There is only one Evel Knievel: Lawsuit
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There can only be one Evel Knievel, at least according to a lawsuit filed against Disney and Pixar alleging that “Toy Story 4’s” character of Duke Caboom stole his “likeness” without permission.
K&K Productions, which owns the rights to the famous motorcycle stunt driver’s likeness and associated branding, argues that the dimwitted “Toy Story” sequel character voiced by Keanu Reeves is an “unlawful knockoff” of the 1970s Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle, according to a statement released by K&K’s attorneys Wednesday.
Both the Evel Knievel toy and Duke Caboom feature helmeted stuntmen in white jumpsuits, but while Evel Knievel is clad in red, white and blue patriotic insignia, Duke Caboom is proudly Canadian, sporting a maple leaf crest. The real-life Evel Knievel was known for jumping his motorcycle over the Caesar’s Palace Hotel fountain in Las Vegas; Duke Caboom’s famous jump was from a Ferris wheel to save Forky.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas, seeks damages and profits from the film.
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