The Russian arm of fast food chain Burger King reportedly wants to make sure it is pulled from cinemas in the country – because it could be free advertising for McDonald’s.
The reason? They say Pennywise the Clown is a dead ringer for Ronald McDonald.
In the complaint, reported by Russian financial publication Vedomosti, Burger King claim Pennywise “is an exact copy… including the colour range and the [balloons] with which the clown lures children”.
A spokesperson for Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has said it will need to examine the film in search of any undue product placement or advertising from McDonald’s.
It’s worth pointing out that the film has already been out in Russia for several weeks, and topped the box office in its first week.
Incidentally, movie bosses have now announced when its sequel will land.
According to Deadline, IT movie part 2 will be released on September 6, 2019.
Bill Skarsgard, who plays Pennywise, previously said:“I am attached to it but that’s all I can say, we’re in the early stages and I’m talking to Andy [Muschietti, director] about it and figuring out what It will be.
“It’s a different story but I’m excited to delve in deeper to the character as there’s more exploration for who Pennywise is.”
When asked how his evil clown would be different three decades later, dealing with the fears of adults, the star said: “Yeah I think we’ll see where it goes but it’s definitely just… reading the movie and the book and talking about the second one, we have to raise the ante and not just do the same thing again so I’m looking forward to that process.”
It is out now.