The Bully in Toy Story – Mean Kid Sid is the Garbage Man?!

Do you know who the bully in Toy Story is?
This photo was taken by Michael for Countdown to Magic

Toy Story is a classic Pixar movie, and while we all love Buzz and Woody, it’s impossible not to love (to hate) the psycho kid who lived next door!  In fact, the bully in Toy Story has developed a massive fan following over the years, which has crossed over into Hollywood adoration (more on that later).  But did you know that as the Toy Story franchise progressed, there was an unexpected callback to the toy-torturing, mean-spirited teenage boy from the first film?

If not, let’s explore this more right now!

What is the Name of the Bully from Toy Story?

The bully from the original Toy Story film is probably most recognized by his black and white skull T-shirt.  And although you might think the symbol on his shirt is a reference to Frank Castle (The Punisher), the bully’s actual name was Sid Phillips.

Is Sid the Garbage Man from Toy Story 3?

Yes he is!  And if you don’t believe me, I came with photographic evidence (as I have the first three Toy Story movies on Blu-ray). 

Now for reference, take a look at the photo below of Sid from the original Toy Story movie.  He looks like a typical teenager, but is of course most remembered for his iconic skull T-shirt.

Sid from Toy Story wears a black T-shirt with a skull on the front.
This photo was taken by Michael for Countdown to Magic

Now let’s fast forward to Toy Story 3.  As Woody rushes to try and save his friends stuck inside of a garbage bag, an actual garbage truck enters the scene.  A garbage man the hops off the truck listening to music and begins collecting the trash.  But when we get a closer look at him, we realize that while his facial features don’t particularly look recognizable, his T-shirt absolutely does.  

This photo was taken by Michael for Countdown to Magic
This photo was taken by Michael for Countdown to Magic
This photo was taken by Michael for Countdown to Magic

That’s right folks—that’s our ol’ buddy Sid Phillips, somehow still rocking the same exact shirt he wore when he was a teenager (although I suppose one could make the argument he purchased a brand new one as an adult).  Either way—it’s kind of weird!

Sid actually can be see briefly later on in the film when the Woody, Buzz and the rest of the toy gang wind up in the landfill.  

Why Was Sid a Mean Kid in Toy Story?

Due to the fact that Sid was a secondary character, we don’t get to fully explore his background.  And while we shouldn’t make excuses for Sid, it’s  important to remember (if you don’t easily recall the first film) that Sid didn’t know his toys were alive when he was conducting all his disturbing experiments on them.  

This photo was taken by Michael for Countdown to Magic

Sid definitely earned his nickname amongst fans as the mean kid from Toy Story, but that’s mostly because we as the audience became emotionally invested in Buzz and Woody (particularly because they expressed emotion).  This was something Sid never got to see (until the toys intentionally came to life to frighten him).

Sid Goes Hollywood?

As mentioned before, the popularity of Sid from Toy Story extends beyond the average movie going audience.  Actor Will Poulter (who co-starred in the movie “Detroit,” and is now a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) once dressed up as Sid for Halloween.  And in my opinion, he pulled off the look really well!  If Disney ever decides to do another creepy live action remake, they now know who to add to the top of the call sheet.

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