'Proud Mary' producers respond to John Fogerty's complaint over the use of his famous song's title
WATCH Taraji P. Henson says she is 'really proud' of upcoming film 'Proud Mary'
Screen Gems has responded after John Fogerty posted a message online Thursday revealing that he was upset that the name of his classic Creedence Clearwater Revival song "Proud Mary" was being used as the title for a new movie about a hit woman and that altered lyrics from the tune appear on the poster promoting the film.
Screen Gems, the producers of Proud Mary, responded to the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer's complaint in a statement provided to ABC News.
"We would love Mr. Fogerty to come see the film," Screen Gems said. "He would see that his complaint that the film has nothing to do with the song's message as 'a metaphor about leaving painful, stressful things behind for a more tranquil and meaningful life' is inaccurate. That is precisely what our Mary is looking to do, and ['Proud Mary' star] Taraji [P. Henson] nails it perfectly."
'Proud Mary' star Taraji P. Henson dishes on playing a strong female lead in upcoming action film
Statement from John Fogerty on the movie "Proud Mary" pic.twitter.com/6bnwkoQtZY
— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) January 11, 2018
A rep for Screen Gems also told ABC News that the film company worked closely with the music publisher of "Proud Mary" and had fully cleared the rights to use the song, as well as its title and lyrics, in the movie and its marketing.
The "Proud Mary" film tells the story of a hired killer portrayed by Henson who undergoes a change of heart about her chosen occupation.
In his statement, posted on his official Facebook page, Fogerty wrote, "It irks me when people seek to capitalize on the popularity of my music and the goodwill it has earned with the public for their own financial gain…This movie has nothing to do with me, or my song."
He also maintained that the meaning behind the song was "[f]ar from a story about killing people for money."
Sony PicturesTOMORROW, revenge has no mercy. Don't miss #ProudMaryMovie – only in theaters. Get tickets: https://t.co/vqJ0QEtUxR pic.twitter.com/c4kM7BmwiM
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) January 12, 2018
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