Bruce Campbell, widely recognized for his role in the cult classic horror film "The Evil Dead," has recently taken a stand against what he perceives as a shameless marketing ploy employed by the 1989 slasher flick, "Intruder." Known for his collaboration with director Sam Raimi, Campbell rose to fame in the early 1980s and has since become an iconic figure in the horror genre.
It all started when a fan on Twitter drew attention to "Intruder," a movie centered around a group of overnight stock crew workers at a supermarket who find themselves hunted by a deranged killer. Campbell did not hold back in expressing his disappointment with the film's marketing strategy.
The movie's poster prominently features Campbell and Raimi's names, suggesting their significant involvement in the production. However, Campbell clarified that he only appears in a mere two-minute cameo at the end, while Raimi portrays a minor character, a random stock boy. The actor expressed his dismay, calling the poster's portrayal "shockingly misleading" and shedding light on the deceptive nature of movie marketing.
During the 1980s, Campbell and Raimi gained recognition and acclaim following the success of "The Evil Dead" and its sequel, "Evil Dead II" in 1987. These low-budget films garnered positive reviews, achieved moderate box office success, and eventually achieved cult status. Campbell and Raimi were becoming prominent names within the horror genre, which likely prompted the marketing executives behind "Intruder" to capitalize on their popularity and attract fans of the "Evil Dead" series.
While misleading marketing tactics persist in the industry, they are more commonly observed in smaller, direct-to-video films rather than major blockbusters. A prime example involves actors like Bruce Willis, who often feature prominently in the marketing materials for movies where they play supporting roles. In these instances, their involvement primarily serves to secure financing and distribution.
While the exact circumstances surrounding the marketing of "Intruder" remain unclear, it is plausible that Campbell and Raimi's association with the project played a crucial role in its production and subsequent distribution. Nevertheless, Campbell's recent call-out of the film highlights his unwillingness to tolerate misleading promotional strategies, even after all these years.
As the horror icon stands up against deceptive marketing practices, his voice serves as a reminder to the industry that honesty and transparency are crucial when presenting films to audiences. Campbell's dedication to preserving the integrity of the horror genre resonates with fans and sheds light on the need for responsible marketing in the film industry.
