Evel Knievel's Son Is Suing Disney And Pixar Over Toy Story 4's Duke Caboom

2019's Toy Story 4 introduced a few new characters to the world of Toy Story, including lovable trash boy Forky and Canadian Evel Knievel knock-off Duke Caboom. Now, the latter toy is at the center of a legal challenge, with Knievel's son filing a trademark infringement suit against Disney and Pixar.

As reported by Deadline, the suit claims that the character uses the "likeness, reputation, and image" of Evel Knievel through Duke Caboom's portrayal, both in the film and in sales of Duke Caboom action figures. Knievel's likeness has been used "through marketing, promotion, advertising, and sales," the suit says.

The suit is being filed by Kelly Knievel, the son of Evel (real name Robert Knievel), and his company K and K Promotions. He claims that the company "has suffered, and will continue to suffer, monetary damages to its business, reputation, and goodwill" following the release of the movie.

The report from Deadline carries a quote from a spokesperson at Pixar: "The claims are without merit and we intend to defend against them vigorously in court."

Caboom, who is voiced by Keanu Reeves in the film, is framed as "Canada's greatest stuntman." The character has a major role in the film's plot.

Pixar is no stranger to being sued--they were taken to court multiple times over accusations that the concept for Inside Out was stolen.

Toy Story 4 was a huge hit, taking in $1.07 billion at the global box office--the highest gross of the franchise, unadjusted for inflation.