THE APEX TIMES
Keanu Reeves in Negotiations to Star in Universal’s Live-Action LEGO Hybrid Movie Directed by Josh Cooley
Deadline reports Reeves is in talks to reteam with “Toy Story 4” director Josh Cooley on a new hybrid LEGO feature at Universal, following their prior work together on the Toy Story franchise.
Keanu Reeves is in negotiations to star in a live-action hybrid movie based on the LEGO brand, with Josh Cooley attached to direct, according to an exclusive report by Deadline on June 22, 2026. The report describes the project as a reteam for Reeves and Cooley after their work on the Toy Story franchise, where Cooley directed and Reeves’ character Duke Ka-Boom appeared.
Deadline said sources familiar with the discussions are indicating Reeves is being courted for the LEGO role, and that Cooley’s next assignment would return him to a major toy-property universe. Universal Studios reportedly did not provide a response when contacted for comment regarding the report.
The LEGO franchise has remained a consistent focus for major studios building family-oriented brands across animated and live-action hybrid formats, and the reported pairing of Reeves and Cooley underscores a continued emphasis on recognizable creative teams. The report does not specify the character Reeves would play or outline the plot, beyond describing the film as a live-action hybrid LEGO project.
Cooley’s attachment to the new effort follows his role as director on Toy Story 4, and the Deadline report frames the LEGO movie as a continuation of the working relationship that formed during that franchise run. Reeves’ connection to Toy Story 4 came through the character Duke Ka-Boom, a role the report cites as part of their prior collaboration.
While Reeves’ involvement is described as a negotiation rather than a final agreement, the project is positioned as a high-profile Universal release with a well-known mainstream intellectual property. Until casting and creative details are confirmed through formal announcements, key elements such as production start dates, supporting cast, and distribution timelines remain unclear.
For now, the only publicly stated response connected to the report is that Universal did not comment. The next step in the process would be any official confirmation from the studio, the filmmakers, or representatives for Reeves and Cooley, including whether the parties reach agreement on Reeves’ participation and on the final creative scope of the LEGO hybrid film.
Why It Matters
- If finalized, the casting would affect how Universal and its partners structure their family release slate around a widely recognized brand property.
- A reported Reeves-Cooley pairing indicates a continued industry preference for proven creative partnerships tied to major franchise performance.
- Hybrid live-action animation projects typically require long lead production planning, so confirmed casting and direction can shape downstream schedules for crews and vendors.
- The lack of comment from Universal indicates that details remain subject to change until formal announcements are made.
Key Facts
- Keanu Reeves is reportedly in negotiations to star in a live-action hybrid LEGO movie.
- Josh Cooley is reported to be directing the project.
- Deadline reports the deal would mark a reteam between Reeves and Cooley after Toy Story 4.
- The Deadline report cites Reeves’ Toy Story character Duke Ka-Boom as part of their prior collaboration.
- Deadline reports Universal did not comment when asked about the story.
- As of the report date, Reeves’ role and the film’s plot are not detailed publicly beyond the project description.