Greta Lee was reduced to tears when she watched Toy Story 5 for the first time.

The 43-year-old actress voices the frog-shaped tablet Lilypad in the new Pixar flick and confessed that she was left sobbing in front of co-stars Joan Cusack and Tim Allen when she first watched the film in full.

Greta told Harper's Bazaar UK: "I cried, like, 600 times.

"It was so embarrassing, because it was the first time I'd met Tim and Joan. Tom Hanks wasn't there, thank God."

Greta's alter ego is the 'antagonist' of Toy Story 5 - as eight-year-old Bonnie becomes fixated on the tablet - and The Morning Show star was intrigued by the role.

She recalled: "I assumed I would come in for the day and read the part of say, Forky's daughter, but no. The email arrived with a rendering of Lilypad and it said 'Villain'.

"I like playing interesting people - and devices! - who are very sure-footed in what they want, even if they're wrong. I like the idea that Lilypad is a self-proclaimed expert of everything - we all know people like that."

Toy Story 5 features scenes that showcase how technology has taken over children's lives and Greta considers the film to be "one of the most important" projects she has worked on.

She said: "The fact that children are no longer playing with toys feels extremely resonant and urgent.

"It's funny to say this of a Toy Story movie, but I think this is one of the most important works of film that I've ever done. I'm so pleased my kids will see it."

Lee also revealed that she tries to limit the amount of time her sons - Apollo, nine, and Raphael, six, whom she has with her husband Russ Armstrong - spend glued to screens.

The Past Lives actress said: "They're only allowed (devices) at the weekend.

"It's a battle, and it's not a casual one. Every time we tell our kids to get off, it's a process. The f****** of tech and screens and what that does to not just them, but to us too."

In addition to Toy Story 5, Greta has explored the downside of technology through her roles in The Morning Show and Tron: Ares and says she is very "concerned" about AI.

She said: "We need to regulate AI. We should be very, very concerned. Part of me wants to move to an island with nothing but a rope and a bucket, and just call it a day."

The July/August issue of Harper's Bazaar UK is on sale from 18 June, and the full interview with Greta Lee can be read at https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/entertainment/a71569011/greta-lee/