If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.
Pixar knew how to convince Conan O'Brien to sign on for Toy Story 5 - Insult him
"You won't have to act for this roll" was all the pitch that Conan O'Brien needed before joining the cast of Toy Story 5
Popverse's top stories
- Think you want the Critical Role live events to be streamed into your home? According to lore-keeper Dani Carr, you don't
- DC Studios Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters - what changed, what got added, and what went away after the first announcement
- The MCU’s original Thor director wants to return for a Logan-inspired “final story” with Chris Hemsworth
Directors often approach a film with a certain person in mind for roles; even if they don’t necessarily get that actor in the end, that perception colors the way they evolve the character on screen. For the director of Toy Story 5, he knew that Conan O’Brien was perfect for the role of Smarty Pants, and he knew just how to convince the late-night host-turned actor: insult him.
In a recent interview, Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton knew he wanted Conan O’Brien to voice the character of Smarty Pants, a child’s potty training toy, in the upcoming sequel ever since he was introduced to the podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend by his wife. He sent an offer letter to O’Brien, which is remarkably short and contains a mild insult in the punchline at the end.
The letter read:
“Dear Conan,
Smarty Pants is a toddler’s learning device for potty training who makes Jessie the yodeling cowgirl’s life a living hell.
He has only two buttons: No. 1 and No. 2. He had one job in life and he completed it in record time. Since then, he’s been left outside in an abandoned play school shed, batteries run down, lying in sleep mode like the town drunk.
Smarty is sarcastic, brash, funny, slightly embarrassing to be around, but beneath all that crap, he has a heart of gold.
You will not have to act for this roll.”
(Note that the spelling of “roll” was not a typo in the letter, according to Stanton)
“He said yes right away,” Stanton confirmed. Which doesn’t surprise us too much. Conan O’Brien seems like a man who embraces self-deprecating humor, which sees him requesting to be put into the next Diablo game so he can see how quickly people kill him when given the chance.
Toy Story 5 is out in cinemas on June 19, 2026.
Want to know what's coming up next in pop culture? Check out Popverse's guides to:
Follow Popverse for upcoming event coverage and news
Find out how we conduct our review by reading our review policy
Let Popverse be your tour guide through the wilderness of pop culture
Sign in and let us help you find your new favorite thing.
Comments
Want to join the discussion? Please activate your account first.
Visit Reedpop ID if you need to resend the confirmation email.