Greta Lee is having a moment. The critically acclaimed actress, best known for her Oscar-nominated turn in Past Lives, is stepping into the spotlight with two major projects that are already generating significant buzz: a surprise cameo in Taylor Swift's latest music video and a starring voice role in the upcoming Toy Story 5 .

Lee recently revealed how a chance meeting on a talk show couch blossomed into a full-fledged collaboration with the pop superstar. The actress appeared on The Graham Norton Show last October alongside Swift and a group of A-listers, including Cillian Murphy, Domhnall Gleeson, and Jodie Turner-Smith. The group hit it off, with Lee noting that they "had a blast and hung out after the taping" .

The friendship continued off-screen, with the two texting back and forth. Swift eventually sent Lee an audio message, personally inviting her to appear in the music video for her latest single, Opalite. Lee accepted immediately, without hesitation .

The 'Opalite' Connection

The Opalite video, which was released earlier this year, features a whimsical narrative set in the 1990s. Swift appears as a "Lonely Woman" who forms a friendship with a pet rock, while Gleeson plays a "Lonely Man" in a turbulent relationship with a cactus . Lee's role is small but memorable—she appears as an "Indie Rock Goddess" performing on a TV screen in a bar scene .

The project was a family affair for Lee in more ways than one. Her two young sons, Apollo and Raphael, were thrilled to see their mother working with one of the world's biggest pop stars. "They did think that was cool," Lee said. "They took some selfies and sent them over to Taylor" .

Lee also hinted that Swift's ambitions may soon extend beyond music. After witnessing her vision and work ethic firsthand, Lee has already asked the singer when she plans to direct a full-length feature film, suggesting that directing music videos may be a "warm-up" for a larger career in filmmaking .

From Music Videos to Toy Story

While her appearance in Opalite created a social media buzz, Lee's role in Toy Story 5 represents a significant milestone in her career. She voices the character Lilypad, a high-tech, interactive frog-shaped tablet that serves as the film's central antagonist .

The sequel, set to hit theaters in June 2026, explores a timely conflict as technology threatens to replace traditional playtime. When Bonnie, Andy's former owner who is now eight years old, receives Lilypad as a gift, the aging toys—Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang—realize they are facing extinction. The film tackles the concept of "toys vs. tech," a theme that Lee says resonates deeply with the real world .

Lee has described the experience as unexpectedly emotional. She reportedly cried multiple times during her first viewing of the finished film. She noted that the story's exploration of technology changing childhood feels incredibly relevant to the challenges modern parents face .

A New Era for the Actress

Lee's involvement in both projects highlights her versatility. Her indie drama Past Lives cemented her status as a dramatic heavyweight in Hollywood . However, her transition into the blockbuster world of Pixar and the pop culture behemoth that is Taylor Swift signals a strategic pivot in her career. By balancing high-art credibility with mainstream appeal, Lee is carving out a place as one of Hollywood's most in-demand performers.

The actress also noted that working on Swift's video gave her a newfound "street cred" with her children, who are more impressed by her pop star connection than her awards buzz . As she prepares for the global release of Toy Story 5, Lee's career appears to be reaching a new peak, driven by an authentic friendship with a music icon and a deep connection to a beloved franchise's next chapter.

With the film's release just around the corner, Lee remains focused on the project's significance. Toy Story 5 is aiming to be more than just a children's film; it’s a conversation starter about how the digital age is reshaping childhood and connection .