Fears it could be linked to race case

A Ben Stiller comedy has been given a new title to avoid it being linked to the fatal shooting of American teenager Tayvon Martin.

Promotional material for Neighborhood Watch – which also stars the IT Crowd’s Richard Ayoade – has been pulled, after studio executives decided to change its name to The Watch

Potential confusion arises because Marti’s killer George Zimmerman, was a Neighborhood Watch volunteer.

Zimmerman claimed he acted in self defence when he shot Martin dead in February, but it was alleged he ‘racially profiled’ the innocent teenage, while delays in charging him prompted allegations of racial bias among police in Sanford.

Fox Studios said they wanted to avoid any links between film and the shooting.

In a statement, the company said: ‘As the subject matter of this alien invasion comedy bears no relation whatsoever to the recent tragic events in Florida, the studio altered the title to avoid any accidental or unintended misimpression that it might.

‘The teaser materials were part of an early phase of our marketing and were never planned for long-term use. Above all else, our thoughts go out to the families touched by this terrible event.’

The original Neighborhood Watch trailer, which can still be viewed online, depicts Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade as members of a community safety group who patrol the streets as a Dr Dr track plays.

At one point, Hill's character is seen gesturing with his fingers in the shape of a gun:

Published: 7 May 2012