Alongside Woody, Buzz and the gang, this summer’s Toy Story 4 will see the return of Bo Peep and the introduction of new characters like Ducky, Forky and perhaps most excitingly, Keanu Reeves’ Duke Caboom. We’ve heard a little bit about what to expect from the action icon’s action figure, but we haven't seen much of him in the trailers released so far. Until now, that is. Check out Keanu Reeves as Canada’s greatest stuntman in the video from Toy Story 4 below.
This video from Walt Disney Studios Canada really nails the style of commercial that has been used to advertise toys to kids over the years, especially action figures. It has a catchy, rock song pumping up the toy, a super cool sounding name and a pitch about its awesome capabilities. And like many real toys, that functionality often proves to be hyperbolic at best, as it does here with Keanu Reeve’s Duke Caboom.
Duke Caboom is Canada’s greatest stuntman, an Evel Knievel-type character known for his daredevil motorcycle stunts. It’s a fitting role for Keanu Reeves, who himself is Canadian and a motorcycle enthusiast. Yet, while Duke Caboom surpasses his American counterpart in the facial hair department, thanks to his Fu Manchu mustache, this Canuck does not in fact have all the luck.
Keanu Reeves’ Duke Caboom cannot perform the stunt that his commercial says he can,and that failure disappointed his kid, giving the outgoing stuntman something of a tragic backstory. Woody and the gang seem disappointed in his ability as well when they try and enlist his help. I’m guessing he’s part of the carnival of lost toys thing Bo Peep’s got going on.
Duke’s tragic backstory and lack of confidence in his ability basically guarantees that before this movie is over, Duke Caboom will get believe in himself and make a nearly impossible jump and probably say something cool and strike an awesome pose while doing it.
Keanu Reeves may be known more for his action chops than comedy (Bill & Ted aside) but if this video is any indication, his character could be a hilarious scene-stealer in Toy Story 4. His constant posing on his motorcycle and throwing out his catchphrase while talking to Woody and Bo Peep quite funny, and I expect him to throw this out at some inopportune times, frustrating his companions and cracking up audiences.
If you’re curious, you can check out the video below to see a commercial for the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle toy that clearly served as some inspiration for Keanu Reeves’ Duke Caboom.
Toy Story 4 opens in theaters on June 21, bring your own tissues, the theater will not provide them for you. Also check out our 2019 Release Schedule to see all the biggest movies coming this summer.
