Almost two decades after the legendary Pepsi commercial featuring Britney Spears, Beyonce, and Pink, the soda giant is back with a new campaign. This time around, Pepsi has enlisted the talents of Megan Thee Stallion for their “Make Your Gameday Epic” promotion tied to the upcoming Ridley Scott-directed Paramount sequel Gladiator II.
The commercial features Megan Thee Stallion as Empress Megan, alongside NFL superstars like Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson, and Travis Kelce, who have transformed into Gridiron Gladiators. The action-packed spot also includes appearances by Lamorne Morris and Jake Lacy, adding an extra dose of star power to the campaign.
The Creative Process
Megan Thee Stallion not only stars in the commercial but also puts her unique spin on Queen’s iconic anthem “We Will Rock You” with new lyrics. Her cover of the song will be available on all major streaming platforms, coinciding with her hosting duties at the 2024 VMAs. The collaboration between Pepsi, Ridley Scott, Paramount Brand Studio, and Jake Scott has resulted in a visually stunning campaign that pays homage to the original Gladiator film while bringing a modern twist to the table.
The Reaction
Megan Thee Stallion expressed her excitement about being part of the campaign, stating, “Pepsi really brought the worlds of music, sports, and entertainment together in a powerful way to set off the new NFL season.” The President of Worldwide Marketing & Distribution at Paramount Pictures, Marc Weinstock, acknowledged the magnitude of the project, emphasizing the collaboration with Pepsi as a fitting partnership for a film of such epic proportions.
The “Make Your Gameday Epic” campaign is not limited to just the commercial. It extends to include various promotional activities such as a portrait generator tool where fans can envision themselves as Gladiators or Roman Royalty. Additionally, a limited line of collector Talking Cans featuring the Gladiator talent will hit store shelves in November, complete with built-in Augmented Reality capabilities for an immersive experience.
As Pepsi launches its latest campaign, marrying sports, entertainment, and pop culture, it is evident that the brand continues to stay relevant and innovative. The Gladiator II Pepsi campaign serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in delivering captivating content that resonates with audiences. With Megan Thee Stallion at the helm, Pepsi is set to make this NFL season truly epic.
Leave a Reply