The Oscar-nominated actor says he made a five-minute cameo in the film as a favor to friends, but had no idea the studio would then use his image to heavily promote the low budget film.
According to the lawsuit, “Eisenberg is bringing this lawsuit in order to warn his fans and the public that, contrary to the manner in which Defendants are advertising the film, Eisenberg is not the star of and does not appear in a prominent role in Camp Hell.”
The release’s latest DVD cover allegedly features Eisenberg’s name with a large photo of Eisenberg’s face superimposed on an image of the woods and the film’s name.
Eisenberg is demanding $3 million in damages for misappropriation of right of publicity and unfair business practices — more than the budget of the film.
Here’s the official synopsis for the film:
Based on true events of a New Jersey Christian community rocked by unseen evil, the film stars two-time Emmy winner Dana Delany (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, TV’s “China Beach,” 1989, 1992). Oscar® nominee Bruce Davison (Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Longtime Companion, 1990), Andrew McCarthy (“St. Elmo’s Fire”), Oscar® nominee Jesse Eisenberg (Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, The Social Network, 2010; Zombieland) and Spencer Treat Clark (The Last House on the Left) round out the cast of this terrifyingly true tale. The Camp Hell DVD features never-before-seen deleted scenes.
“Camp Hope is a place where Christian children come together to share and study their faith. Deep in the woods and far from distraction, they learn how to better serve their maker and the perils of tangling with the Devil. Unfortunately their charismatic leader unknowingly leads them into a world of evil, and the nightmare begins, as each child’s body soon becomes possessed by something evil.”