Tom Hanks has revealed that production is now underway on the highly-anticipated Toy Story 4 movie, with the actor booked in for a recording session on December 2nd. But while things may have finally got going on the animated sequel, we still have a long wait before the film hits cinemas, which is expected to be in June 2018.

toy story 3Production on Toy Story 4 is underway.

Speaking on BBC’s 'The Graham Norton Show' Hanks said, “We're now recording Toy Story 4... it will be out in 2018, so it takes a long time.” Hanks then went on to explain how much his diaphragm hurts while voicing cowboy Woody, before revealing that he has a recording session for the new movie on December 2nd.

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Hanks also spoke about being contacted by Disney lawyers after he said there would be a Toy Story 4, following the release of Toy Story 3. The actor said he was told that it was in his contract to not to discuss the new film in case it affected Disney’s stock market price. However the actor responded by saying, “Hey, I’m sorry, but let me just point out – I’m Woody, pal.”

The upcoming sequel will not continue on from the events of Toy Story 3 and will instead be a "separate story" described as a "romantic comedy”. The film’s plot will reportedly revolve around a romance between Woody and Bo Peep, a pairing that’s sure to delight fans.

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Disney Pixar have confirmed the film will be released in June 2018 in the US, before reaching UK cinemas the following month. It will be directed by John Lasseter, who helmed the first two Toy Story films, alongside the lesser-known Josh Cooley.

Watch Tom Hanks talk to Graham Norton about Toy Story 4: