After catching Keanu Reeves as the Canadian stuntman Duke Caboom in Toy Story 5 last night, I’m pleasantly surprised to see an endearing actor taking on another enticing project. According to Deadline, Reeves is reuniting with Toy Story 4 (where Duke Caboom debuted) for a live-action hybrid Lego film. While Universal declined to comment, Deadline reports that Jill Wilfert and Ryan Christians will produce through The Lego Group.
Lego needs a hit
Since 2020, the Lego Group has tried and failed to get several projects off the ground. However, it seems that with Reeves, they have a green light. Deadline says that several actors and directors tried to get Universal to see their ideas, but Reeves is the only one to gain any traction. Reeves started talking with the studio, then Josh Cooley joined the discussion, and with Reeves on board to star, things are in motion.
Reeves and Cooley are already a winning combination, after Toy Story 4 grossed more than a billion dollars worldwide, and was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar in the Animation category. It’s a good thing that Universal is game to work with Reeves and Cooley, seeing as how the Lego rights were roughly six months away from going back to the market.
Toy Story 5 and the Reeves factor
Toy Story 5, in which Reeves briefly reprises his role as Duke Caboom, is off to an incredible start at the box office with $312 million in worldwide ticket sales so far. It’s the biggest box office debut of the year, and we’ll likely get a Toy Story 6 in the next several years. I enjoyed Toy Story 5, but the movie didn’t move me as much as other installments in the franchise. It’s absolutely worth seeing, and I suspect I’ll get more out of it on a second watch. I felt one emotional gut punch wasn’t enough for the way others have been hyping it up. Then again, that’s on me for letting others color my excitement. Always go in with an open mind and draw your own conclusions, folks.
Still, I’m excited for Reeves to reconnect with Josh Cooley for a new Lego project. I know Piece by Piece, Lego’s collaboration with Pharrell Williams, didn’t blow minds, but I could see Reeves having more success with the brand.
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