Toy Story 4 Interview – Christina, Tim & Keanu

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Before our Toy Story 4 interview with Tony Hale, Annie Potts, and Tom Hanks, we were able to talk with 3 more Toy Story 4 stars.

Christina Hendricks (voice of Gabby Gabby), Tim Allen (voice of Buzz Lightyear) and Keanu Reeves (voice of Duke Caboom) joined us in the press room to share their thoughts about being part of this story, and give insight into their characters.

This Toy Story 4 interview with Christina Hendricks, Tim Allen, and Kean Reeves is full of revelations about the film, and new "villain" Gabby Gabby.

Toy Story 4 Cast Interview with Christina, Tim and Keanu

Truth be told, I was most excited to be able to see Christina Hendricks on this panel. I am a big Mad Men fan, and thought it was brilliant of Pixar to ask Christina to take on the role of Gabby Gabby. 

Christina Hendricks Takes On Complex “Villian”

When we first encountered Toy Story 4’s Gabby Gabby, we gave her the role of villain. During the interview, Christina gave wonderful insight into her character and went on to actually call her lovely.

“She’s so lovely. I like that. I think when children see this movie, she comes across as sort of the villain, at first. And then you realize that she’s coming from a very loving place. And I think that’s important to say maybe you don’t like someone at first.

But (learn) how did they get there, why are they there and understand their story. So, I think she’s very special in that way. Then, she sort of gets embraced by the group. It’s about support.”

The Creation of Gabby Gabby

Director Josh Cooley shared how Gabby Gabby was a unique challenge for the Pixar team, because creating an actual doll was new to them.

Big Baby from Toy Story 3 was a start to that journey, but because of his disfiguration, he wasn’t a “complete” doll creation. Josh said they looked to their own kids’ toys for inspiration.

We realized we had never done a doll before. Just a regular doll. And we all have daughters. So we look at our own kids, their toys, and our toys for truths. And I just loved the idea of kind of Talking Tina/Chatty Cathy-ish (doll). And then also like The Godfather; have the minions. We’ve never done that. So, that’s one of my favorite scenes. 

Is Toy Story 4 a film for small kids? You'd be surprised by the answer. Read this Toy Story 4 review from an honest parent of a 4 year old.
GABBY GABBY – In Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4,” Woody finds himself in Second Chance Antiques, home to an adorable, talking pull-string doll from the 1950s and her crew of voiceless ventriloquist dummies. Unfortunately for Gabby Gabby, a manufacturing defect in her pull-string voice box has left her sounding anything but adorable. Christina Hendricks lends her voice to Gabby Gabby. “Toy Story 4” opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.
©2019 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Producer Jonas Rivera shared that Gabby Gabby, and all of the new characters, were essential to the storyline of the film.

“You don’t do it (create new characters) just for the fun of it. Gabby for example. The story would not work without Gabby Gabby. She is an echo of Woody. And we needed her to be this legit, real and truthful human character.

The same thing for Duke Caboom, Giggle (McDimples) and everybody new. So they’re not just for fun, although we love them. But this movie wouldn’t work without them.”

This Toy Story 4 interview with Christina Hendricks, Tim Allen, and Kean Reeves is full of revelations about the film, and new "villain" Gabby Gabby.

Powerful Women Playing Powerful Women

I got to ask Christina a question. So, of course I have to include her answer in this article. The kicker is that after our early screening of Toy Story 4, I knew I needed Christina to expand on what it was like to play this powerful character after a slam dunk performance of Joan in Mad Men.

“I think every woman has that vulnerability and strength within her. So, I sort of approached everything I do a little bit in that way. That’s maybe why (the Pixar team) called me. I don’t know.

Like they were saying earlier, all of the characters in this movie are so well rounded. That’s such a sweet thing about this character; she’s not just one thing. She’s got this strength, even though she’s a baby doll. So it was a joy to bring all those sides to her.”

This Toy Story 4 interview with Christina Hendricks, Tim Allen, and Kean Reeves is full of revelations about the film, and new "villain" Gabby Gabby.

