Disney has officially announced Conan O’Brien as part of the star-studded cast for Toy Story 5. The charismatic talk show host will lend his voice to a mysterious new character named Smarty Pants, marking the first fresh addition to the franchise since Toy Story 4 in 2019.
O’Brien shared the exciting news on his official TeamCoco Instagram account, humorously pretending to negotiate for iconic roles like Woody or Buzz Lightyear. Thankfully, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are reprising their legendary roles as Woody and Buzz, respectively. While no further details about Smarty Pants have been revealed, fans are buzzing with speculation about the character's identity and potential role in the storyline.
Set to premiere on June 19, 2026, Toy Story 5 will explore a world where traditional toys face the challenge of adapting to a generation increasingly fascinated by modern technology. Could Smarty Pants represent this shift, possibly serving as an antagonist—or even a reluctant ally—to our beloved toy heroes?
This casting marks a significant step forward for the franchise, signaling Disney’s intent to revitalize the beloved series despite the shadow of its critically-acclaimed predecessor. Toy Story 5 is just the beginning of Pixar’s revival efforts, with upcoming sequels like Incredibles 3 and Coco 2 also on the horizon.
As fans eagerly await more details, one question lingers: Was Toy Story 4 the perfect conclusion, or does the story still have more to tell? Only time will reveal the answers—and the fate of the toys we’ve grown to love.