyone You Need to Know

Taylor Swift’s rapid songwriting process has only added to the buzz surrounding the film, but the song’s deeper significance comes from the character who inspired it.

A nostalgic homecoming through Jessie’s story

To celebrate the release of 'I Knew It, I Knew You,' Taylor Swift shared a rare childhood video on X and Instagram on June 5. The clip showed a 5-year-old Swift dancing in a cowboy hat and boots, a fitting tribute to the song’s inspiration: Jessie the cowgirl. The track marks a return to the country-influenced storytelling that defined Swift’s early career.

Reuniting with longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, she crafted a song rooted in nostalgia while honoring one of Pixar’s most beloved characters. Taylor Swift revealed that writing from Jessie’s perspective felt both familiar and creatively rewarding. Reflecting on the experience, she shared her admiration for the franchise that shaped much of her childhood.

“Creating something for Jessie was a new challenge and also felt like second nature all at once. And being a Toy Story kid from the age of 5 till now is an adventure I plan to be on, to infinity and beyond,” she wrote on Instagram.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

She also described the song as both a fresh creative direction and a return to her roots. For Swift, 'I Knew It, I Knew You' was written with deep affection for characters who entertained, inspired, and taught valuable lessons to audiences throughout the years.

'Toy Story 5' Star Tony Hale Explains Why the Pixar Franchise Still Resonates Decades Later

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What do you think of Taylor Swift’s Toy Story 5 song? Let us know in the comments! 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Karishma Dasgupta

451 articles

Karishma is an entertainment journalist at Netflix Junkie. She enjoys digging deep into stories and bringing clarity to the often fast-moving world of entertainment. She holds a double Master’s degree in Fashion Business Management and Digital Marketing.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK