In a major casting surprise that blends comedy, nostalgia, and modern relevance, Conan O’Brien has officially joined the voice cast of Toy Story 5. Slated for release on June 19, 2026, the late-night legend will voice a brand-new character named Smarty Pants, a tech-savvy toy rumored to embody the digital disruption facing traditional playthings.
A New Era for the Toy Box: “Toy Meets Tech”
Pixar is taking the Toy Story universe in a bold new direction with the upcoming sequel, exploring how beloved classic toys like Woody and Buzz Lightyear navigate a world increasingly dominated by screens, smart devices, and virtual entertainment. The introduction of Smarty Pants — whose very name suggests intelligence and innovation — hints at a central narrative tension between analog charm and digital flash.
While Pixar has kept character details tightly under wraps, early fan theories suggest that Smarty Pants could be a high-tech educational toy, possibly akin to LeapFrog, Cozmo, or a next-gen AI assistant. Some speculate the character may serve as a rival to Woody and the gang, echoing antagonists like Lotso and Prospector Pete but with a modern, tech-fueled twist. Others believe Conan’s comedic legacy means Smarty Pants will be a lovable but overconfident sidekick who brings comic relief and unexpected insight.
Conan’s Playful Announcement
O’Brien shared the news in trademark fashion via Instagram, joking that he originally lobbied for the roles of Woody or Buzz but was told those parts were “taken.” He later quipped that Smarty Pants is “the best character of them all,” fueling fan curiosity about how this quirky newcomer will fit into the Toy Story universe. His casting was first revealed during Disney’s Licensing Expo presentation in May 2025, and it’s already being hailed as one of the film’s biggest draws.
This marks a notable animation debut for O’Brien, whose resume includes writing for The Simpsons, hosting Late Night with Conan O’Brien, leading his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, and his new travel series Conan O’Brien Must Go. His unique voice and timing are expected to bring a distinctive flavor to the Pixar sequel.
Returning Favorites and New Faces
Toy Story 5 will once again feature the franchise’s legendary duo: Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear. Despite Woody’s heartfelt farewell in Toy Story 4, Allen recently teased that the two will “realign” in this new film, which opens with what he describes as an “unbelievable” Buzz-centric sequence. Joan Cusack also returns as Jessie, with early reports suggesting she’ll take on a larger role this time around.
Additionally, Ernie Hudson will voice Combat Carl, taking over the role after the passing of Carl Weathers. Anna Faris joins the cast in a currently undisclosed role, fueling speculation that the film could introduce a wider ensemble of new-generation toys representing different genres — including tech, collectibles, and even virtual reality.
Behind the Scenes: A Pixar Power Team
The movie is helmed by Andrew Stanton, who co-wrote the original Toy Story and directed Finding Nemo and WALL-E, ensuring continuity with Pixar’s signature emotional depth and storytelling prowess. He is joined by co-director McKenna Harris and producer Jessica Choi. Pixar CCO Pete Docter has promised fans that Toy Story 5 will feature “surprises” and “cool things you’ve never seen before,” reinforcing the idea that this isn’t just a sequel — it’s an evolution.
A Franchise at the Crossroads
As Toy Story prepares to enter its third decade, the franchise is grappling with the same cultural questions many parents and children face: What does play look like in a digital age? How do toys compete with apps and algorithms for a child’s attention? The inclusion of a tech-centric character like Smarty Pants is more than just a gimmick — it reflects a very real tension in how kids grow, learn, and connect today.
O’Brien’s casting adds a fresh layer of humor and cultural commentary to what is already shaping up to be a thoughtful and timely chapter in the Toy Story saga. With a blend of old favorites, new voices, and modern themes, Toy Story 5 looks ready to entertain, challenge, and surprise audiences all over again.
Everything We Know About Toy Story 5
Here is the updated and complete list of everything we know about Toy Story 5, with your additions included and all emojis removed:
Release Date
- June 19, 2026
Directors
- Andrew Stanton (also writer)
- McKenna Harris (co-director)
Producer
- Jessica Choi
Executive Producer
- Pete Docter (Pixar Chief Creative Officer)
Plot Details / Premise
- Central theme: “Toy meets Tech” — classic toys face a new threat from the rise of electronics and digital entertainment.
- The toys’ jobs are described as becoming “exponentially harder” as they go head-to-head with this new threat to traditional playtime.
- Tim Allen has described the story as “very, very clever.”
- Jessie will reportedly take on a central role and face “big trouble,” requiring the help of the original gang.
- Woody and Buzz will “realign,” reuniting despite their emotional farewell in Toy Story 4.
- The movie will open with an “unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyear.”
- Pete Docter has teased that the film will be “surprising” and feature “cool things you’ve never seen before.”
- A new challenge for Buzz involves “a whole squadron of Buzz Lightyear figures stuck in ‘toy mode,’” creating unexpected chaos.
