Fine, here’s what happened to Andy’s dad.
A few months ago, I argued the theory that Andy’s mother is actually Emily, the girl who originally owned Jesse in Toy Story 2. The post quickly went viral, as many people began debating whether or not this is true, intentional, etc.
Since then, literally hundreds (if not thousands) of people have been asking me about Andy’s dad, and I’ve never wanted to address the issue for a few key reasons:
- It’s depressing.
- It’s depressing.
- It’s depressing.
You see, I love talking about theories like Andy’s mom and how all of the Pixar movies are connected because that’s tons of fun to think about. Andy’s dad? That’s just…well, you get it.
But I can see that a lot of you want to know anyway, and it’s really not that complicated. In fact, this is one of the few theories about Toy Story that I can confidently say is totally intentional.
The original theory was first posited by Jess Nevins, an incredibly talented writer who published his take on “Mr. Davis” back in 2010. I’ll elaborate on his theory and build upon it with my own insights.
Nevins claimed that Andy’s parents are going through a divorce during the events of the first Toy Story. Now, many of you probably saw that coming (it’s pretty obvious, after all), but it’s important to point out that this is not an amicable divorce. Andy’s dad left the family, and there’s plenty of evidence to confirm this.
Keep in mind that Andy’s dad is never mentioned or seen throughout the Toy Story movies. If it wasn’t for the rudiments of biology and procreation, then we could just assume that the guy doesn’t even exist. But he does, and all signs point to him walking out on his wife and kids.
The Obvious Clues
He may have left right before the first Toy Story started or months before, but one thing is certain: Andy’s dad did not die. If he had died, then why are there no pictures of him on the wall in the Davis house?
As you can see from this shot of Toy Story, Andy’s dad is not depicted in these family photos. If he had died, you’d think they would at least keep a picture of him up for the sake of honoring his memory.
Of course, you can argue that he died a long time ago, and the family has forgotten about him already. But if that’s the case, then how do you explain the fact that Molly (Andy’s younger sister) is a baby? He would’ve had to have died recently in order for her existence to be possible.
It makes more sense to assume that his pictures were taken down, and it would take something despicable on his part for that to happen.
To strengthen that point, Andy’s mom is spotted without a wedding ring at Andy’s birthday party in the first film. If Mr. Davis had died recently, then she would probably still be wearing it.
Now, I’ll admit that if you really want to, you can come up with a lot of diverting theories to explain all of this by saying Molly was conceived by some other man and that could be why the parents divorced. You could argue that the kids are adopted, or Andy’s mom just “gets around.”
But don’t you think the creators of Toy Story intended for this to be clear? In this case, the simple explanation is the more likely.
After all, the family is moving from a bigger house to a noticeably smaller one in Toy Story, which signals that Andy’s mom is having financial trouble. If she and Mr. Davis were getting a divorce, then he would at least be paying child support, but the family still has to make some sacrifices.
Oh, and the family gets a puppy. That’s pretty much the king of single mother clichés.
Childish Competition
The “deadbeat dad” theory also explains why Andy is so deeply connected with his toys, especially the masculine figureheads depicted by Woody and Buzz (who are both authoritative models as a “sheriff” and a “space ranger”).
What seems like a petty rivalry between two toys vying for Andy’s affection is really an allegory that Andy is playing out in his mind. In the end, their reconciliation and eventual friendship is symbolic of Andy coming to terms with only having his mother around.
Woody is the “old” father figure that represents where Andy really comes from, while Buzz is the “new” future he has to get used to. It’s no wonder Andy is going through emotional whiplash as he has to face the absence of his father and having to move to a totally new house within such a limited amount of time.
Now, if you’re a fan of my theory of Pixar movies and the Pixar Detective novel, then a fun way to interpret this is by noting how Woody and Buzz are essentially “programmed” to make Andy happy.
They may notice that he is torn by his old life and the new one that is being forced upon him, prompting Woody to obsess over making sure Andy still has a connection to his old life, while Buzz is the “oblivious” future that just happens upon Andy without him knowing it.
A Common Theme
Ultimately, this explains why Andy is so deeply immersed with his toys, and it’s a theme that Disney is no stranger to. In many Disney and Pixar films, the main characters are brought up without one or both parents.
Movies like this include Up (Russell’s father left him), Tangled (Rapunzel is raised by an evil fake-mother and Flynn is an orphan), Frozen (both parents pass away), A Bug’s Life (Dot and Atta only have their mother), The Princess and the Frog (her father dies early on), Aladdin (Jasmine’s mother is never mentioned and Aladdin’s father is estranged until the third film) and I could go on and on.
The simple explanation for this is that many people suffer from broken homes during their formative years, and it’s been reflected in both literature and moviemaking for as long as they’ve been around. It should be no surprise that a fun film like Toy Story has an undercurrent of sadness and (dare I say it) reality lingering in the background.
Also, it’s been a tradition for movies and even TV to stray from having both parents onscreen in order to prevent alienating single parents who take their kids to go see movies. Ouch, right in the heart.
