In the most confusing bit of film advertising sinceVenomdid the french frytweetyesterday, Lionsgate’sRobin Hoodmovie has partnered with the investing app Robinhood for a San Diego Comic-Con scavenger hunt titled “Crypto Power To The People." Attendees will search for coins redeemable for $50, $500, $1,000, or $5,000, which they can use to invest in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum over a three day period, July 19-21.
The studio also released the firstRobin Hoodtrailer simultaneously, ensuring that no one will have a single idea of what’s going on.
In a statement, Lionsgate Executive Vice President of Worldwide Digital MarketingDanielle DePalmaand Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships and PromotionsPaula Kupfercompared traversing the crowded Comic-Con floor in search of crypto-prizes to the adventures of the legendary outlaw:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Robinhood to utilize state-of-the-art technology as a unique way to engage Robin Hood fans. In the spirit of the legendary hero, this collaboration gives back to the community through initiatives that parallel the high-octane adventures in ourRobin Hoodmovie.”
I’m not sure which part of this thing—the scavenger hunt is only the first event of many, the companies noted—is the most ill-advised. Asking Comic-Con attendees to leave the line for Hall H for the slight chance at aninvestment opportunityis some genuineSilicon Valleynonsense. But the thought that they would do so because of their hype for aRobin Hoodmovie? Did we learnnothingfrom the failedKing Arthur: Legend of the Swordexperiment?DirectorOtto Bathurst’s take on the character has kind of a dope cast—Taron Egertonis playing Robin of Locksley, andBen Mendelsohnis watchable in literally anything—but it’s still, you know, aRobin Hoodmovie.
Check out the trailer below, and let me know if all that high-octane bow-slinging action moves you toward any online crypto-investments.Robin Hoodhits theaters November 21.
Here’s the official synopsis forRobin Hood:
Robin of Loxley (Taron Egerton) a war-hardened Crusader and his Moorish commander (Jamie Foxx) mount an audacious revolt against the corrupt English crown in a thrilling action-adventure packed with gritty battlefield exploits, mind-blowing fight choreography, and a timeless romance.
