Toy Story superfan's photo leads to premiere invite

58 minutes ago

Isaac Ashe,Leicesterand

Helen McCarthy,East Midlands Today

News image — Sean and his son Vinny said they had almost forgotten about their fame from 2020 when Disney got in touch

BBC A child and his father lying at a doorstep with an array of toys from the Toy Story film franchise — Sean and his son Vinny said they had almost forgotten about their fame from 2020 when Disney got in touch

A young Toy Story fan who was pictured saying goodbye to his toys on his first day of school has now been invited to the premiere of the next film in the franchise after Disney tracked him down almost six years later.

Vinny, now 10, was photographed waving at his Toy Story toys by his dad Sean on his first day of school in September 2020.

The photograph was shared widely on social media and then featured in news stories around the world.

More than half a decade later, Disney has now invited Vinny and his family to the premiere of Toy Story 5 at the Odeon Luxe in London's Leicester Square on Thursday.

Supplied A young boy in primary school uniform waving to toys lined up on a doorstep — Vinny waved goodbye to his Toy Story collection on his first day of school

Recalling taking the picture, Sean, from Loughborough in Leicestershire, said: "It was a bit of a strange one for everyone really, but especially for the kids.

"I just wanted to create a nice memory for him that he'll be able to look back on.

"It was just quite surreal. I was interviewed by news outlets in America, China. It was bizarre."

Sean spoke to BBC Radio Leicester about the photograph in 2020, so Disney contacted the station as part of its efforts to track Vinny down.

The family will walk the red carpet alongside cast members, director Andrew Stanton, producer Lindsey Collins and other guests of honour.

The event is being livestreamed on Disney+, with the film set to be released in cinemas on 19 June.

An older boy posing for the same photo — The photo became something of a tradition

Sean said: "It was about six years ago when we took the photo, so we had kind of forgotten about it and then Disney got in contact.

"I've never been to a premiere myself, because I'm not a celebrity, but there's a first time for everything, I suppose. Just walk along the red carpet and just smile and wave, maybe.

"There's going to be cast members there and we're going to be able to watch a large part of the film as well before it comes out.

"We are very excited, we're going to get suited and booted, dress up all smart and just enjoy the day."

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