surprising fact
The White House also recently used a clip from “The Odyssey” in a social media post. The clip, a brief conversation between actors Anne Hathaway and Robert Pattinson, featured Hathaway’s character saying, “The king is coming back.” The White House’s post added text that says, “The United States king is coming back,” before splicing together edited clips of President Donald Trump.
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What Other Intellectual Property Has The White House Used?
The White House’s social media accounts frequently use intellectual property, including music, movies and games, to spread pro-Trump messages, ostensibly without the permission of the companies who own the rights to the parodied IP. In March, Pokémon Company International said it was “not involved” in the creation or distribution of a MAGA-themed post the White House made using Pokémon imagery. “Our mission is to bring the world together, and that mission is not affiliated with any political viewpoint or agenda,” the company said. The Pokémon Company previously said last year it did not give Immigration and Customs Enforcement permission to use the theme song to its anime series in a video flaunting migrant deportations. The administration has also faced numerous rebukes from singers who have opposed the use of their music in social media posts. Most recently, Katy Perry said she was “deeply appalled and angry” by the White House’s use of her hit “Firework” to boast about military strikes, adding, “To see a message of self-worth and upliftment weaponized to soundtrack destruction and violence is a complete violation of everything my song stands for.” Other singers who have previously condemned the administration for using their music include Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo and SZA.
key background
AMC’s ad starring Kidman made its debut on the theater chain’s screens in 2021 as the company sought to bring theatergoers back to cinemas following the Covid-19 pandemic. The ad became a viral sensation and has sparked numerous parodies, including a “Saturday Night Live” spoof and plenty of recreations on TikTok. Kidman’s contract with AMC was initially set to last one year, but she renewed it following the success of the ad, and her commercial still plays before movies at AMC’s theaters five years later.
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tangent
AMC said this past weekend was its highest-earning weekend at its theaters ever, citing the success of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which shattered the record for the biggest domestic opening weekend of all time, as well as the lingering success of “The Odyssey.”
further reading
White House Doubles Down After Katy Perry Said She Was ‘Appalled’ By Use Of Her Song On TikTok (Forbes)