MMA Weekly reports that actor Kevin James has been allowed to use the UFC name in his upcoming film, “Here Comes the Boom,” about a biology teacher turned MMA fighter. This will be the first time that the Zuffa-owned UFC has allowed its name to be used in movie or television.
James is a long-time UFC fan and has been seen at many fights in Las Vegas.
Via MMA Weekly:
James, who is a longtime supporter and fan of MMA, actually called UFC president Dana White when they began production and asked permission to use the UFC brand in the film.
Payout Perspective:
This is an interesting example of how protective the UFC is of its brand. To think that it has not licensed the use of its name or allowed someone to use it shows its guarded with how it uses the UFC brand. Also, James has been a huge fan since the start which has helped the UFC with a little mainstream publicity. This could have swayed White to allow James to use the UFC name. It would be interesting to see how James plays the role. It will also be interesting to see how much the UFC brand is used in the movie and whether it would be used to market the movie.
UFC will get a ton of press off this. James’ is a serious MMA fan who wont put MMA in a negative light.
Not on par with with being in “Virtuosity ” during the SEG days. But pretty big none the less. LOL
What’s silly about this story is it’s actually the second time they’ve allowed their name to be used on film. In the November 2008 movie “Four Christmases” (Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon), Vaughn’s character is explaining why he doesn’t wish to horse around fighting his brothers, and says “But they’re trained UFC fighters!” That is a direct quote.
Sorry, reading the script the quote is actually “Kate, they are trained, UFC fighters.” Point stands.
Point doesn’t really stand, there is a ton of difference in just mentioning the UFC. (anyone could do that, just like I could mention Starbucks in a film as long as I didn’t criticise them) what Kevin James will be allowed to do is probably show the logo, attend a UFC event, have fighters appear in the film etc etc . Entourage is a better example than four Christmases.
BTW, not 100%, but heard the UFC was somehow behind the movie in some way, so this shouldn’t surprise anyone. Makes me think this may be similar to what WWE has done in the past, just not sure to what capacity.
Mentioning the UFC name as “UFC” is the same from a legal standpoint.
And whether or not you look at it the same way, the UFC allowed for Vaughn to use their name, on film, in 2008. So this instance is not the first time. Point stands.