When it was announced that Woody, Buzz, and the crew would be returning for a fourth entry almost a decade after what fans thought would be the final part of their stories, Toy Story lovers were elated. But when it was revealed that Keanu Reeves would be bringing his instantly recognizable voice and talents to the beloved franchise, the excitement reached a peak. During a visit to the San Francisco Pixar campus, IGN was treated to the story of just how Keanu Reeves came to play action figure and stuntman extraordinaire Duke Caboom in Toy Story 4.
The character was introduced to the journalists in attendance during a footage presentation. The sequence saw the red-and-white-hued hero regale Woody and Bo with his tragic backstory. Based on Canada’s most famed stuntman and motorcycle daredevil, Duke Caboom, the action figure was advertised as a superstar toy that could achieve incredible feats. But, alas, he didn’t live up to the hype, leaving him cold and alone in the wilds of Canada.
Source: IGN.com Toy Story 4 Director on the Joy of Casting Keanu Reeves