Disney’s attempt to create yet another sequel to their hit cross venture with Pixar, Toy Story should have fans dancing in the streets. But, as we’ve reported before, the Mouse House is undergoing this sequel solo, i.e. without Pixar, i.e. most likely without the polish and shine that made the first movie a success, and the second film (which was intended to be a direct to video follow up) just as great.

Previously we had word that the third Toy Story film would be penned by James Herzfeld. However today Variety is reporting newcomer Jared Stern will be scribing the sequel. Stern’s take on the toys was one of several proposals for the sequel, but is now the one they’ll be going with. Apparently the plan is to advance the franchise by taking the characters on the road, and out of Andy’s room. Didn’t they already do that with a trip to Al’s Toy Barn in Toy Story 2? It’s also rumored that Stern has created a couple new characters for the third film.

Stern, whose only real credit is production secretary on “Inside the Playboy Mansion” and a credit of “Boy” in Shortnin’ Bread Rock, wrote the script as a member of Disney’s Feature Animation Writing Program (think writing school).

There is still no word as to whether Toy Story stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen will return, or any of the other cast members who have made the characters interesting. Slinky Dog Jim Varney has passed away since the last installment, and John Ratzenberger is a Pixar regular, so it’s unknown whether he’ll return to the Pixar-less film either.