“There’s a snake in my boot!” may be one of the most recognizable lines in children’s films across multiple generations. Voiced by the iconic Tom Hanks, Toy Story‘s trusty cowboy toy hero, Woody, has been a beloved character for over 30 years. But what people may not realize is that when you hear Woody’s voice anywhere but the films, you’re likely not hearing Tom Hanks. You’re hearing his brother, Jim Hanks. Didn’t know Tom Hanks had a voice actor brother? You’re not alone. An interview with Jim explaining how he’s voiced Woody for three decades is blowing people’s minds. Jim Hanks has played Woody more often than Tom Hanks When Toy Story came out in 1995, it made history as the first full-length, 3D computer-animated film. Since then, the film franchise has become one of the most successful in history. We not only have four (going on five) movies, but also toys, merch, and themed experiences. We know the voice in the film is Tom Hanks. But the voice in Woody toys? That’s Jim. Computer and video games? That’s Jim. Theme park rides? Also Jim. Disney on Ice shows? Jim. “I think I went in and did the first toy in ’94 before the first movie came out,” Jim told Jace Diehl. He said he voiced Woody for a short film that came out after the fourth movie, in addition to the various other places Woody can be found. Jim Hanks delivers some pull string lines as Woody #d23 pic.twitter.com/4foCJEdLN9— Stitch Kingdom has BUM WORMS (@stitchkingdom) August 11, 2024 People thought it was a myth that Tom Hanks’ brother voices Woody “I never really knew that my voice was as similar to Tom’s,” Jim shared. “I have since then seen videos of myself…where I watch myself and go ‘Oh my God, yeah, I do sound like him, even if I’m not trying.” Watching the interview, it’s quite remarkable how much Tom and Jim look and sound alike. Tom Hanks has also talked about Jim’s Woody work in interviews, including this one in which Graham Norton thought it was an urban myth: Commenters on the Jim Hanks interview video were blown away to find out this bit of Toy Story trivia: “I can’t be the only one who didn’t know Tom Hanks had a brother, where the hell have I been.” “I feel like I just got Mandela effected.” “I’m not entirely convinced that’s not just Tom Hanks with a shaved head.”“They should make a docudrama about Jim Hanks played by Tom Hanks.” “Seeing Jim talk casually is surreal, because he looks and sounds just about as much Like Tom Hanks as a person possibly can. But at the same time, he has a totally different personality and way of carrying himself.” “This is breaking my brain right now. I’m 33, grew up on Toy Story, and I was today years old when I learned that collectively, Jim Hanks has more of a right to the title ‘the voice of Woody’ than Tom Hanks does. Such a talented family.” I feel like more people should know that Woody has been played by Jim Hanks more than Tom Hanks.This is very funny to me.— Pat (@Pat_Candler) February 26, 2026 Voicing Woody is a Hanks family affair Jim said he thinks of his Woody voice as an impression of Tom yelling at his kid, which makes sense. Even though they are brothers, their voices aren’t identical, so Jim has to work to find Tom’s voice. The way he describes pushing on his diaphragm while having the voice up in his nose, but also deep at the same time, makes it clear he’s a skilled voice actor. He may have a clear genetic advantage, but he has to work to play Woody. And if you’re wondering whether the brothers’ work ever comes into their family life, the answer is yes. “One time, Tom and I were up visiting my mother, and we called my other brother,” Jim shared. “We were just blabbing  away, and my brother Larry finally says, ‘I just got to say, this is like listening to dueling Woodys.'” Countless kids and adults have a lot to thank the Hanks family for, especially knowing that Woody has been a family affair from the beginning. The post The voice of Woody from ‘Toy Story’ is often the younger, lookalike brother of Tom Hanks appeared first on Upworthy.