From Digital Spy
Kinu Reeves’ Toy Story 4 Duke Cab Boom is being unjustifiably sued by the son of famous stunt performer Evil Newell on Disney and Pixar.
A federal trademark infringement claim alleges that the motorcycle ride was based on the toy character Evil.
Son Kelly Knivel – who has held the right to publicity in her father’s name since 1998 – has accused the filmmakers of never seeking permission to use Evil’s likeness (via the Hollywood Reporter).
Photo credit: Pixar – Disney
The famous real-life stuntman performed many well-publicized stunts, including jumps over the Caesar Palace fountain in Las Vegas, and was injured several times in his career. He died in 2007.
“Evil Newell doesn’t thrill millions of people around the world, breaking his bones and shedding his blood so Disney can make money,” Kelly said in a statement.
Is suing for indefinite damages totaling more than કુલ 300,000 over allegations of unjust prosperity and false endorsement.
Photo credit: Mark Weiss
The lawsuit claims that consumers and reviewers “caught the connection universally”, and the movie company and Reeves avoided making any public association, affiliation or comparison “even if directly asked.”
The suit highlights a 70s motorcycle-racing toy and a description of Caboom as “Canada’s greatest stuntman”, and includes side-by-side photos of the character and Evil.
Photo Credit: Mark Weiss / Wire Wire – Getty Images
It also features an Evil Nivel stunt bicycle toy, released in 1973, which features a white helmet and jumpsuit with red, white and blue fabulous linen on a motorcycle with a wind-up device.
The suit adds that Disney released a similar caboom toy with Toy Story 4, featuring McDonald’s Happy Meals.
Disney Corporate Spokesman Jeffrey R. Epsteps said in a statement that it would vigorously defend itself against what it described as a quality claim.
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