What Girls Will Learn From Gabby Gabby

My friend Tania from Lola Lambchops was ablate ask Christina a wonderful question about what she would like girls to learn from Gabby Gabby, and is there any message she’d love her performance to pass along to all children.

“I think that ultimately, you have to listen to everyone’s full story before you make a judgment about them. And to hopefully not make a judgment about them. I think that’s the lovely thing that she brings to this part of the story; everyone comes from a place and it’s what made them who they are. You need to listen to that before you can fully understand them.”

This Toy Story 4 interview with Christina Hendricks, Tim Allen, and Kean Reeves is full of revelations about the film, and new "villain" Gabby Gabby.

Toy Story 4 interview sparks bromance

This Toy Story 4 interview with Christina Hendricks, Tim Allen, and Keanu Reeves was such a pleasure to see up-close. Hearing how Keanu and Christina embraced their characters solidified why each of them were important to the story, and the emotion you feel when watching the film.

But, I would be holding something very pure from you if I didn’t mention the Tim and Keanu bromance we witnessed. To see Buzz Lightyear and Duke Caboom banter was a treat. 

Is Toy Story 4 a film for small kids? You'd be surprised by the answer. Read this Toy Story 4 review from an honest parent of a 4 year old.
YES HE CANADA! – In Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4,” Duke Caboom is a 1970s toy based on Canada’s greatest stuntman. Riding his powerful Caboom stunt-cycle, Duke is always prepared to show off his stunt poses with confidence and swagger. However, Duke has an Achilles heel: He has never been able to do the awesome stunts advertised in his own toy commercial. Featuring Keanu Reeves as the voice of Duke, “Toy Story 4” opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019. ©2019 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

A female member of the press asked Keanu if we’ll see more comedic performances from him, with the success of Netflix’s Call Me Maybe and his already successful performance of Duke Caboom.

“KEANU REEVES: I hope so. I don’t know. I hope so. 

TIM ALLEN: The next John Wick, he does stand up. He literally kills the audience. That’s what I do. I come up with silly. That’s kind of what I do. Make jokes like that. They’re not all winners, people.”

Keanu’s laugh after that interaction was killer.

This Toy Story 4 interview with Christina Hendricks, Tim Allen, and Kean Reeves is full of revelations about the film, and new "villain" Gabby Gabby.

Keanu was also asked if it felt differently to act out a character without having to be seen, which is completely opposite of his on-screen acting. He responded that it still felt like the same kind of intensity, but also took the opportunity to ask Tim about his “to infinity” process.

KEANU REEVES: Actually, when I was playing Duke Caboom, to get into character, I would go ‘kaboom.’ Do you go ‘to infinity and beyond’ to get into the spirit of it? 

TIM ALLEN: Ad nauseum. Because I’ve literally said that. When that shows up on a script after 25 years, they say, ‘and you see the last line?’ Yeah. I think I got that part. [LAUGHTER] But they have me say it again. There’s only so many ways. 

KEANU REEVES: I know. But if you have to find the character, do you go to that…

TIM ALLEN: I’m doing this (puts arm up) a lot. Reaching for the lasers, and all that stuff.”

Keanu Reeves shared so much insight, and Tania from Lola Lambchops shared all about his revival and “Keanussance” in her Toy Story interview post. Be sure to check it out: A Witness To Keanussance: Interview with Keanu Reeves, Christina Hendricks, and Tim Allen

My friend Tessa from Mama’s Geeky shares Tim Allen’s view of the evolution of Toy Story in her post. He has some very heartfelt things to say: Laughs & Tears with Christina Hendricks, Tim Allen, & Keanu Reeves

Up next: an exclusive Toy Story 4 interview with Annie Potts, voice of Bo Peep. We can’t wait to share this beautiful interview!

toy story 4 trailer list

Toy Story 4 hits theaters on June 21st!

About Amiyrah

My name is Amiyrah and I'm an an African American fashion & lifestyle blogger based in Ohio.

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