Toy Story 5 is officially on its way, and it doesn’t matter how much we think Toy Story 3 was the perfect endpoint. As work on the latest movie starts, casting is underway, and there’s a surprise voice joining the animated Pixar movie.
Former late night comedian Conan O’Brien is joining the latest installment, according to Deadline. In true O’Brien form, he wanted a very particular role in the franchise, but it turned out that it was already taken. It’s okay, though; there’s a particular role crafted perfectly for him.
For now, we know that the name of the character O’Brien will voice is Smarty Pants. There aren’t any other details about this role just yet, but with a name like that, it certainly seems to be a role perfect for the late night comedian.
It’s possible that the character is one of the villains of the tale. Toy Story 5 will introduce the toys to the world of today, a world of technology. While there has been some tech used throughout previous movies, there haven’t been too many electronic toys. However, it makes sense to see how these older-school toys would handle a world where the internet is easily accessible.
This would explain the name Smarty Pants. It’s possible that the character is the leader of the tech toys, and he is probably linked to the internet, which gives him access to information. Of course, we all know that while we have the internet at our fingertips, it doesn’t mean that we have all the answers, so this is a lesson for Smarty Pants to learn.
O’Brien naturally wanted to take on the role of Woody in the latest installment, but was informed that that role was promised to Tom Hanks. Then he wanted Buzz Lightyear, but there’s already someone voicing that character as well.
Of course, this was all done in jest. Hanks and Tim Allen have built this franchise, and there’s no way that Disney and Pixar would replace them. The franchise would be over without the original Woody and Buzz.
There is one actor coming in to take over the voicing of a character. Ernie Hudson will take over the voicing of Combat Carl, who was originally voiced by Carl Weathers. Unfortunately, Weathers has passed away, but we’re sure Hudson will do an excellent job.
Anna Feris will also join the cast, but her role hasn’t been announced just yet.
Toy Story 5 is slated to debut in theaters on June 19, 2026.