Suing the company, Pixar and their subsidiaries, lawyers for K and K Promotions claim that Duke Caboom, the stuntman toy voiced by Keanu Reeves, rips off the image of the motorcycle daredevil.
- Sep 24, 2020
AceShowbiz - Disney bosses are facing a lawsuit from the firm who manage the rights to Evel Knievel's likeness over a character in the film "Toy Story 4".
In the hit 2019 animation, Keanu Reeves plays a toy modelled on a stunt driving motorcyclist called Duke Caboom.
Now, lawyers for K&K Promotions have filed suit against Disney, Pixar and their subsidiaries, claiming the stuntman toy rips off the image of the American motorcycle daredevil.
According to their attorneys, Disney producers did not get any type of approval to base one of their characters after Evel, despite the alleged similarities between the Duke toy and the real-life stunt fanatic.
K&K's website states that they own the rights to Knievel's image for the purposes of advertising.
According to their lawsuit, they state the "Toy Story" character is modelled on Evel and a wind-up toy released in his name during the height of his fame.
They also allege that cast members were asked to avoid using Evel's name during interviews to get around trademark issues.
Knievel's son Kelly and a K&K spokesperson said in a press release, "Evel Knievel did not thrill millions around the world, break his bones and spill his blood just so Disney could make a bunch of money." Kelly added, "He remains an instantly-recognized icon, as demonstrated by the huge popularity of the re-issued Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle among kids who hadn’t even been born when my father died a dozen years ago."
The film made more than $1 billion worldwide at the box office, also released tie-in toys, including ones featuring Duke Caboom.
Now, according to TMZ, K&K's lawyers want to take Disney to court and are asking judges to award them significant damages.
At the 92nd Academy Awards in February, the movie was nominated for Best Original Song, and won Best Animated Feature.
