John Lasseter to return as director of the fourth instalment.

John Lasseter

The fourth entry in Pixar’s world-beating Toy Story franchise will open in the US on June 6, 2017.

Walt Disney Company chairman Bob Iger revealed the news in an earnings call on November 6. The film was previously known as 6/16/17 Untitled Pixar Animation.

John Lasseter will direct from a story he created with Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter and Lee Unkrich.

Lasseter directed the groundbreaking Toy Story in 1995 and the 1999 sequel with co-directors Ash Brannon and Lee Unkrich. Toy Story 3 was solely directed by Unkrich.

Disney executives have also confirmed the news announced earlier in the day that Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the new name of JJ Abrams’ eagerly awaited film, which is set to open wide in 3D on December 18, 2015.