Pixar has officially pulled back the curtain on one of Toy Story 5’s most unusual new characters, and he’s voiced by none other than comedy legend Conan O’Brien. At Disney’s Destination D23 celebration, the studio unveiled an early look at Smarty Pants, a roll of toilet paper who doubles as a cheerful potty-training toy — instantly cementing himself as one of the strangest and most delightfully offbeat additions to the beloved franchise.

Conan O’Brien Joins the Toy Story Family

O’Brien, best known for his decades of late-night television, podcasting, and his quick-witted, self-deprecating humor, feels like a perfect match for the kind of quirky side characters Pixar has always excelled at creating.

In the official still released by Disney, Smarty Pants beams with a happy-go-lucky grin, seemingly unfazed by his less-than-glamorous role in the toy box hierarchy. As a potty-training toy, Smarty Pants is destined to help toddlers navigate one of the messier rites of passage. True to O’Brien’s style, the character looks set to mix absurdity with warmth.

The role marks O’Brien’s first major animated movie gig since retiring from nightly hosting duties in 2021, and his first big-screen role since the launch of his hit podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.

The Bigger Picture: New Characters for a New Era

Smarty Pants isn’t the only new face audiences will meet in Toy Story 5. At D23, Pixar also teased LilyPad, a hybrid between an iPad and a LeapFrog educational device. While no voice actor has been announced yet, early hints suggest LilyPad may be positioned as an antagonist, tying into the film’s central theme of traditional toys struggling to stay relevant in an era dominated by screens and technology.

This has long been part of the Toy Story DNA. Each film has introduced a new toy designed to reflect both children’s imaginations and the changing times. From Jessie and Bullseye in Toy Story 2 to Lotso in Toy Story 3 and Forky in Toy Story 4, new additions have always driven the story forward. Smarty Pants and LilyPad look poised to continue that tradition in inventive (and very 21st-century) ways.

What Is Toy Story 5 About?

The film picks up after the events of Toy Story 4, which ended with Woody parting ways with Buzz, Jessie, and the gang to live as a “free toy” alongside Bo Peep.

In Toy Story 5, Woody and Buzz will be reunited — though the world around them has changed. Traditional toys like Woody’s pull-string cowboy and Buzz’s plastic space ranger are now competing against screens, tablets, and interactive tech.

As if that weren’t enough, the crew will also face a brand-new threat: a mischievous army of evil Buzz Lightyear clones.

The film’s central theme appears to explore the ongoing clash between tangible playthings and digital entertainment, a story that resonates in a world where iPads and smartphones increasingly replace action figures and dolls.

Returning Cast

The Toy Story franchise has always drawn strength from its all-star voice ensemble, and most of the familiar voices are back for the fifth outing. Confirmed cast members include:

Tom Hanks as Woody

Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear

Joan Cusack as Jessie

Blake Clark as Slinky Dog

Tony Hale as Forky

Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl, taking over from the late Carl Weathers

With O’Brien as Smarty Pants, Pixar has found a fresh comic presence to play alongside the veterans.

Paul Shaffer–Style Musical Touch?

Though not yet confirmed, fans are speculating whether Pixar might give Smarty Pants his own musical gag — especially considering O’Brien’s penchant for musical comedy over the years. The Toy Story films have often paired comedy with heartfelt music (thanks to Randy Newman’s iconic scores), and the addition of a comedian of O’Brien’s caliber suggests Pixar may lean into more playful meta humor.

Why Smarty Pants Works

Part of what makes Smarty Pants stand out is how perfectly he embodies Pixar’s ability to take the mundane and make it magical. Where other franchises might hesitate to center a children’s character around toilet paper, Toy Story has always found charm in oddball toys — from a spork with googly eyes (Forky) to a plastic dinosaur with self-esteem issues (Rex).

Smarty Pants fits right into that tradition. He’s ridiculous, slightly embarrassing, but undeniably lovable. And with O’Brien’s distinct comedic delivery, he could become one of the film’s breakout stars.

Why Toy Story 5 Now?

When Toy Story 4 premiered in 2019, many fans assumed it would be the series’ farewell. The movie closed out Woody’s journey in a surprisingly poignant way, and Pixar itself suggested it might be the final chapter.

But as the company has doubled down on its tentpole franchises in recent years (Inside Out 2 became Pixar’s biggest hit in years), revisiting Toy Story feels inevitable. The franchise remains one of Disney’s crown jewels, with nearly $4 billion in worldwide box office receipts across four films and untold billions in merchandise.

And with a new generation of young kids growing up in a tech-saturated world, a story about toys fighting to stay relevant may feel timelier than ever.

When Does Toy Story 5 Release?

Disney has confirmed that Toy Story 5 will debut in theaters on June 19, 2026.

That release date puts it in prime summer blockbuster territory, almost exactly 31 years after the original Toy Story (1995) made history as the first fully computer-animated feature.

The Bottom Line

With Conan O’Brien stepping in to voice Smarty Pants, Toy Story 5 looks set to keep the franchise’s tradition of unforgettable new characters alive. From Woody and Buzz confronting evil clones to new rivals like LilyPad, the film is shaping up to be both nostalgic and fresh.

Whether Smarty Pants becomes the next Forky — a strange, silly toy who unexpectedly steals the show — remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: only Pixar could make toilet paper into one of the most anticipated characters of summer 2026.

So mark your calendars. On June 19, 2026, the toys will be back in town — and this time, they’re bringing Conan O’Brien.