Meet Steve ‘The Pirate’ Cowan with this Funko POP! Movies No. 1817 figurine, inspired by *Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story*. A particularly eccentric member of the Average Joe’s team, Steve stands out for his belief that he is a real pirate and for his outfit, which is entirely inspired by buccaneers.
Steve is depicted in his characteristic look from the film, with his long hair and beard, his eye patch and his pirate outfit. The design captures the character’s deliberately offbeat style whilst retaining the stylised proportions typical of POP! figures, with an oversized head and simplified features.
This depiction directly echoes one of the character’s comical traits: Steve constantly speaks, dresses and behaves like a pirate, to the extent that some members of Average Joe’s seem almost oblivious to his presence. Played by Alan Tudyk, he provides much of the absurd humour that characterises the team.
Made from PVC, the figurine comes in an illustrated window box measuring 11.5 × 9 × 16 cm. It can be paired with the POP! Movies figurines dedicated to Peter LaFleur and Patches O’Houlihan to bring together several iconic members of Average Joe’s.
Technical specifications
- Manufacturer: Funko
- Range / Collection: POP! Movies
- Number: 1817
- Licence: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
- Character: Steve ‘The Pirate’ Cowan
- Portrayed in the film by: Alan Tudyk
- Team: Average Joe’s
- Material: PVC / vinyl
- Type: Funko POP! collectable figurine
- Height: approx. 9.9 cm
- Funko reference: 86257
- EAN: 0889698862578
Character background and lore
Steve Cowan, better known as Steve the Pirate, is a regular at Average Joe’s Gym and joins the team put together by Peter LaFleur to take part in the Las Vegas dodgeball tournament. His behaviour immediately sets him apart from the other players: Steve speaks with a pirate’s accent, is always dressed in buccaneer’s attire and talks of treasure, sailing and maritime adventures as if he were actually living in that world.
When Average Joe’s financial situation threatens the gym’s survival, Steve joins Peter, Gordon, Dwight, Owen and Justin in their attempt to raise the $50,000 needed. The team eventually decides to take part in the Las Vegas dodgeball tournament, where they gradually prove themselves capable of competing against far more experienced teams.
Shortly before the final, however, Steve goes through a period of self-doubt. After being ridiculed in the street because of his appearance, he temporarily abandons his pirate identity, cuts his hair and adopts a much more conventional style of dress. He then misses part of the decisive matches between Average Joe’s and the Purple Cobras from Globo Gym.
After the team’s victory, Peter reignites his enthusiasm by hinting at the possibility of a hidden treasure. Steve immediately resumes his pirate persona, thus bringing to a close one of Dodgeball’s most memorable running gags. This POP! No. 1817 naturally chooses to depict him in his classic ‘Dread Pirate Steve’ guise, which has become synonymous with the character.
