MOSCOW • The Russian division of Burger King is flipping mad over the screening of the horror film It in the country.

It wants Russia's Federal AntiMonopoly Service to ban the movie because the clown character, Pennywise, looks like Ronald McDonald - the mascot for rival fast-food brand McDonald's - and hence amounts to unfair competition.

The Hollywood Reporter said the complaint is being looked into by the agency. "We can't be concerned with the content because the writer and director have their own creative understanding of any character," a spokesman told the trade publication, adding that the agency would focus instead on whether there were product placements.

It, adapted from a Stephen King novel, has made US$14 million (S$19 million) in Russia since it started screening on Sept 7.

Burger King's move did not go down well with some Russians. One commentator posted on Facebook: "I think the head of Burger King Russia should have played Pennywise."