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THE SANTA CLAUSE and the 1-800-SPANK-ME Controversy: A Joke That Backfired Big Time
GeekTyrantStory by Joey Paur
scrn logline
Iconic holiday film THE SANTA CLAUSE embroiled in scandal after controversial 1-800 prank number sparks outrage and backlash in the final act of its 30-year legacy.
beat sheet
- Director Tim Allen admits the 1-800-SPANK-ME joke was a last-minute ad-lib that slipped past censors, calling it 'a dumb mistake in my youth'
- Disney is said to be reconsidering the fate of the franchise, with some execs pushing for a reboot that will 'distance the brand from this whole mess'
call sheet
Tim Allen, Disney, THE SANTA CLAUSE