Papa Johns Launches ‘Pizza Planet’ Pop-Ups for Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5
Papa Johns has unveiled an imaginative new global campaign inspired by Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated film Toy Story 5, transforming the beloved Pizza Planet concept from the iconic movie franchise into real-world interactive experiences. The initiative marks one of the company’s most ambitious entertainment collaborations to date, blending nostalgia, immersive dining, gaming, collectibles, and family-friendly entertainment to celebrate the theatrical release of the newest Toy Story installment on June 19.
As part of the collaboration, Papa Johns will launch four specially designed Papa Johns Pizza Planet pop-up experiences across major international cities throughout June, including London, Seoul, Madrid, and Los Angeles. Inspired by the legendary sci-fi pizza arcade that first appeared in the original Toy Story film in 1995, the temporary venues are designed to recreate the magic and imagination of the animated universe while introducing a modern twist for today’s audiences.
The Pizza Planet setting has long been one of the most memorable locations in the Toy Story franchise. Known for its glowing neon signs, arcade games, claw machines, aliens, and energetic atmosphere, the fictional restaurant became an instantly recognizable symbol for generations of moviegoers. Through this new campaign, Papa Johns is bringing that cinematic world into reality, allowing fans to physically step inside a reimagined version of the iconic pizza arcade.
Each Papa Johns Pizza Planet pop-up will feature immersive décor inspired by the films, combining retro-futuristic aesthetics with playful interactive elements. Guests entering the venues will encounter themed environments filled with references to favorite Toy Story characters and scenes, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary experience. The spaces are intended to transport visitors into a world driven by creativity, imagination, and play — themes that have defined the Toy Story franchise for more than three decades.
Designed as retro-inspired pizza arcades, the pop-ups will offer fans the chance to enjoy pizza while interacting with themed entertainment zones, collectible displays, arcade-style activities, and surprise experiences. Papa Johns said the goal is to encourage families and friends to reconnect over food and shared memories, reflecting the emotional themes at the center of the Toy Story films.
A major highlight of the collaboration is the launch of a limited-edition Toy Story 5 themed menu available exclusively during the promotional period. The menu includes specially named pizzas such as Space Ranger Roni, Sheriff’s Roundup, and Reach for the Pie. Each pizza concept draws inspiration from iconic characters and moments from the franchise, giving fans a playful way to celebrate the movie through food.
In addition to themed pizzas, the campaign introduces exclusive Toy Story 5 packaging, collectible items, and limited-edition merchandise created specifically for pizza lovers and longtime fans of the animated series. Papa Johns is also incorporating surprise giveaways and promotional activations into the pop-up experiences, with prizes and collaborations involving global brands including adidas and Belkin.
The company emphasized that the campaign is designed not only for those who can attend the pop-up locations, but also for fans around the world. From May 26 through July 19, Papa Johns restaurants globally will offer the special Toy Story 5 themed menu, giving customers across multiple markets the opportunity to participate in the celebration regardless of location.
Beyond the restaurant experience, Papa Johns is also expanding the collaboration into the digital space through interactive gaming. The company announced the launch of its first-ever in-app game, titled Operation Pizza, available exclusively in the United States for Papa Rewards members beginning June 1, 2026. The game will run for one month and will allow users to unlock Papa Rewards perks and incentives while participating in themed gameplay inspired by the Toy Story universe.
The addition of the mobile gaming experience reflects a broader strategy by Papa Johns to engage younger audiences and digitally connected consumers through entertainment-driven marketing initiatives. By integrating gaming, loyalty rewards, and movie-inspired storytelling into its app ecosystem, the company hopes to deepen customer engagement while strengthening brand affinity.
Jenna Bromberg, Chief Marketing Officer at Papa Johns, said the collaboration reflects the deep connection between pizza, movie nights, and shared family experiences. According to Bromberg, Toy Story has been part of family traditions for decades, whether enjoyed in movie theaters or during gatherings at home around the dinner table.
She explained that bringing Papa Johns Pizza Planet to life provides an opportunity to celebrate those traditions while creating new experiences for fans of all ages. Bromberg added that the activation was designed to recreate the warmth and excitement associated with gathering together over something familiar, comforting, and fun.
Chris Lyn-Sue, Senior Vice President and General Manager of International at Papa Johns, highlighted the global and multi-generational appeal of both Toy Story and pizza. He noted that the animated franchise continues to resonate with audiences around the world, much like pizza remains a universal centerpiece for social gatherings and family meals.
Lyn-Sue said the Pizza Planet concept already holds a strong emotional connection for many fans because of its memorable role in the films. By bringing the fictional restaurant into the real world, Papa Johns hopes to provide fans — both longtime followers and younger audiences discovering the franchise for the first time — with an opportunity to create new memories together.
The collaboration also received strong support from Disney. Lylle Breier, Executive Vice President of Partnerships and Events at The Walt Disney Studios, said the company is excited to work alongside Papa Johns to transform a beloved cinematic location into a real-world experience fans can enjoy firsthand.
Breier emphasized that Toy Story has always centered on themes of friendship, imagination, and shared moments, and she noted that the Pizza Planet activations align naturally with those values. She added that the campaign gives audiences the opportunity to step directly into the Toy Story universe while creating memorable experiences with friends and family.
The campaign arrives as excitement surrounding Toy Story 5 continues to build ahead of the film’s theatrical debut. The Toy Story franchise remains one of Disney and Pixar’s most successful and culturally influential animated series, beloved for its emotional storytelling, memorable characters, and enduring themes about friendship and growing up.
For Papa Johns, the collaboration represents a major opportunity to combine entertainment, nostalgia, and experiential marketing into a global customer engagement strategy. By connecting one of the world’s most recognizable fictional pizza restaurants with its own brand identity, the company is positioning itself at the intersection of food, pop culture, and immersive entertainment.
Fans interested in participating in the campaign can visit their local Papa Johns restaurants to learn more about available Toy Story 5 menu offerings and regional Pizza Planet experiences. With immersive pop-ups, collectible merchandise, themed menu items, and interactive gaming experiences, the campaign aims to turn a fictional movie location into a real-world celebration of pizza, imagination, and shared memories.
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