Disney, Pixar Sued Over 'Toy Story 4' Character; Duke Caboom Allegedly Resembles Evel Knievel

Disney and Pixar are facing a lawsuit from a company that claims to have the rights to Evel Knievel's persona for allegedly imitating the stunt performer in "Toy Story 4."

Duke Caboom is a Canadian stuntman toy introduced in "Toy Story 4." Keanu Reeves voiced the character who plays a major role in the film. But K&K Promotions is now after Disney, Pixar and its subsidiaries for allegedly using Knievel's image and likeness in Caboom.

K&K Promotions claimed that they have the rights to Knievel's likeness, persona and brand. However, the Mouse House did not get their approval to base their character after Knievel, TMZ reported.

The outlet shared side-by-side photos of Knievel and Caboom wearing the same white overall with a red outline. Critics were quick to point out that there is undeniable resemblance between the two.

Based on the documents obtained by TMZ, K&K claimed that Knievel's style, influence and famous stunt cycle from the ‘70s are visible throughout the film. Also, Caboom is heralded as the greatest Canadian stuntman and he even comes with an energizer to wind up and release his bike which is similar to a Knievel toy back in the day.

K&K also alleged that Disney instructed the "Toy Story 4" cast and other people involved to never use Knievel's name during interviews as well as other trademarked items. K&K claimed that Disney cranked out a ton of products from "Toy Story 4" including the Duke Caboom toys and made a lot of cash from them.

As of late, Disney has not issued a statement to address the lawsuit filed by K&K Promotions.

Knievel became popular through his daredevil career that spanned 15 years. Among his most famous stunts was making 75 motorcycle jumps. He had his fair share of accidents throughout his career, but he passed away in 2007 due to pulmonary disease.

In 2018, motorsports star Travis Pastrana recreated Knievel's ill-fated 140-foot Caesars Palace Foundation stunt in Las Vegas. Knievel attempted to do it but crashed and ended up with serious injuries.

“Death-defying feats have fascinated audiences for centuries and Evel was one of the most iconic daredevils in history whose drive, determination and boldness inspired America,” Eli Lehrer, executive vice president of programming for History, said in a written statement to USA Today.

“Fifty years after Evel went head-to-head with danger at Caesars Palace, Travis will attempt to catapult his most ambitious stunts to unthinkable heights.”

Pastrana did three back-to-back motorcycle stunts to honor Knievel's historic jumps and he nailed them. He said he felt "pretty good" after completing the jumps, History reported. When asked what inspired him the most about Knievel, he said, "Evel was never afraid to fail."