Confirmed and Expected Voice Cast
- Tom Hanks as Woody
- Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear
- Joan Cusack as Jessie (expected to return)
- Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants (a new tech-savvy toy character)
- Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl (taking over from the late Carl Weathers)
- Tony Hale as Forky (expected)
- Wallace Shawn as Rex (expected)
- John Ratzenberger as Hamm (expected)
- Blake Clark as Slinky Dog (expected)
- Annie Potts as Bo Peep (expected)
- Kristen Schaal as Trixie (expected)
- Jeff Garlin as Buttercup (expected)
- Timothy Dalton as Mr. Pricklepants (expected)
- Anna Faris in an undisclosed role
Production Notes
- Voice recording is underway
- This will be the first film in the main Toy Story series without any involvement from former Pixar executive John Lasseter
Our Favorite Games For Movie and TV Lovers
Movie buffs and TV enthusiasts often seek more than just watching—many want to test their knowledge, dive into trivia, and enjoy social experiences inspired by their favorite shows and films. Whether you’re hosting a game night or looking for the perfect gift, there are board and card games tailored to fans of pop culture, famous lines, nostalgic series, and iconic scenes. We’ve handpicked the best games that let you celebrate your screen obsessions with friends and family.
Clipology Movie Trivia Game
Clipology is a must-buy for movie buffs who want to test their knowledge while enjoying quality time with friends and family.
Pros
- Real movie and TV clips make gameplay exciting and unique
- Works on multiple devices without needing to download apps
- Regularly updated content keeps the game fresh
Cons
- Requires good internet connection for streaming
- Some users report occasional website glitches
- Knowledge of older films gives experienced players an advantage
We recently tried Clipology at our weekend game night, and it was an instant hit. The game combines board play with interactive video content streamed via a device. From “Name That Movie” to “Freeze Frame,” the game includes over a dozen fun categories. With no app download required and sleek physical components, Clipology balances digital fun with classic tabletop energy. Ideal for ages 13+ and up to 6 players, it’s a must-have for trivia fans who love the big screen.
Movie & TV Trivia Game
This family-friendly trivia game offers hours of fun for movie and TV buffs, with questions spanning decades of entertainment.
Pros
- Special action cards add strategy and surprises
- Designed for multi-generational play
- 400 diverse questions stored in a compact box
Cons
- Game board is a bit short for extended sessions
- Some questions may be too easy for hardcore film fans
- Rules take a few minutes to learn
We tested this game on a mixed-age group, and it brought out laughs, debates, and plenty of shouting. Questions cover everything from “The Godfather” to “Modern Family,” and the special cards—like “Mute” and “Fast Forward”—add fun twists that shake up gameplay. It’s a great pick for casual trivia fans and families who love screen time and board games alike.
Rewind 80’s & 90’s Movie Trivia Game
This nostalgic trivia game is perfect for anyone who loves 80s and 90s pop culture. It delivers hours of fun while testing your knowledge of beloved decades in TV and film.
Pros
- Retro VHS-style packaging enhances the nostalgic vibe
- 225 trivia cards covering quotes, music, and TV
- Great for sparking memories and conversations
Cons
- Some players wanted more 80s-focused content
- Strong emphasis on 90s hip-hop may not appeal to all
- Recommended for ages 18+, limiting family play
We brought this out during a party and it instantly became the centerpiece. The categories include Movie Quotes and TV Theme Songs, bringing everyone into a shared trip down memory lane. The packaging alone—a faux VHS tape—makes it a fun gift. Simple to learn, easy to play, and endlessly shareable, it’s perfect for fans of vintage media and cultural callbacks.
Urban Trivia Game
This Black-owned card game brings laughs, learning, and connection with its thoughtful questions about Black culture and media.
Pros
- Sparks authentic conversations and cultural recognition
- Appeals to both older and younger generations
- High-quality questions that reflect real experiences
Cons
- Some questions may feel repetitive over time
- May require a neutral host for competitive groups
- Best played with 4 or more players
Urban Trivia Game quickly became a favorite at our family gathering. It touches on everything from Black sitcoms and movies to iconic music and shared life experiences. Created by a group of friends from Dallas, the questions feel genuine and relatable. It’s more than just trivia—it’s a celebration of culture, making it a standout choice for game nights with meaning and fun.
Why These Games Stand Out
These games aren’t just trivia—they’re immersive experiences built for people who love movies and TV. Whether you’re quoting lines, naming soundtracks, or guessing which show a character is from, each game taps into the joy of shared screen moments.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Game Title | Ideal For | Age Range | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clipology | Streaming & real clips | 13+ | Interactive video trivia |
| Movie & TV Trivia | Casual fans & families | 12+ | Multi-generational gameplay |
| Rewind 80s & 90s | Nostalgia lovers | 18+ | Retro VHS-style packaging |
| Urban Trivia | Cultural connection | 14+ | Focus on Black TV, film & music |
If you’re passionate about the big screen, love quoting shows, or just want to challenge your friends with pop culture knowledge, these games bring that experience off the couch and onto the table. Grab one for your next get-together—you’ll be surprised how much fun it is to play your favorite movies and shows.
