Just a few days ago, my friend ranted on this article he found in the internet. It was something about a Hollywood production of a Death Note movie. My friend is a anime freak. So he goes all crazy and argues with me.

Now, I don't know if this is true. They have changed the main characters name (and a few other others too) to suit its new setting here in America.

I guess you can call it "marketing." It somewhat brings more people to watch the anime/original.
People watch movies regardless if they watched the original, read the book etc. If they like this movie, they'll probably check out the anime.

Judging from the article he posted the guy was extremley mad. And so was my friend. But I'l keep an open mind on this.