Prudential declines title namecheck in new Ricky Gervais film

LONDON - Comedian Ricky Gervais has agreed to insurance company Prudential's request to change the title of his new film 'The Men from the Pru'.

The film, which is based around two salesmen who work for the insurance company, was using the title as a humorous take on the company's famous strapline 'The Man from the Pru,' which was developed in the 1940s and aimed to celebrate the brand's door-to-door salesmen.

Gervais said: "It was going to be called 'The Men from the Pru' but Prudential didn't like it so we changed the title."

Gervais co-wrote the film with his 'Extras' writing partner and co-star Stephen Merchant.

The insurance company is understood to have be worried about how its image would be effected by the film.

A Prudential spokesperson told Brand Republic: "We have been in contact with Ricky and appreciate his decision on the film's name. Obviously our brand is very important to us and our customers."

Filming for the now un-named picture is scheduled to begin in June.

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