The Unlikely Hero of Toy Story 5: How Conan O'Brien and a Pixar Intern Created a Character We Didn’t Know We Needed
There’s something undeniably magical about the Toy Story franchise. It’s not just the nostalgia or the animation—it’s the way each new installment introduces characters that feel both fresh and oddly familiar. But with Toy Story 5, Pixar has outdone itself by bringing in Conan O'Brien to voice Smarty Pants, a potty-training toy that’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. Personally, I think this might be the most unexpected yet brilliant casting choice in the series’ history. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Smarty Pants embodies the tension between old and new, analog and digital, in a way that feels both timely and timeless.
The Rise of Smarty Pants: A Toy for the Ages
Smarty Pants isn’t just a throwaway gag—he’s a character with depth, humor, and a surprisingly poignant backstory. As a potty-training toy, his worldview is hilariously narrow, yet Conan O’Brien’s delivery gives him a chaotic, lovable energy. One thing that immediately stands out is how Smarty Pants represents the toys left behind in the march of technological progress. He’s outdated, running on low batteries, and sounds perpetually drunk—a detail that I find especially interesting because it’s both funny and a little sad. It’s a metaphor for obsolescence, something we all fear in an era where tech moves at lightning speed.
What many people don’t realize is that Smarty Pants’ design was the brainchild of a Pixar intern named Naomi. In my opinion, this is a testament to Pixar’s culture of collaboration and innovation. It’s not just about the big names—it’s about giving everyone, even interns, a chance to contribute something meaningful. Naomi’s sketch evolved into the final design, but the essence of her idea remained: a toy that feels nostalgic yet distinctly modern. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a perfect example of how creativity often comes from unexpected places.
Conan O’Brien: The Secret Weapon
Conan’s voice work as Smarty Pants is nothing short of masterful. His ability to infuse the character with both humor and heart is what makes Smarty Pants so memorable. From my perspective, this role feels like a natural extension of Conan’s comedic style—chaotic, self-aware, and just a little bit absurd. What this really suggests is that voice acting isn’t just about delivering lines; it’s about bringing a character to life in a way that resonates with audiences.
But what’s even more intriguing is how Smarty Pants fits into the larger narrative of Toy Story 5. The film explores the struggle between traditional toys and the invasion of tech, embodied by the Lilypad tablet. Smarty Pants, as a tech toy himself, occupies a unique middle ground. He’s not quite analog, but he’s also not as advanced as the newer gadgets. This raises a deeper question: What happens to the toys that don’t quite fit into either category? Are they destined to be forgotten, or can they find a new purpose?
The Broader Implications: Nostalgia, Obsolescence, and the Human Condition
Smarty Pants isn’t just a funny character—he’s a symbol of something much bigger. In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, we’re constantly leaving things (and people) behind. This theme of obsolescence is one that Pixar has explored before, but Smarty Pants feels particularly relevant in 2026. Personally, I think this is why he resonates so strongly. He’s a reminder that even the most mundane objects can have stories worth telling.
What’s also striking is how Smarty Pants challenges our assumptions about what makes a toy ‘relevant.’ He’s not flashy or high-tech, but he has a purpose—and that purpose gives him value. This connects to a larger trend in storytelling: the idea that the most compelling characters are often the ones who are flawed, outdated, or overlooked. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to the shiny, perfect heroes we often see in animated films.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Smarty Pants?
While we’ve only seen a portion of Toy Story 5, it’s clear that Smarty Pants has a bigger role to play. Bob Pauley’s tease about the character’s evolution in the second half of the film has me particularly excited. In my opinion, Smarty Pants has the potential to become one of the franchise’s most iconic characters—not just because he’s funny, but because he embodies the heart of Toy Story: the idea that every toy, no matter how small or outdated, has a story worth telling.
As we wait for Toy Story 5 to hit theaters in 2026, I can’t help but wonder what other surprises Pixar has in store. But one thing is certain: Smarty Pants is a character we didn’t know we needed, and I’m grateful to Conan O’Brien and Naomi for bringing him to life. If you take a step back and think about it, this is what great storytelling is all about—finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. And in Smarty Pants, Pixar has done just that.
Final Thoughts
Smarty Pants isn’t just a character—he’s a reflection of our relationship with technology, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Personally, I think he’s the perfect addition to the Toy Story universe, a reminder that even the most unlikely heroes can leave a lasting impression. So, when Toy Story 5 finally arrives, don’t be surprised if Smarty Pants steals the show. After all, in a world of high-tech gadgets and flashy toys, sometimes it’s the simplest ones that have the most to say.
