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Nicolas Cage had no idea he was being turned into a snack food in Japan

13 Comments
By Casey Baseel, SoraNews24

Although he was one of the youngest performers ever to win a lead actor Academy Award, in recent years Nicolas Cage’s reputation has been more zany B-movie star than serious thespian. Add in his widely known financial woes and resume of Japanese pachinko commercial appearances, and the idea of Cage becoming the face of a Japanese snack food sub-brand wasn’t too far-fetched.

So when photos of the Nicolastick, puffed corn Umaibo sticks in special packages bearing Cage’s likeness, appeared earlier this month, plenty of people laughed, but few of them were genuinely shocked. But it turns out the development of the Nicolastick, a marketing move for the delayed Japanese release of Cage’s comedy "Army of One" (or "Bin Laden is My Prey," as it’s called in Japan), is something that was planned and pulled off without Cage’s knowledge.

FilmNation Entertainment, the U.S.-based company in charge of international licensing for "Army of One," has issued an apology for its edible endorsement end run, saying:

“Mr Cage had no prior knowledge that the product was being created, nor did he grant permission to use his likeness in this way…All parties responsible for the creation and announcement of this promotional product sincerely apologize for the use of Mr Cage’s image in this manner and any harm that may have been caused to him and his image and reputation.”

FilmNation also went on to reaffirm that the Nicolastick was only ever intended to be a promotional item for "Army of One’s" Japanese release, and was never planned for commercial release (as our previous article on the snack stated).

The Nicolasticks were originally intended to be given out with advance tickets to the movie, which go on sale Friday in Japan. FilmNation’s apology doesn’t explicitly say the promotion has been cancelled, but in light of the statement it seems unlikely that pre-purchasers are actually going to get their Cage-themed snacks. However, since the Nicolastick was supposed to begin distribution today, it’s almost a certainty that a large quantity has already been produced, and if anyone in the distribution chain managed to snag one, they’re now in possession of a very strange piece of movie memorabilia.

Source: The Wrap via Otakomu

Read more stories from SoraNews24.

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© SoraNews24

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

13 Comments
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(as our previous article on the snack stated).

So buried deep in the bowels of the article is an apology?

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Why would he be upset about this, unless he wasn't getting paid for it? If it was me, I would live it up! Too funny.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@hooktrunk2 - well, he didn't know about it so it likely was not getting paid. Although, his agent might have known, it's doubtful since no permission was given.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I imagine these will show up on Yahoo Auction for a ridiculous price.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

You have to protect your brand. No matter what it is.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

It was probably a tie up with the confectionary maker and movie distributor, who do have limited image rights.

Cage's agent probably agreed to merchandise tie ups, but didn't have this in mind.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I imagine these will show up on Yahoo Auction for a ridiculous price

The public never received them but I know movie theater staff are licking their lips as speak. You should see when staff puts up full size Star Wars posters on EBay how much they get.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

break the law, get paid, then apologize. Japan Inc 2017

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I saw David Tennant's Doctor Who adorn some sort of sweat product a few years ago. It was a drawing but the likeness was pretty spot on.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What does it taste like?

OH, NO! NOT THE BEES! NOT THE BEES! AAAAAHHHHH!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

unless he wasn't getting paid for it?

That seems number 2 reason. Number 1 is he wanted another photo on the candy, one with a different shirt, not that horror...

Well, I'd react like him. This product is kind of cute. That does not harm his reputation (probably the contrary) and he might have agreed if asked in advance. But I agree with others that you can't let the Japanese marketing guys do just whatever they want. Let them do, once, twice... one day, you'll find your sex-tape (that you had no idea existed) is on the giant screen in front of the station, or your photo and voice is used for the campaign of a politician from hell, or your photo and name for an itw (you never gave) to promote a cult.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

break the law, get paid, then apologize. Japan Inc 2017

I don't think any laws we're broken. Seems like disagreement of terms and conditions between the confectionery, the film distributor and Cage's agency.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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