Toy Story 5 Adds Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants
The toys are shaking in their plastic boots as Toy Story 5 welcomes a new playmate: Conan O’Brien, who’s joining the cast as a fresh character named Smarty Pants. Announced via Instagram, the late-night legend’s addition has fans buzzing about what’s next for Woody, Buzz, and the gang as they face an iPad kids invasion and a tech-driven threat to playtime.
Set to hit theaters in 2026, Toy Story 5 is shaping up to be a nostalgic yet modern adventure, with returning stars, new faces, and a plot that pits toys against technology. Let’s unpack Conan’s role, the story details, and everything we know about Pixar’s latest trip to the toy box.
(No, the above is not Smarty Pants. It’s just a mockup of O’Brien in a Pixar Style. We don’t know what he looks like yet. Probbaly some kind of hi-tech gadget?)
Conan O’Brien Joins as Smarty Pants: A New Toy in Town
Conan O’Brien is trading his talk show mic for a toy box, officially joining Toy Story 5 as a new character named Smarty Pants, per Bleeding Cool. The comedian announced the news on Instagram during WarnerMedia Upfront 2019 arrivals in New York on May 15, 2025, sparking excitement for his Pixar debut.
While details about Smarty Pants are under wraps, O’Brien’s comedic chops suggest he’ll bring a humorous edge to the toy crew. Fans are eager to see how this new character fits into the Toy Story universe, especially with the franchise’s knack for blending heartfelt storytelling with laugh-out-loud moments. Smarty Pants might just be the brainy toy the gang needs for their latest adventure.
Plot Details: Toys vs. Tech in a Changing World
Toy Story 5 is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown, with the toys facing a modern menace: technology. The plot centers on Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the gang battling to stay relevant as their owner becomes obsessed with iPads, alongside an invading army of Buzz Lightyears.
Wikipedia describes it as a “Toy meets Tech” theme, emphasizing the toys’ struggle against this new threat to playtime, with a particular focus on Jessie. Director Andrew Stanton, known for Finding Nemo, aims to make the story resonate with audiences by exploring the toys’ relevance in a tech-driven world. Behind The Voice Actors reinforces this “toys versus technology” angle, setting the stage for a nostalgic yet timely adventure.
Returning Cast and New Additions: A Star-Studded Toy Box
The Toy Story gang is bringing back familiar voices while adding some new ones to the mix. Tom Hanks returns as Woody, and Tim Allen is back as Buzz Lightyear, with Allen calling the story “really good” after starting recordings in December 2024. Joan Cusack is expected to reprise her role as Jessie, who takes a central role in the plot. Newcomers include Anna Faris and Ernie Hudson in undisclosed roles, with speculation that Hudson’s part might be more significant than a cameo. Conan O’Brien’s Smarty Pants joins the lineup as an original character, adding a fresh dynamic to the ensemble. With this mix of veterans and newbies, Toy Story 5 is poised to deliver the emotional depth and humor the franchise is known for.
Production Details: A 2026 Release with a Techy Twist
Toy Story 5 is directed by Andrew Stanton, steering the franchise into uncharted territory with its tech-focused narrative. The film is set for release on June 19, 2026, by Walt Disney Pictures, marking the fifth installment in Pixar’s beloved series. Production is well underway, with Allen recording lines since December 2024 and Hanks joining in April 2025. Pixar initially hesitated to greenlight another sequel after Toy Story 4 (2019), but the franchise’s continued popularity helped push the project forward. Stanton’s vision to tackle the toys’ place in a tech-obsessed world promises a fresh yet nostalgic chapter in the saga.
Franchise History and What’s Next for the Toys
Since its groundbreaking debut in 1995, Toy Story has been a cornerstone of animation history, with Pixar’s first feature film setting the gold standard for storytelling. The series followed Woody, Buzz, and their toy pals through four films, with Toy Story 4 (2019) ending on a bittersweet note: Woody joined Bo Peep as a lost toy, while Buzz stayed with Bonnie alongside Jessie, Rex, and new additions like Forky. Despite what many considered a “perfect ending,” Toy Story 5 brings the gang back for another adventure, proving the franchise’s enduring appeal. With Conan O’Brien’s Smarty Pants, a techy plot, and a 2026 release, the toys are ready to face their biggest challenge yet—let’s hope they don’t get sidelined by those iPad kids.
Summary:
Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 as new character Smarty Pants, with the film—set for a June 2026 release—pitting Woody, Buzz, and Jessie against iPad kids and a tech-driven threat, featuring returning stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, plus new additions Anna Faris and Ernie Hudson.
News compiled and edited by Ivy Adams.
Sources:
Bleeding Cool, “Toy Story 5: Conan O'Brien Joins The Cast As A New Character,” May 20, 2025
Wikipedia, “Toy Story 5,” May 20, 2025
ScreenRant, “Toy Story 5: Release Date, Cast, Story & Everything We Know,” February 9, 2023
Behind The Voice Actors, “Toy Story 5 (2026 Movie),” accessed May 20, 2025