Taylor Swift has made an unexpected appearance at the Toy Story 5 world premiere held in Los Angeles. Swift was one of the last stars to walk the red carpet, stepping out in an off-the-shoulder embellished mini dress by Erdem.
According to multiple US outlets, the 37-year-old was not included on the official guest list for the event, meaning her appearance was not only a surprise to fans and media but likely to cast members as well.
No one was expecting Taylor Swift to make an appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of Toy Story 5. Kevin Mazur
But not only did Swift attend the premiere, but she also took to the stage for a surprise performance later in the evening.
According to an Instagram post shared by The Wrap, when Swift first hit the red carpet, the press were “barred” from entering the group photo area to allow Swift to meet with the cast of the film.
Videos online show her snapping pictures with Toy Story 5 cast members such as Joan Cusack.
Her appearance at the premiere comes off the back of the release of her latest song, I Knew It, I Knew You, an original song written and produced for the soundtrack of the film.
The track could very well go on to see Swift become a contender for best original song at the Oscars which, if she were to win, would leave her just one step away from EGOT status.
Following the film’s screening, Swift took to the stage to perform her new track for the first time ever, as well as a duet of You’ve Got a Friend in Me with Randy Newman himself.
“It means the world to me to be a small part of the universe of these films,” she told audience members.
“‘Toy Story 5’ is my favourite of all the ‘Toy Storys.’ I’m so lucky I get to be a part of this.”
Swift was of course joined at the premiere by cast members Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Greta Lee, Joan Cusack and more.
Hanks took to the red carpet in a casual neutral toned look, likely paying homage to Woody, the character he has voiced since the first film back in 1995.
Joan Cusack was joined on the red carpet by her husband, Richard Burke. Jesse Grant
The 69-year-old to Variety that even he didn’t know Swift recorded an original song for the film until hours before it dropped.
“It was top secret,” he told the publication at the premiere.
“We did not know until, literally, when the moment came. They ushered us into a soundproof room and said, ‘Tonight at 9pm the true end titles song is going to drop, and it’s by Taylor Swift.’
“And I was like, ‘You guys kept this from us all?’ And we saw the movie without [the song], we had some dummy thing in there.”
Tom Hanks appeared to pay tribute to his animated cahracter, Woody. Jesse Grant
At the premiere, Allen wore a simple blue suit, he made sure to deliver what fans wanted, striking a few Buzz Lightyear-esque poses on the carpet.
Swift’s addition to the soundtrack was released on June 5, just two weeks ahead of the film hitting cinemas.
Tim Allen embodied Buzz Lightyear on the red carpet. Jesse Grant
It was described as a return to her country roots, and its release was accompanied by Swift posting an adorable video of her dressed as Jessie from the films as a child.
“Writing this song felt like a musical departure and coming home at the same time,” she wrote in an Instagram post upon the song’s release.
“Creating something for Jessie was a new challenge and also felt like second nature all at once.
“And being a Toy Story kid from the age of 5 til now… is an adventure I plan to be on, to infinity and beyond.”