10 Movie Marketing Stunts That Backfired HARD
9. Promoting Cars...For A Movie About The Environment - The Lorax
Dr. Seuss' legendary children's book The Lorax is much-loved for its important message about protecting the environment, so many were left miffed when Illumination's 2012 movie adaptation ended up offering viewers some heavily mixed messages.
The marketing team for The Lorax went into overdrive ahead of the film's release, striking more than 70 deals for product placements and collaborations, which rather flew in the face of the book's anti-capitalist message.
More specifically, the production partnered with Mazda of all companies for an animated commercial featuring their new CX-5 SUV.
Though the CX-5 was noted for its reduced emissions and fuel consumption compared to other similar cars, it nevertheless feels totally off to be promoting cars at all in conjunction with The Lorax.
In a move which surely caused Dr. Seuss to spin in his grave, the commercial even gave the vehicle the "Truffula Tree Seal of Approval," resulting in the ad receiving thousands of dislikes on YouTube.