When Pixar approached Tom Hanks to voice Woody, it was far from the animation giant we know today. At the time, Pixar was a young studio experimenting with computer animation—a big risk for any actor to take on. Hanks agreed to a significant pay cut, drawn in by the story’s charm and Pixar’s innovative approach. Despite the financial compromise, he was captivated by the character and eager to be part of something new.

That decision would prove wise. Toy Story became a cultural phenomenon, launching Pixar’s legacy and making Woody an iconic character. In later sequels, Hanks was able to command a much higher salary, but his initial willingness to believe in Pixar’s vision marked him as more than just an actor—it showed his readiness to take creative risks that go beyond the paycheck.