Conan O'Brien just joined Toy Story 5 and here’s all you need to know about his casting

Toy Story 5 is the fifth installment in the animated franchise. A direct sequel to 2019's Toy Story 4, the film is written and directed by Andrew Stanton. Here is the official synopsis:

Buzz, Woody, Jessie are challenged after being introduced to what kids are obsessed with today: electronics.

Produced by Jessica Chol, Toy Story 5 is slated to be released in theatres on June 19, 2026. Talk show host Conan O'Brien has now joined the film's cast and his role is currently surrounded by mystery. So, let us learn everything about his character in the film.

Conan O'Brien joins cast of Toy Story 5

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Conan O'Brien, who is a comedian and late-night talk show host, has joined the cast of the forthcoming film Toy Story 5. He is playing a character named Smarty Pants. His casting was revealed at the Licensing Expo conducted by Disney. Subsequently, O'Brien announced the news on his Instagram handle via a video. He said that his character is the best of them all, even though he actually wanted to voice Buzz Lightyear or Woody. Talking about his character, Smartypants, he said,

It's the best character of them all. I far prefer this character... I'm Smartypants. I love this!

His addition to the franchise means that the viewers might get yet another memorable character in the film. More details about the character are unclear and covered in mystery.

Toy Story 5 was confirmed back in February 2023 and will be a continuation of the previous installment. Here's a list of its cast members so far:

Tom Hanks as Woody
Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear
Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl
Conan O'Brien as Smarty Pants
Anna Faris

The Toy Story franchise began with the release of its first film on 22 November 1995. It was helmed by John Lasseter while Andrew Stanton was a part of its writing team. The film met with critical acclaim and ended up grossing $394.4 million. Its success was followed by Toy Story 2 (1999) and Toy Story 3 (2010). After nearly a decade, the franchise was resurrected with Toy Story 4 (2019).

In 2019, the film's producer Mark Nielsen hinted that the franchise would continue after the fourth installment. He said,

“Every film we make, we treat it like it’s the first and the last film we’re ever going to make. So you force yourself to make it hold up. You don’t get in over your skis. Whether there’s another one? I don’t know. If there is, it’s tomorrow’s problem.”

Prior to that, Tom Hanks had spoken about the end of the franchise after Toy Story 4.

“This is the end of the series and I had gotten some texts from Tim Allen. These texts that say, ‘Have you recorded yet? Have you been in? Have you had a session yet?’ I said, ‘No, not yet.’ [Allen says] ‘Wait until you see those last pages. Tough one, tough one."

Despite the ups and downs, the makers are going ahead with the fifth installment, which is now slated to be released in June 2026. It's the first in the franchise to be made without the involvement of John Lasseter, who left Pixar after several allegations were leveled against him .

Are you excited about Toy Story 5?