‘Porno’ in Film Title Causes Mainstream Controversy

LOS ANGELES — The mere presence of the word “porno” in the title of upcoming mainstream comedy from Kevin Smith has created a storm of controversy.

Even with creative efforts to market the film, some newspaper, TV and outdoor ads for the ads for “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” because they allude to pornography.

Opening Halloween day, "Zack and Miri" features Rogen and Banks as platonic best buddies and roommates who decide to make their own skin flick to dig themselves out of debt. The ratings board of the Motion Picture Association of America initially rated "Zack and Miri" NC-17, only to later let it squeak by with an R rating after Smith appealed.

Among those refusing to carry ads are about 15 newspapers and several TV stations and cable channels. Commercials for the film during Los Angeles Dodgers games on Fox Sports were dropped at the team's request after some viewers complained.

Smith told the Associated Press he found it ironic that the film’s posters have been a problem — even after they were toned down.

As part of the MPAA rating system, all advertising materials must be reviewed for suitability for general audiences. The MPAA decided the "artwork is highly sexually suggestive and not suitable for general audiences" and the marketers submitted new art for approval.

Newspaper ads even dropped the title of the film. Those ads simply said, "Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks made a movie so outrageous that we can't even tell you the title."

"The whole idea was, our hands were so tied on all previous entries we'd given them that this ad was meant to be the innocuous one that would get approved everywhere," Smith said.

Diane Levin, a child development professor at Wheelock College in Boston, said she thought the posters at city bus stops sent a message to children that the adult industry was an acceptable career choice.

"It's drawing attention to a movie which is mainstreaming and normalizing pornography, saying if you need money, this is what you do," Levin said.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Intimaly Introduces New Britanicamask Stroker

Intimaly Global has debuted the new Feel Britanicamask stroker sleeve.

Claire Castel Returns to Dorcel for 'Couture No. 2'

Claire Castel headlines the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “Couture No. 2.”

Private Releases 'MILFs at Home'

Private has released “MILFs at Home,” directed by Xavi Rocka.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Ban on Choking in Online Adult Content

British lawmaker Jessica Asato stated in an interview aired on Sunday that she plans to ask Parliament to outlaw online adult content featuring the act of choking.

Melissa Stratton, Vanna Bardot Featured on Adult Time's 'After Sex Special' Podcast Series

Melissa Stratton and multi-XMAs winner Vanna Bardot guest on the second episode of the “Adult Time Podcast” series “After Sex Special,” hosted by studio CCO Bree Mills.

Cousin Stevie Passes Away at 82

Producer, director and reality TV personality Cousin Stevie has passed away at the age of 82.

Blake Lovely Leads New Scene From Grooby

Blake Lovely stars with Chris Epic in the latest release from Grooby Girls, titled “Banging Blake.”

Octavia Red Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Octavia Red stars with 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the latest Brazzers scene, “An Affair with My Piano Teacher.”

VPN Usage Surges in France After Aylo Restricts Access to Pornhub

France has experienced a surge in virtual private network (VPN) signups after Aylo, which operates Pornhub, Redtube and YouPorn, cut off access to those sites in the country in the wake of new age verification regulations, business news site MENAFN is reporting.

Leilani Li Stars in Latest 'TS Virtual Lovers' From Adult Time

Leilani Li stars in the latest episode of Adult Time series “TS Virtual Lovers.”

Show More