After his emotional exit in the fourth instalment, during which he left to become a “lost toy”, Hanks returns as the beloved cowboy for the latest film, which sees the gang take on their latest threat – electronic devices.

Speaking to the Press Association at a launch event for Toy Story 5, Hanks reflected on why he chose to reprise his role for the upcoming film.

He said: “I trust the folks at Pixar so much that when they say, ‘Hey, we have an idea for the next Toy Story movie’, I don’t ask any questions.

“I just show up and say, ‘What do you need from Woody, and I will try to bring it forth for you’.

“When (director Andrew Stanton) asked, ‘you can do anything that you want to here, what do you think?’. He said, ‘I think there’s another Toy Story here’.

“I think everybody was surprised – us and the folks at Pixar as well – but here it is.”

The actor, known for movies including Forrest Gump (1994) and Cast Away (2000), also reflected on the new film being focused on the impact of technology, particularly on young children.

Hanks said: “I don’t think there’s anything more important than connection with another human being. Alas, screens and whatnot can seem as though that’s not necessary.

“All the characters in our movie come to realise that, look, these things are fun. With a screen, there’s an awful lot that you can do.

“But what it cannot do is give you the molecular connection with another human being, and life is not worth living alone.”

When asked whether another Toy Story film may be on the horizon, the star said: “We don’t know what’s coming down the pike, so I am not going to be surprised if it happens.

“If it does, I predict I will be delighted by what these folks come up with.”

The star wore a khaki green shirt and a dark grey plaid waistcoat, paired with black jeans and brown shoes, to the event at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square, London.

Hanks was flanked on the red carpet by his co-star Tim Allen, who voices superhero action figure Buzz Lightyear, and told PA that he thinks the new film is a “beautiful story” about friendship.

Allen, 72, also discussed the focus on technology in the upcoming film and said: “I find it courageous that they did it, because I think Disney will probably build that Lilypad; they’ll end up making that.

“What they did, is they looked at themselves and said, let’s not forget what engagement with other human beings is like. They went out there and they really hit it hard.”

Other stars in attendance at the event include US actress and producer Joan Cusack, who voices cowgirl Jessie in the film, as well as The Morning Show’s Greta Lee – who joins the cast as Lilypad the smart tablet.

Toy Story 5 will be available to watch in cinemas from June 19.