Toy Story Christmas Special Announced for This Holiday Season!

After the success of this past Halloween's 'Toy Story of Terror,' Pixar and ABC have announced another new holiday-themed 'Toy Story' TV special: the Christmas-themed 'Toy Story That Time Forgot' which will premiere later this year. So, what can we expect as Buzz, Woody and friends meet up with Santa?

Well, it looks like Santa will be gone by the time the TV special starts, as the story will actually unfold after Christmas when a fresh batch of toys have arrived to start trouble. Says the official press release:

During a post-Christmas play date, the 'Toy Story' gang find themselves in uncharted territory when the coolest set of action figures ever turn out to be dangerously delusional. It's all up to Trixie, the triceratops, if the gang hopes to return to Bonnie's room.

Returning voice cast for the project include Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, Kristen Schaal as Trixie, Wallace Shawn as Rex, Timothy Dalton as Mr. Pricklepants, Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Joan Cusack as Jessie. Joining the gang this time around is Kevin McKidd (who worked with Pixar recently on 'Brave') as Reptillus Maximus. Steve Purcell (who created the 'Sam & Max' comic series in the 80s and co-directed 'Brave' for Pixar) will make his directorial debut on the special.

No official air date has been announced, but we'll guess you'll see this shortly after Thanksgiving, with multiple airings throughout the month. What the success of the 'Toy Story' TV specials means to the long-rumored 'Toy Story 4' remains to be seen. Will Pixar eschew a formal sequel in lieu of repeated TV specials? Or, will they instead use some of these specials to keep interest fresh for a surprise in 2017 or beyond?