Montana Legend Evel Knievel’s People are Suing Disney

It looks like Evel Knievel is still performing stunts, even from beyond the grave. People in charge of Evil Knievel's brand and likeness are suing Disney. Why? Because Disney didn't really try very hard to differentiate the character "Duke Caboom" from Evel Knievel's likeness, in the movie "Toy Story 4."

According to the New York Post

K&K Promotions, a company which claims rights to the legendary stuntman’s image and likeness, is suing Disney, Pixar and others for their liberal use of Knievel’s persona in the beloved family film, according to a lawsuit filed by attorneys Randall Jones and Ronald DiNicola in US. District Court in Las Vegas.

For anyone familiar with the classic Evel Knievel stunt cycle toy from the early 70's, you can clearly see the resemblance in the Disney character "Duke Caboom." The Evel Knievel toy was created by toy company Ideal. This was the same company the manufactured the first Teddy Bears and brought you the game "Mouse Trap." The company saw huge success in the Evel Knievel action figures and the stunt cycles. The "Cuke Caboom" character has a very similar wind up stunt cycle and patriotic white jump suit.

According to the New York Post

Kelly Knievel, son and spokesperson for K&K, said: “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. 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”