David Lynch removed his executive-producer credit from Eli Roth’s 2002 horror film Cabin Fever after it had helped the debut feature secure cast and financing. Lynch believed his prominent name risked misleading audiences into thinking he had directed the film, potentially overshadowing Roth’s authorship.

Roth had added Lynch’s name while seeking backing, and industry interest increased once the association became public. After filming ended, Lynch said Roth no longer needed his support and that the credit could become “detrimental”; the credit was removed, although Lynch received a special thanks. His concern reflected earlier instances in which people had wrongly assumed he directed films connected to him, including Boxing Helena and Nadja.