Conan O’Brien Joins Toy Story 5 as New Character Smarty Pants

Disney Unveils New Cast Member for the Beloved Franchise

The Toy Story universe is expanding once again, and this time it’s bringing a late-night legend into the fold.

In a surprise reveal at Disney’s Licensing Expo presentation, it was announced that Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 as the voice of a brand-new character named Smarty Pants.

Conan O’Brien Joins Toy Story 5 as New Character Smarty Pants — Conan O’Brien at Featured Session “Claiming the Future of Entertainment” at Austin Convention Center on March 11, 2025 in Austin, Texas.

This quirky addition is already generating buzz as fans anticipate what new flavor the comedian will bring to the beloved Pixar franchise.

O’Brien, best known for his quick wit and decades-long career in late-night television, took to Instagram to confirm the casting.

“These films are amazing,” he said in a video message. “I can’t believe this.” He couldn’t resist throwing in a signature joke, calling his character “the best of them all,” even above franchise staples Woody and Buzz.

Meet Smarty Pants: A New Face in Andy’s Toy Box

While Disney has remained tight-lipped about plot specifics, they did reveal that Conan’s character, Smarty Pants, will be a central comedic element in the new movie. True to the name, Smarty Pants is expected to deliver highbrow humor, playful banter, and maybe even a few satirical jabs.

With Conan’s unique voice and persona, fans can expect a character that’s both clever and charming.

The decision that Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 signals Pixar’s commitment to injecting fresh energy and appeal into the franchise while honoring its rich history.

New characters like Smarty Pants are essential in keeping the storytelling vibrant for a new generation of viewers, many of whom are growing up in a world saturated with digital entertainment.

Toy Story 5: Release Date and Production Team

Toy Story 5 is officially scheduled to hit theaters on June 19, 2026. The film is directed by Andrew Stanton, a Pixar veteran who previously co-wrote Finding Nemo, WALL-E, and the original Toy Story films. Co-directing alongside him is McKenna Harris, with Jessica Choi attached as producer.

The storyline, while still under wraps, is rumored to focus on how today’s kids interact with toys in an age dominated by smartphones, video games, and artificial intelligence.

This contemporary theme could open up fascinating and emotional arcs for the returning and new characters alike.

Returning Favorites and New Faces

Along with the exciting news that Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5, fans can also look forward to the return of beloved voice actors. Tom Hanks is back as Woody, and Tim Allen will reprise his role as Buzz Lightyear. Ernie Hudson steps in as the new voice of Combat Carl, taking over for the late Carl Weathers.

This installment continues Pixar’s tradition of combining legacy characters with newcomers to enrich the narrative and connect with both loyal fans and first-time viewers.

After the monumental success of Toy Story 4, which grossed over $1 billion globally and won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, the pressure is on to deliver another hit.

Pixar’s Momentum and Creative Strategy

The announcement that Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 comes on the heels of a banner year for Pixar. The studio’s 2024 release Inside Out 2 became the year’s highest-grossing film, reaffirming Pixar’s place at the forefront of animation. With another space-themed project on the horizon for 2025 and now Toy Story 5 confirmed for 2026, Pixar shows no signs of slowing down.

Disney CEO Bob Iger originally announced the sequel in early 2023, shortly after the Lightyear spinoff underperformed at the box office. Since then, anticipation for the core franchise’s continuation has only intensified, especially with the return of both Hanks and Allen signaling a “clever and compelling” script, as teased by Allen in a recent interview.

The Toy Box Gets Funnier

The reveal that Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 as Smarty Pants has injected new excitement into a franchise already loved across generations. With a legendary voice cast, fresh creative leadership, and a storyline that’s ready to tackle the modern challenges of toy relevance, Toy Story 5 is shaping up to be one of Pixar’s most anticipated releases.

Whether Smarty Pants becomes a new fan favorite or a hilarious foil to Woody and Buzz, one thing is certain: Toy Story 5is bringing its A-game, and Conan’s comedy is set to steal scenes—and maybe a few hearts.