Late-night television host Conan O'Brien has been cast as the voice of a new character in Toy Story 5 [1].
O'Brien's addition to the Pixar franchise brings a high-profile comedic presence to a series known for blending humor with emotional storytelling. His casting follows a unique creative process where a design by a studio intern impressed Pixar executives enough to secure the role [1].
O'Brien will voice a character named Smarty Pants, described as a toddler's learning device for potty training [3]. The character is a gadget featuring only two buttons, which are labeled No. 1 and No. 2 [4].
Reflecting on the casting process, O'Brien said the studio believed they had to convince him to take the part. He said the interaction was the shortest meeting of his career to date [2].
According to a letter from Pixar, the studio told O'Brien, "You will not have to act for this roll" [5]. Despite the perceived simplicity of the role, O'Brien said voice acting can be surprisingly demanding.
O'Brien has remained active in the public eye recently, including his attendance at the 2025 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center [6].
“"It was the shortest meeting of my career to date."”
The casting of a seasoned comedian like O'Brien for a niche, comedic character suggests Pixar is leaning into character-driven humor for the fifth installment. By utilizing a design from an intern, the studio is also signaling a willingness to integrate fresh, grassroots creative input into its established flagship franchise.
