3. Marketing Mishap? MF Doom Fans Take Aim At Gladiator II Promo Gladiator II, the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning film, hit theaters in November. Of course, some of the branded merch was revealed early, including a popcorn bucket and cup shaped like the iconic gladiator mask from the 2000 film. However, the popcorn bucket quickly generated an online dust-up. MF Doom fans have reacted strongly to the Gladiator II popcorn bucket that looks strikingly similar to the late rapper’s distinctive metal mask, which became part of his persona. People immediately took to social media and started comparing it to MF Doom’s iconic mask, with comments like: “The Gladiator 2 popcorn bucket doubles as a MF DOOM mask,” “I can’t unsee MF Doom in the new Gladiator 2 popcorn bucket” and “MF Doom’s estate should get a cut of this.” Many fans of MF Doom or Gladiator might not realize that the mask worn by Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus, in the original film actually inspired the late rapper’s iconic look. Overall, MF Doom’s fans might have been slightly bewildered by the Gladiator II popcorn bucket, but then had fun with the promo item on social media. One MF Doom fan posted on X: “I thought this was an MF Doom promo.” Another wrote: “Absolutely 0% people buying this for the Gladiator and 100% people buying this for MF Doom.” Community | Buzzworthy IMAGE: Cinemark 70 • DECEMBER 2024 • PPAI
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