There has to be something immensely gratifying as a director when, during your initial meetings with Keanu Reeves, the actor says, “Right now I’m filming ‘John Wick 3′…I got to kill a guy with a book.” This is what “Toy Story 4” director Josh Cooley revealed to us while discussing the film’s new action figure, Duke Caboom, during a press conference at Pixar.
“Toy Story 4” dropped its final trailer recently to which we not only got a better sense of the journey Woody and the gang are embarking upon, but the prominence of Reeves’ explosive new character aptly dubbed Canada’s Greatest Stuntman. Perhaps with the recent critical and commercial success of ‘John Wick 3,’ it felt appropriate to highlight the actor’s charismatic Buster Keaton-inspired action figure and the zesty flavor he’s going to bring to the table in this fourth ‘Toy Story.’ Upon screening the footage during my visit to Pixar last month, Caboom was without question my favorite new addition as the character not only played with the action hero tropes but was the embodiment of Reeves himself.
Keanu Reeves has been going through somewhat of a resurgence as of late in what I am calling the Keanissance (or is it Reeveissance?). During the late ’80s and ’90s, Reeves was mostly categorized as the “surfer action dude” after the break out success of the “Bill & Ted” films and “Point Break.” To change this perception and expand his catalog of work, Reeves tried his hand at something more serious and dramatic with the Francis Ford Coppola film “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.” Unfortunately for Reeves, while the film itself garnered mostly positive reception, his performance was brutally panned. Many questioned what exactly Reeves was doing, and sadly, the actor was hurt in the process taking many of these criticisms to heart. While it may not seem like it, “Dracula” is a rather important film in the actor’s resume as it is the first sign of Reeves taking roles outside of what Hollywood expected in an effort to discover who he is as a performer.
Naturally, after being cast in “The Matrix,” Reeves became synonymous with Neo and the sci-fi genre. Hollywood, once again, was keen to place Reeves in a box as the “action sci-fi guy” and films like “Constantine” and “The Day the Earth Stood Still” go to show that. However, that typecasting wasn’t in the cards for Reeves as he went on to star in a series of diverse projects ranging from indie features to romantic dramas and comedies such as “Something’s Gotta Give”– projects that couldn’t be further from his Neo persona.
It wasn’t until 2013’s breakout hit “John Wick” that Reeves found himself back in the spotlight arguably better than ever. With ‘Wick’s’ continued success (now three outings in), it seems people have genuinely begun to take note and truly appreciate Reeves’ abilities not only as a stunt performer but as an actor, as well. There are vulnerability and earnestness to his performances. Opposed to some of the flashier and outwardly expressive action stars, Reeves has always been internal; utilizing his eyes to the fullest. Perhaps this speaks to the broader context of how much of Reeves himself is in his performance and why this relatable sensitive demeanor finds its way into the character of Duke Caboom.
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Part of the footage I was privy to at Pixar included Caboom’s introduction. Bo escorts Woody through a Casablanca inspired misfit toy haven in search of the toy based off the real Canadian Stuntman. After a few fiery catchphrases and action poses, Duke’s swagger and confidence begin to subside as he sulks in his desire to be more than just a toy, but the actual stunt performer his advertisements depict him as.
It’s rather poetic that Reeves should play a character who aspires to be more than what society labels him as; he’s grappled with that struggle his whole career. For both Caboom and Reeves, underneath their cool exterior, there is a vulnerable, sincere, and emotional person at odds with who he wants to be and what society wants him to be. This longing to branch out and achieve their true potential shows a constant journey of self-discovery and purpose. For Caboom, it isn’t until Woody and Bo come knocking at his doorstep that his full potential is realized. For Reeves, the “John Wick” films revamped his career in a way that’s allowed him to take part in diverse projects such as “Always Be My Maybe” and “Toy Story 4” without being questioned or pigeonholed.
Similar to how comparisons can be drawn between Michael Keaton and Ken in “Toy Story 3,” Keanu Reeves and Duke Caboom share identical character traits that allow “Toy Story 4’s” newest action figure to come alive with far more depth and poignancy than what I imagine was written on the page. In fact, when Josh Cooley stated Reeves was their first choice for the role, I knew the filmmakers had tailor-made this character just for him.
“Toy Story 4” hits theaters June 21st and tickets are on sale now. For more of our “Toy Story 4” coverage click here.
Bonus: a new clip from “Toy Story 4” has been released.
Meet Forky in this new clip from #ToyStory4. See it in theaters June 21. pic.twitter.com/nv2xYT4FlY
— Pixar (@Pixar) May 28, 2019