They changed John Carpenter’s name to Klaatu. Having a “John Carpenter”, who comes to earth to save mankind so close to the Christmas season would offend some people.
Huh? In the original movie, he identified himself as “Klaatu” — after he was shot and killed, but got better, he gave the name “Carpenter” when he was in the guise of just one of the local humans. (Symbolism? What symbolism?)