When it comes to Nick Jr., Dora The Explorer is probably the first show that comes to mind. The show has become a cultural phenomenon being broadcast in 151 regions in over 30 different languages. Dora has been shown in everything from College Humor parodies to being mentioned in Ludacris songs.
While Dora is the main protagonist in the series, Dora would be nothing without her lovable Boots by her side. As her sidekick friend, Boots, along with the voices of preschoolers, helps Dora accomplish her missions and save her friends from trouble. While fans of the show know much about Dora, Boots' beginnings and facts might shock some fans.
Boots Was Supposed To Be A Mouse
It is hard to imagine Boots as anything else than the lovable purple monkey in red boots. Yet, when the show was creating the characters, Dora was initially a bunny and Boots was a mouse. When it was decided that Dora was to be human, she was going to be a he. However, after a focus on specific demographic targets, Dora turned into a girl and Boots lost his whiskers and grew a tail, becoming the monkey that fans know today. Once their appearances were complete, the showrunners could now focus on the story and episode creation.
Boots Has Gone On An Adventure Without Dora
In the episode "Boots to the Rescue" Boots is the show's main figure as he is tasked with retrieving Dora's song sheets that she has left behind. Boots use the viewers as his guide as he works through problems, stops Swiper on his own, and learns Spanish in the process. This isn't just the first episode where Dora isn't present, it is the first episode that Dora does not introduce herself to the viewers. At the end of the episode with his mission complete, Boots makes it in time for Dora to turn in her song sheets.
Boots Was Originally Yellow
When the show creators were in early development over the concepts of the show, Dora and Boots went through many different transformations. These transformations occurred after the show was test screened to actual preschoolers who offered their opinions.
The consensus among the creators was that Boots would not only not be yellow but would be a character that could converse with other characters along with viewers. He would change from his original mouse form to a monkey companion that would assist Dora on her many journeys.
Boots Aged With Time
Boots appearance wasn't the only thing that changed over time, as in the first 12 episodes of the series, he was a 4-year-old instead of 5. The change was made to help him identify more with the main demographic age of the viewers of the show. While most would not consider this a big difference, it is when you consider the show's creators changed specific characteristics and character abilities to accompany him with his new age. This drastically changed what he could or could not comprehend within the context of the show.
Original Voice Actor Did Voice In Grand Theft Auto IV
When one imagines the voice of Boots they think of kid-friendly television cartoons not adult driven, murderous video game franchises. Yet, the original voice actor of Boots, Harrison Chad, appeared in Grand Theft Auto IV expansion pack titled Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony as the voice of the character Bobby Blue in the mission of "The Ballad of Gay Tony." The downloadable expansion showed a side of Liberty City that dealt with high society, instead of the normal drug dealers and bikers that fans were accustomed to communicating within the game.
Boots Was In a College Humor Parody Trailer
College Humor, an internet comedy company that has a popular Youtube channel, created their version of Dora the Explorer. In this version, she was an Indiana Jones meets Inspector Gadget mix-up.
The live-action trailer showed a grown-up Dora as she goes on an adult adventure with her trusty sidekick Boots to prevent a thief named Swiper from stealing valuable artifacts. It was a funny and original take on the series that garnered its fair share of laughs as it helped fans imagine a Dora the Explorer franchise that grew with them.
Danny Trejo Voiced Boots In The Live-Action Film Adaption
The lovable Boots might have the mindset of a toddler, but in the live-action film adaption, he has the voice of a popular, yet, surprising prisoner turned actor, Danny Trejo. Trejo is best known for playing villainous and sometimes anti-hero roles. His roles that include Machete, From Dusk Till Dawn and Predators. No doubt, many will find this an odd voice casting of such an iconic children's character. Though, unique of a choice as it is, Trejo is a talented actor that has played in various children's movies in the past.
Boots All Grown Up
In the live-action adaption of Dora the Explorer, which is titled Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Dora is no longer the preschooler fans have been accustomed to. She instead is a teenage girl played by Isabela Moner who currently is eighteen years old. By her side is her lovable sidekick Boots, who has also aged considerably as he is now a full-grown monkey with the voice of the talented action hero and voice actor Danny Trejo. The film is set years after the critically acclaimed cartoon but is still tailored towards younger crowds.
Boots Has A Preschooler's Mentality
Anyone who has ever watched the show knows that Boots has the mentality of a preschooler. There are few things he can do on his own, without the assistance of Dora and the voices of the children at home.
While Boots and Dora are supposed to be around the same age, Dora, being the main protagonist of the series, was created to be able to solve problems and think above her age range, while Boots was supposed to contrast her in his abilities. Boots' personality resembles that of a normal 5-year-old complete with tantrums and crying spells.
Boots In 3D
While fans are accustomed to seeing the cartoon adaption of Boots on the Nickelodeon children's series. They might be shocked to find that Boots received a considerable upgrade to 3D in the life-action adaption Dora and the Lost City of Gold. Not only is he in 3D, but he is grown, unlike his preschool self in the cartoon series. The movie proved to be a blockbuster success, accumulating over $119 million worldwide on a budget of no more than $40 million, along with receiving positive responses from critics and fans alike. So overall the upgrade was a success.