Jessie (Toy Story)

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Jessie's debut in Toy Story 2

Jessie is a fictional character in the film Toy Story 2. In the movie, she is a toy modelled after a character on the fictional television show Woody's Roundup, where the characters consisted of Sheriff Woody, Jessie, Stinky Pete the Prospector and Bullseye, Woody's horse.

Jessie the doll has a character very similar to the one portrayed on the television show. She is excitable, brave and very athletic. The doll, however, carries a great deal of sadness, as she was abandoned by her original owner for a new friend she had made. She is generally optimistic, but years of being in storage have made her somewhat withdrawn and distrustful.

She was voiced by Joan Cusack in the film.

[edit] Toy Story 2

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

When we first meet Jessie, she tackles Woody with excitement at the prospect of finally meeting a Woody doll. She is happy that she and the other toys are finally going to come out of storage and go to the toy museum in Japan that they are destined for.

Jessie and Woody in Toy Story 2

It is Jessie who introducted Woody to the facts about the character on which he is based. She shows him a large array of merchandise based on "Woody's Roundup" and Stinky Pete explains how the show was cancelled after the launch of Sputnik and the resulting interest in the Space Race, diminishing the popularity of westerns.

When Woody indicates that he has no intention of going to Japan, she becomes bitter and Woody comes to suspect her of attempting to sabotage his escape, including waking Al to prevent Woody from recovering his damaged arm.

Ultimately, it is Stinky Pete that is revealed as the culprit and Woody ultimately offers to take Jessie and Bullseye with him back to Andy's room. Andy is pleased to have the new toys and Jessie seems to find a kindred spirit in Buzz Lightyear.

Spoilers end here.

[edit] Merchandising

Disney heavily promoted Jessie following the release of Toy Story, as she gave them a character that they could market to girls, something the original film did not provide.

Among the items released were: