INFO: AN ODE TO TOY STORY 4’S DUKE CABOOM, CANADA’S GREATEST STUNTMAN

What do you get when you cross an epic toy with a tragic backstory, a daredevil attitude, incredible poses, a healthy dose of Canadian spirit, and the melodic voice of Keanu Reeves? The answer is simple: a brand-new character from Toy Story 4, in theaters June 21. This character is, of course, Duke Caboom, Canada’s Greatest Stuntman!

Who is Duke Caboom, you might ask? What makes him tick? Why is he such a crucial element of Toy Story 4? So glad you asked, let’s find out…

Duke Caboom is a toy straight out of the 1970s, based on Canada’s greatest stuntman (also named Duke Caboom). With his awesome Caboom stunt-cycle revved up and ready to go, Duke always arrives with confidence, swagger, and of course, his signature stunt poses. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

Woody and Bo Peep encounter Duke inside an antique store, hoping to recruit him for an epic stunt to save Forky from the clutches of Gabby Gabby. However, Woody soon discovers that Duke isn’t quite the stuntman he seems to be, because he has never been able to do stunts quite as awesome as the ones advertised in his toy commercial.

In a clip we saw while visiting Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California, Duke recounts the failures of his tragic past to Woody and Bo through a truly hysterical flashback scene. We won’t spoil it here, because it’s too good to not see and hear Keanu Reeves’ incredible performance for the first time in Toy Story 4, landing in theaters June 21.

Speaking of Keanu Reeves, who better to voice Canada’s Greatest Stuntman than another Canadian great? Producer Jonas Rivera gave us all the details about the magical experience working with Keanu Reeves:

The first time [Director] Josh Cooley and I talked with Keanu about the role, Keanu became Duke Caboom. Keanu was asking great questions that dug deep to find the soul of the character. At one point, he stood up on the table in the middle of Pixar’s atrium and struck poses while proclaiming victory. It was so funny. It’s all in the movie and it’s all Keanu.

An epic voice actor origin story for an epic character? What could be more fitting?

So there you have it, our ode to Duke Caboom. Want to see more from Duke? Then you absolutely can’t miss Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 4, in theaters June 21. Tickets are on sale now!

About the Author: DBTN - FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF DBTN

My enthusiasm for all things Disney all started when my parents took our family to WDW for a vacation. My first trip was at age 13. Since that first time, I have made a trip to WDW almost every year from age 13. As far as I knew there was only one place to vacation! My fascination with WDW began on that first trip. I wanted to know how things at WDW operated and what made it so magical. I wanted to know details like how many people worked there and the length of the monorail track. It is that fascination that fueled my interest in WDW. Each year that my family vacationed at WDW, I learned more about WDW as they built more parks and added more attractions. I am not the average fan; I want to know all the details and I love researching the facts of WDW. I research facts through the Internet, books and DVDs. To me, the best part is to conduct research trip at WDW. After college, my father was transferred to Orlando and I moved with my parents. Seeking employment, I applied for a job at WDW. I passed the first rounds of interviews and was proud to join the Disney family as a security cast member! The job was great. It included Disney-specific training and security training before assuming four duties: driving a security vehicle, standing a post, working in a resort or walking a park or other area. Sometimes I even had special duties like working the Epcot Christmas Processional. I would escort the celebrity guests from backstage to onstage. Interestingly, every cast member is given a WDW fact book monthly to aid in answering guest questions. The pocket book contained great Disney facts that added more fuel for my thirst of Disney facts. Well, all-good things must come to end so we moved back to NJ. In the summer of 2010 I moved back to Florida I am now living in Orlando less then 15 minutes from WDW and living the dream and have fun along the way. Favorite Park – Magic Kingdom Favorite Character – Mickey Mouse Favorite restaurant – California Grill Favorite attraction – Toy Story Mania Favorite resort – Bay Lake Tower / Contempoary First time at a disney park – 1976 & have been every year since Who was on your first disney trip – My entire family Favorite disney memory – My first trip and my first trip with my kids How far do you live from disney now – 15 minutes When is your next Disney trip? – every weekend Favorite Disney Movie – Jungle Book & Toy Story