What the Creators Have to Say About It
Now, if you ask the director of Toy Story, Lee Unkrich, directly, then he’ll give you a mysteriously vague answer. In her article, “Toy Story 3 and the Triumph of a Single Mother,” writer Mary Pols spoke with Unkrich himself and gained his thoughts on the matter:
“It’s an oft asked question, but there is no concrete answer, We don’t mean to be mysterious about it; it’s just never been relevant to the story.”
It’s just always been that way. The decision was made really early on in ‘Toy Story’ to have Andy’s dad not be around. We’ve never addressed it directly, nor have we given any explanation for where he is or why he’s absent.”
As for Unkrich himself (pictured below), his parents divorced when he was 10 years old, and he reportedly grew up with just his mother for some time.
On Quora, Craig Good (one of Toy Story‘s animators) claims that the decision to exclude Andy’s dad was made because rendering humans was very difficult and expensive at the time, and he wouldn’t be relevant to the story anyway.
But that definitely doesn’t mean they didn’t pepper in a few clues that hint at Andy’s father being a deadbeat. That most easily explains why he truly isn’t necessary for the Toy Story movies, especially to the characters who moved on without him.
Except for Buzz Lightyear, of course. Even he got a dad in Toy Story 2…
Summary:
So here it is in a nutshell. Andy’s father most likely walked out on the family, which led to Andy’s mother deciding to relocate to a smaller house to save money and (hopefully) move on from the painful memory. She has removed any pictures she has of him, along with her wedding ring, and the father is never mentioned or seen, even in Andy’s graduation photos.
It’s sad and kind of depressing, but inevitably pointless to the story, which is really about a boy and his toys that somehow come to life and compete for his love and imagination.
Similarly, I’d also like to suggest you a list of North Bangalore Assetz Projects in Bangalore. Have a look below :
https://assetzproject.com/assetz-apartments
https://assetzproject.com/assetz-plots/
https://assetzproject.com/assetz-codename-the-hideaway/
https://assetzproject.com/assetz-codename-kyoto/
https://assetzproject.com/assetz-the-secret-lake/
https://assetzproject.com/assetz-zen-and-sato/
https://assetzproject.com/assetz-sora-and-saki
https://assetzproject.com/assetz-hennur-extension/
https://assetzproject.com/assetz-north-bangalore/
Thank you very much for the information. This website is very helpful for me as a beginner. https://www.wadupnaija.com/
Allure Avani is a premium residential project located in a prime area of Bangalore. Which is offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and serene living. The design of the project incorporates contemporary aesthetics with modern layouts. The homes are spacious, with ample natural light and ventilation. Residents can enjoy easy access to schools, hospitals and entertainment hubs. https://allureavani.co.in/
Need house cleaning in Irving? Dustbunniesinc. offer reliable maid services. Schedule your clean now!
Godrej Yelahanka, located in the thriving locality of Yelahanka, Bangalore, offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and modern living. Featuring thoughtfully designed 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments, this premium community is ideal for families seeking a serene yet connected lifestyle. The Godrej Yelahanka Master Plan emphasizes spacious layouts, lush green spaces, and world-class amenities, ensuring a holistic living experience. Its strategic location provides excellent connectivity to major IT hubs, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, making it highly convenient. Beyond being a dream home, Godrej Yelahanka also presents a lucrative investment opportunity, promising growth in one of Bangalore’s fastest-developing regions.
https://godrej-yelahanka.com/
https://godrej-yelahanka.com/master-plan/
Sipani City is a new launch premium apartment project developed by Sipani Group. The project is located in Madappanahalli, Sarjapur Road, East Bangalore. Sipani City offers a perfect blend of location, design and modern living.
visited :- https://sipani-city.co.in
Greennesto Primus is a new launching residential Apartment project by Greennesto Builders. It is located at Gattahalli road, Chikkakannalli, Off Sarjapur road, Bangalore south.
The Greennesto Primus project is expanded over 2.37 Acres of land and It offers 2 & 3 BHK Luxury Apartments. It is located near Sarjapur road, Which has an easy connectivity to IT hubs like Bellandur and Sarjapur. Also It is close various Shpping Malls and Entertainment complexes.
visited :- https://greennestoprimus.in
Motzkin Park Terrace is a luxurious row villas project developed by Motzkin Ventures. The project is located in the heart of Sarjapur, East Bangalore. Motzkin Park Terrace offers a perfect blend of location, design and modern living.
The project is expending over around 2.15 acres of landscaped and it has only 47 luxury row villas that provides modern and peaceful lifestyle to the residents.
visited :- https://motzkinparkterrace.in
https://brigademotinagar.co/
https://brigademotinagar.co/location/
Brigade Moti Nagar in Hyderabad is a premium residential project designed to offer a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience. Featuring spacious 3 and 4 BHK apartments, i
The Formist Mandala is a new premium apartment project developed by The Formist Group. The project is located in Hebbal Kempapura, North Bangalore. The Formist Mandala offers a perfect blend of location, design and modern living.
