Michael Jackson Zombie To Be Yanked Out of Plants vs. Zombies

The fact that I can't succinctly explain what the Michael Jackson zombie in pseudo-tower defense game Plants vs. Zombies looks like without using the words "Michael" and "Jackson" does a pretty good job in explaining why the zombie--officially dubbed "Dancing Zombie"--has been removed in the iPhone version of the game, and will also be removed in others as well.

MTV Multiplayer reports that that the Michael Jackson estate has objected to the use of the moon-walking zombie in the casual title. As a result, creator PopCap Games is removing the zombie and replacing it with a disco-themed variant. The Apple handheld version is the first to feel the pain. 
 

Seriously??

Apparently the Jackson Estate doesn't like money. 'cause, you know, random homages MAKE YOU MONEY!

*Insert Picard facepalm photo here*

Disappointing.

Boo fucking hoo.

what. the. hell. it's people like this that make me hate people.

Not cool

That's just bullshit. I am disappoint.

REALLY. you gotta be fucking kidding me if i was in a game i would be happy.

Wait...that's not Mick Jagger?

BOOOOOOO

Awwwww

Can we also get an update on whether or not Gary Coleman will still appear in PAIN?

I wish my likeness was in PvZ. Maybe I should write to pop cap to tell them I'm officially objecting to the lack of my likeness in their awesome game.

I thought it was rick james. 

And how do they plan to take him out of the PC version? An update?

Well that's fucking lame.

will be interesting to see the new disco themed zombie !

" Ok? Michael Jackson is an idol fine, so bloody what????!?!???!?!?!?!   So next will be, cutting legs of the people that do the moon dancing all around the world???  *moon dances* Thus i conclude, MTV Multiplayer you are an imbecil! "

I'm pretty sure the use of a Michael Jackson esque zombie would be protected under "Fair Use" in the constitution.  since it was used as parody in a small part of a much larger final product.  There's no reason they should remove this zombie.  I gotta find a way to keep steam from updating this product,  cause that was one of the funniest moments of this game,  when the Thriller zombie popped up, i laughed every time.

If he didn't appear as a zombie in one of his music video's, I could totally understand the objection. But it's a homage to Thriller, it's not in bad taste at all.

" I'm pretty sure the use of a Michael Jackson esque zombie would be protected under "Fair Use" in the constitution.  since it was used as parody in a small part of a much larger final product.  There's no reason they should remove this zombie.  I gotta find a way to keep steam from updating this product,  cause that was one of the funniest moments of this game,  when the Thriller zombie popped up, i laughed every time. "

Well, I'm definitely setting Plants vs. Zombies to not auto-update in Steam when I get home. 
  
And, yeah, this should be covered legally as a parody, but the mere threat of a huge lawsuit and all the legal costs associated with it (even a frivolous one) is, I'm sure, enough to make Pop Cap back down.

Worst. News. Ever.

Not cool at all

It's too bad. MJ would have wanted to remain a part of modern day culture. It would make his memory live on. As the estate slowly takes him out of every reference in modern culture, he will slowly be forgotten.

Well I know 1 game i'm never patching.

Replacing Michael with... DISCO?  I think I'm going to have a stroke.

So, are they going to remove every single Michael Jackson spoof from TV shows, too? 
  

" So, are they going to remove every single Michael Jackson spoof from TV shows, too?"

 
I sympathize to an extent, since he is dead it's somewhat degoutant to put him in the game as the 'Thriller'-Zombie. Still, it's a pity. MJ was all about entertainment, i don't think he'd disapprove of it.    

well I guess that's what will happen to zombie michael jackson now.
Unless this is a certain context to it :P
 
but meh, it's no big deal

Guys calm down, it's just one Zombie being replaced, it's not like they announcing PvZ is never coming back.

Super weak. 
 
A cultural icon is going to be referenced in popular culture!  Why fight this?  This was the goal!

Where the Michael Jackson estate playing Plants vs. Zombies?? That's cool!

Bunch of idiots with no sense of humour...

You know, I think the dancing zombie is great homage to Michael Jackson if anything. It's in good fun...so this is the part where MJ's family runs his name into the ground further. Awesome.

So obviously the estate feels the same way about the Thriller video and in light of Jackson's death will refuse to profit from that as well.
 
...Right?

LAME!

That's lame.

Every member of the Jackson Estate is a talentless jerkoff who needs the support of Michael Jackson even after his death - I say PopCap doesn't back down and finally shows up to these pricks. 

and once again we lose an ounce of enjoyment. 
all i can say is. 
 
That's Ignorance

Kudos to Brad for not using the phrase "Beat It" in the title or body text.
This ain't no Thorsenink punnery.

Well that sucks.  Still though, I hate that damn zombie, and I don't care for Michael Jackson so It's all for the best I suppose.

disco roller skating zombies actually wouldn't be a bad addition.   
 
Also, since no M. J. how about a zombie wearing torn jeans and a flannel shirt holding a shotgun?  He could be called "Kurt Kobrains".

They could replace it with zombie Jesus that raises 4 of his apostles from the grave with him. That way no one is offended!