LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Evel Knievel's son has filed a lawsuit against movie and entertainment giant Disney for basing a recent movie character in Toy Story 4 on the Las Vegas daredevil.
The movie debuted in 2019 and merchandise, including the likeness and image of motorcycle-riding dare devil Duke Caboom, were sold in stores for Disney.
"It's obvious, it's a knock off of Evel Knievel," said Kelly Knievel, Evel Knievel's son.
Kelly Knievel, with K & K promotions which owns all of the rights to Evel Knievel's image, has filed a lawsuit in Federal court claiming Disney and Pixar ripped off the iconic Evel Knievel image and based it on the Toy Story character.
READ: LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
"My dad didn't break his bones and spill his blood, so Disney could make a bunch of money, it's just not the way it works," said Kelly Knievel.
Evel Knievel became a part of Americana after his infamous attempt to jump the Caesars Palace Fountains in Las Vegas on New Years' Eve in 1967.
Evel's attempt failed and he suffered numerous broken bones and nearly died.
Knievel recovered and jumped several more times setting world records before passing away in Florida in 2007 at the age of 69.
The daredevil was recognized around the world and was known for his unmistakable jumpsuits, oftentimes in red, white and blue.
"Did I see the similarities between Duke Caboom and Evel Knievel? They just took Evel Knievel, dressed him up in a Canadian outfit, I mean, who else was a guy supposed to be, can you think of somebody else that Duke Caboom was supposed to be?" remarked Kelly Knievel in an interview with 13 Investigates.
The lawsuit claims Disney created or licensed toys and other merchandise with Duke Caboom's likeness and image which brought in untold amounts of money.
"Even their marketing is a knock off of the way the Evel Knievel toy was marketed when they pose him in the same poses, with the same packaging, it's ridiculous," said Kelly Knievel.
13 Investigates contacted The Walt Disney Company about the lawsuit, a spokesperson released a statement saying "The claims are without merit and we intend to defend against them vigorously in court."
The lawsuit is seeking more than $75,000 in damages.
