The strange reason why Uri Geller sued Nintendo for $100 million

Not everyone may know who Uri Geller is, but back in the '70s, he became one of the world's most famous magicians after bending a spoon 'with his mind' live on television.

It's a trick that now seems simple, but it has kept the British-Israeli illusionist in the spotlight for nearly half a century.

However, his fame was overshadowed by a 20-year legal battle with none other than the entertainment giant Nintendo, whom he sued for $100 million in the year 2000. Wait, what?...

It all started at the turn of the century with the appearance of a psychic-type Pokémon named Kadabra, one of the most beloved and popular characters in the saga.

Foto: Pokemon-com

Ironically, this Pokémon always carries a spoon in its hand and can bend it with its mind.

In the Japanese version, the character's name "Yungerer" sounds somewhat like "Uri Geller," further fueling his claim that the character was based on him.

All these similarities didn't sit well with Uri Geller, who decided to sue Nintendo for using his image without consent.

The mentalist demanded $100 million from the Japanese company, along with a request to never feature Kadabra again in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

The California Court decided to take a balanced approach. On one hand, it dismissed Uri Geller's $100 million claim and, on the other, required Nintendo to withdraw the Kadabra card from circulation starting in 2003.

This withdrawal was a real hassle for collectors, as Kadabra was the evolution of Abra and the pre-evolution of Alakazam, forcing Nintendo to modify the rules for this Pokémon.

Photo: Pokemon-com

For the next 20 years, Uri Geller received letters, messages, and tweets from Pokémon fans, pleading for the release of the Kadabra card.

Finally, in 2020, the mentalist decided to put an end to the matter. He apologized, lifted the ban, and allowed Kadabra to return to the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Photo: theurigeller / X

Interestingly, this ban didn't affect video games, as Kadabra is present in 'Pokémon Sword and Shield.'

Now, anyone who owns one of the original Kadabra cards, pre-ban, might hold a collector's treasure. In fact, Uri Geller went from getting the card band to collecting everything related to this Pokémon. Talk about bending reality!

Photo: theurigeller / X

Interestingly, this wasn't the first time the mentalist had sued a major company. Timex, Fallon McElligott, and Ikea have all had to deal with Uri Geller.

In the case of the Swedish furniture giant, he considered suing them over a line of furniture with bent legs named "Uri", but ultimately decided against it.

Image: Pamono-eu

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