You remember that feeling. It’s 2014, the Disney Channel logo bounces across the screen, and suddenly you’re transported to a world of fake snow, high-stakes snowboarding, and that oddly catchy song "Cloud 9" playing in the background. At the center of it all was Will Cloud, played by none other than Luke Benward. Honestly, if you grew up during that era of Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs), you knew Luke was everywhere. He was the golden boy of the network, but there was something specifically grounded about his role in Cloud 9 that felt different from his usual "cool guy" archetype.
He wasn't just another love interest.
Who Exactly Is the Cloud 9 Character Luke Benward Played?
Basically, Luke Benward plays Will Cloud, a disgraced former snowboarding prodigy. When we first meet him, he’s not shredding mountains or winning medals. Instead, he’s working at his mom’s dog kennel, "The Hot Doggers," scrubbed out and cynical. This wasn't your typical "I’m the best" Disney lead. Will was a guy who had literally crashed and burned. He fell during a massive stunt—the eponymous "Cloud 9" move—and became an internet laughingstock.
Talk about relatable.
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The movie kicks off when Kayla Morgan (Dove Cameron), a "prima donna" snowboarder who just got kicked off her elite team, is forced to work at the kennel. It's the classic "opposites attract" setup. Kayla is all glitter and ambition; Will is all hoodies and "leave me alone." But what makes the Cloud 9 character Luke Benward brought to life so compelling is the trauma he’s hiding. He isn't just lazy; he’s terrified of getting back on the board.
The Dynamics of Will and Kayla
The chemistry between Luke Benward and Dove Cameron was, frankly, top-tier for a DCOM. It wasn't just fluff. They had this "moment" on the halfpipe that felt surprisingly earned.
- The Mentor Angle: Will becomes Kayla’s coach, teaching her the technical side of the sport while she teaches him how to care about things again.
- The "Epic Failure" Award: Will's backstory involves winning a literal award for his wipeout. That’s heavy for a kid's movie!
- The Big Reveal: We eventually find out that the fall wasn't even entirely his fault—it was a combination of pressure and the impossibility of the move itself.
Why Luke Benward Was the Perfect Will Cloud
By the time 2014 rolled around, Luke Benward was a Disney veteran. He’d already done Minutemen and Girl vs. Monster. He knew the rhythm of these movies. However, Cloud 9 allowed him to play someone a bit more soulful. Will Cloud had a certain "older brother" energy that felt protective and steady.
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He didn't need to be the loudest person in the room.
In a weird way, Will was the heart of the movie because he represented the "Hot Doggers"—the underdogs who boarded because they actually loved it, not because they wanted a sponsorship from Team Swift. Luke captured that "too cool to care but secretly cares a lot" vibe perfectly. You could see it in the way he interacted with the dogs, specifically Donald. It added a layer of softness to a character that could have just been a grumpy jock.
Did You Know?
The filming was actually brutal. They were out in Utah in the freezing cold. Dove Cameron once mentioned in an interview that their hair and mustaches—yes, even the guys' peach fuzz—would literally freeze. When you see Will and Kayla having those emotional talks on the mountain, those shivering frames are mostly real. It wasn't all green screens and studio lots.
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The Impact of the "Cloud 9" Move
Let's talk about the move itself. The "Cloud 9" was supposed to be this impossible trick. In the film’s climax, it’s not actually Will who lands it to win the gold—it’s Kayla. This was a pretty progressive move for Disney at the time. Usually, the male lead gets the "big hero" moment. Here, Will finds his victory in helping someone else succeed and overcoming his own fear of the mountain.
He didn't need the trophy. He just needed to know he could stand on a board again without spiraling.
Where Is Luke Benward Now?
If you haven't kept up with him since his snowboarding days, Luke has been busy. He didn't just fade away after Disney. He moved into more mature roles, appearing in the Pretty Little Liars spin-off Ravenswood and the Netflix hit Dumplin' alongside Danielle Macdonald and Jennifer Aniston. He even popped up in Criminal Minds: Evolution as a much darker character, which was a total shock if you only knew him as the sweet guy from Summit Valley.
- Dumplin' (2018): He played Bo, the love interest, and honestly, he still had that same "good guy" charm that made Will Cloud so likable.
- Criminal Minds (2022): He played Benjamin Reeves, a role that was lightyears away from Disney Channel.
- Music: Don't forget he also had a music career! His EP Let Your Love Out was a staple for many Disney fans back in the day.
Actionable Insights: Revisiting the Magic
If you're feeling nostalgic, here is how you can dive back into the world of Cloud 9 character Luke Benward and the 2010s DCOM era:
- Re-watch on Disney+: Cloud 9 is currently streaming. It holds up surprisingly well, especially the snowboarding cinematography.
- Look for the "Hot Doggers" Spirit: The movie’s message about doing things for the love of the sport rather than the glory is a great reminder for anyone feeling burnt out.
- Check out Luke’s Indie Work: If you want to see how he’s grown as an actor, check out Field of Lost Shoes or Grand Isle. He’s developed a lot of range since his days in the snow.
Ultimately, Will Cloud remains one of the most grounded characters in the DCOM universe. He wasn't a prince or a rockstar; he was just a guy trying to fix his reputation and help a friend. Luke Benward brought a level of sincerity to the role that made us all believe, even just for 90 minutes, that we could land a 900-degree rotation if we just had the right coach.