The project is expending over around 4.80 acres of landscaped and it has 240 premium apartments that provides modern and peaceful lifestyle to the residents.
visited :- https://theformistmandala.in
Godrej Kukatpally is a premium residential project that redefines modern living with its elegantly crafted 2, 3, and 4 BHK apartments in Kukatpally, Hyderabad. Designed to offer both luxury and comfort, this community provides spacious layouts, world-class amenities, and a lifestyle that balances work, leisure, and convenience.
https://godrejkukatpally.co/
https://godrejkukatpally.co/location/
Without a new agreement in place, their subscribers will not have access to our programming,
쩜칠추천업소
https://brigade-citadel2.co/
https://brigade-citadel2.co/floor-plan/
Your work is great. I really enjoying the reading and will highly appreciate if you include some Facts as well.
https://www.godrejaravyaestatedoddaballapura.com/
MSN Neopolis is a premium residential community in Hyderabad that perfectly blends modern living with natural tranquility. Designed for comfort and sophistication, this project offers beautifully crafted 3 and 4 BHK apartments that showcase contemporary architecture and thoughtful layouts. The MSN Neopolis Master Plan focuses on creating a balanced lifestyle with spacious interiors, lush green surroundings, and world-class amenities. Residents can enjoy a peaceful environment while staying connected to the city’s prime locations. From landscaped gardens to recreational zones and secure living spaces, every detail at MSN Neopolis is designed to enhance your everyday experience. It’s an ideal destination for families seeking luxury, comfort, and convenience in one perfect address.
https://msn-neopolis.co/
https://msn-neopolis.co/master-plan/
Godrej Woods is an exceptional residential community located in the vibrant area of Thanisandra, North Bangalore. Designed to offer a perfect balance of luxury and comfort, this project features elegantly crafted 2 and 3 BHK apartments surrounded by lush green landscapes. Every home is thoughtfully planned to maximize space, natural light, and ventilation, ensuring a serene living experience. The community offers world-class amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, clubhouse, and landscaped gardens, creating a resort-like lifestyle for residents. With its prime location and premium features, Godrej Woods Price reflects excellent value for those seeking modern urban living in a peaceful environment, making it a preferred choice for discerning homebuyers.
https://godrejwoods.co/
https://godrejwoods.co/price/
Prestige Tellapur is a premium residential community nestled in the thriving neighborhood of Tellapur, Hyderabad. Designed by the renowned Prestige Group, this project offers beautifully crafted 2, 3, and 4 BHK apartments that blend elegance, functionality, and modern living. Every detail of the Prestige Tellapur Floor Plan reflects thoughtful planning, ensuring optimal space utilization and natural light in each home. The community is surrounded by lush greenery, world-class amenities, and excellent connectivity to IT hubs, schools, and shopping centers. With its blend of contemporary architecture and serene environment, Prestige Tellapur promises a luxurious lifestyle for families seeking comfort, convenience, and a vibrant urban experience in Hyderabad’s most sought-after location.
https://prestigetellapur.co/
https://prestigetellapur.co/floor-plan/
This was such an interesting deep dive into Andy’s family story—never realized how many subtle clues Pixar left behind. It really adds a new layer to the Toy Story universe. On a different note, if anyone here appreciates thoughtful storytelling and modern design, M3M Jewel at Sector 25, MG Road Gurgaon is a great example of how spaces can shape experiences in real life too.
This was such an interesting deep dive into Andy’s family story—never realized how many subtle clues Pixar left behind. It really adds a new layer to the Toy Story universe. On a different note, if anyone here appreciates thoughtful storytelling and modern design, M3M Jewel at Sector 25, MG Road Gurgaon is a great example of how spaces can shape experiences in real life too.
Website: https://m3mjewelsector25.com/
Pavani Mirabilia in Whitefield offers 1, 2,&3 BHK Apartments that have been superbly designed to give you a peaceful place to give the greatest living spaces. The flats are designed with vaastu principles in mind for proper facings, measures, space arrangements, layouts, and spatial geometry. The flats exemplify superb airflow with strategically placed windows and spacious balcony spaces overlooking the lovely setting of outdoor greens. site visit :- https://pavanimirabiliya.in/
Fortune Primero has steadily shaped South Bengaluru’s skyline-learning from our experiences and the lives it has touched, recaliberating for your comfort and growth, one square foot at a time. Every feature is a reflection of the belief that the right way will always be the new way – where tradition informs innovation.
Visit Site:- https://fortuneprimero.co.in/
Situated along the bustling Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, the Max Estate Sector 105 Noida project enjoys a truly strategic location. This part of Noida is known for rapid growth, robust infrastructure, and calm surroundings — creating an ideal balance between urban access and peaceful living. The area’s excellent connectivity to Delhi, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, and even Gurgaon means you’re never far from major business centers, entertainment hubs, schools, hospitals, or shopping destinations.
https://themaxestates.co.in/estate-105-noida.html
Great theory! 👍 The idea connecting Andy’s dad to the Toy Story universe is really creative and thought-provoking. It adds an emotional depth that makes the story even more interesting to revisit.
https://reno-bath.com/
https://purvaflow.com/brochure/
https://purvaflow.com/
Purva Flow in Bagalur, Bangalore, is a premium residential community designed to offer an exceptional living experience. Surrounded by greenery, it features beautifully planned 2, 3 and 4 BHK apartments that cater to both comfort and style.