Nicolas Cage-Themed Japanese Snack Product Prompts Apology to Action Star

FilmNation International eats some crow over promotional item for “Army of One”

Nicolas Cage
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Chew on this, Nicolas Cage fans — no, the “Ghost Rider” actor is not moonlighting as a Japanese snack-food pitchman.

Following reports of a Nicolas Cage-themed snack product had made its way to Japan, FilmNation International issued an apology to the actor on Wednesday, clarifying that Cage in no way endorses the brand behind the treat.

“Nicolas Cage is in no way engaged with an endorsement for the Japanese snack food brand Riska as recently reported in the news media. Mr. Cage had no prior knowledge that the product was being created, nor did he grant permission to use his likeness in this way,” the statement read.

FilmNation International, the international film agent for Cage’s film “Army of One” (released as “My Target, Bin Laden” in Japan) went on to explain that the product was issued as a limited-edition promotional item for the Japanese release of the film, and used artwork from the film featuring Cage.

“They were limited in number and purely intended to be promotional items that would be supplied to movie ticket holders in three theaters,” FilmNation International explained in a statement. ”

“All parties responsible for the creation and announcement of this promotional product sincerely apologize for the use of Mr. Cage’s image in this manner and any harm that may have been caused to him and his image and reputation,” the statement concluded.

According to one report, the snack, dubbed the Deluxe Umaibou Nicolastick, is a “puffed corn stick” and tastes like “corn potage — a thick corn soup.”

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