Pepsi recently launched a new advertising campaign titled “Make Your Gameday Epic,” featuring the song “We Will Rock You” by Queen and starring Megan Thee Stallion. The campaign is tied to the upcoming Paramount sequel Gladiator II and aims to kick off the new NFL season in style. The TV spot features NFL superstars such as Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson, and Travis Kelce, along with Megan Thee Stallion as Empress Megan, engaging in an epic battle at the center of the action. The commercial also includes actors Lamorne Morris and Jake Lacy, adding to the star-studded lineup.
Artistic Interpretation and Creativity
Megan Thee Stallion expressed her excitement and pride in being a part of this campaign, mentioning her creative twist on the iconic Queen song. She emphasized the convergence of music, sports, and entertainment in the Pepsi ad, showing her enthusiasm for taking on a new challenge while standing on the shoulders of previous campaign legends. The campaign draws inspiration from the forthcoming Gladiator II film, connecting the worlds of sport, movies, and music in a visually stunning production.
Production and Collaboration
The “Make Your Gameday Epic” campaign was produced by Ridley Scott Associates and Paramount Brand Studio, with direction from Jake Scott in partnership with Paramount Pictures. The team aimed to modernize the epic world of Gladiator II and pay homage to its predecessor while engaging with a massive promotional program across various media platforms. The President of Worldwide Marketing & Distribution at Paramount Pictures, Marc Weinstock, praised the collaboration with Pepsi as a fitting partnership for their ambitious project.
Pepsi’s Head of Brand Marketing, Jenny Danzi, highlighted the brand’s long-standing tradition of cultural relevance and collaboration with iconic artists. The “Make Your Gameday Epic” campaign is positioned to resonate with consumers by celebrating football and offering a unique entertainment experience. By integrating elements like the “My Roman Empire” Portrait Generator Tool and collector Talking Cans with Augmented Reality features, Pepsi aims to engage fans beyond traditional advertising.
The scale of the “Make Your Gameday Epic” campaign is expected to be widespread, ensuring that it reaches consumers across various touchpoints. From television commercials to in-store promotions, Pepsi’s collaboration with Gladiator II promises to generate excitement and anticipation for the upcoming NFL season. The campaign captures the essence of gameday experience while delivering entertainment value that aligns with consumer expectations.
Pepsi’s “Make Your Gameday Epic” campaign represents a strategic blend of creativity, collaboration, and brand engagement. By leveraging iconic music, star power, and cinematic inspiration, the campaign aims to resonate with consumers and build excitement for the NFL season. The integration of digital tools and unique packaging experiences further enhances the consumer engagement and positions Pepsi as a cultural leader in the beverage industry.