US courts allowed two cinema enthusiasts to sue a Hollywood production company, accusing it of displaying a misleading promotional clip containing scenes of Spanish star Ana de Armas, which prompted them to rent a movie before discovering that their favorite actress’s scenes were cut from the work.
When they each spent $3.99 to watch “Yesterday” on Amazon Prime, the two men, one from California and the other from Maryland, thought they’d see their beloved actress Ana de Armas, best known for her role as a spy in the James Bond movie “No.” Time to Day”.
No trace of the famous actress
The actress initially appeared in the trailer for the movie, produced by Universal Pictures, but in the final version of Yesterday, the 30-year-old is no longer seen after her scenes were cut out in an edit.
This prompted the plaintiffs to file a joint lawsuit, Friday, for fraud, according to US media.
According to the complaint, “consumers did not receive the expected value of their rent or purchase.”
Universal Pictures Studio – iStock
Movie trailers are protected
In its defense, Universal Pictures said the movie trailers are protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.
But the judge in charge of the case rejected this argument, criticizing the huge Hollywood production company.
“Essentially, a movie trailer is an advertisement designed to sell a movie by providing the consumer with an overview” of a feature-length work, the judge said, and allowed the legal process against the company to be launched.
compensation of 5 million
Contacted by AFP, Universal did not immediately respond Friday night to a request for comment.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit sought damages of $5 million.
Hearings in the case are scheduled to open on April 3.