Pepsi has kicked off the 2024 NFL season with a thrilling campaign inspired by the upcoming Gladiator II movie. From NFL stars battling in a colosseum to a new version of “We Will Rock You,” this campaign is set to make waves.
Pepsi’s latest marketing campaign, “Make Your Gameday Epic,” merges football and pop culture to celebrate the NFL season alongside the anticipation for Gladiator II. The campaign showcases a 3-minute anthem video where rap icon Megan Thee Stallion performs a remixed version of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” Meanwhile, NFL stars like Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, and Derrick Henry fight in a Roman colosseum that eventually morphs into a football stadium.
This star-studded video also features actors Lamorne Morris (New Girl) and Jake Lacy (The White Lotus), who set the stage by discussing fantasy football before the action unfolds. Kelce even delivers the memorable line from Gladiator: “Are you not entertained?”
More Than Just a Video: The Campaign’s Key Elements
Beyond the anthem spot, Pepsi has created a fully immersive campaign with digital tools, augmented reality, and retail promotions. Some highlights include:
- Selfie Generator Tool: Fans can turn their selfies into Roman gladiator or royalty portraits with the “My Roman Empire” feature.
- Talking Cans with AR: Special 16-ounce cans, available via sweepstakes, bring on-set content to life using augmented reality.
- Retail and Rewards: In-store displays in both English and Spanish promote a Fandango offer, giving shoppers a $10 movie reward when they purchase $20 worth of Pepsi products.
Why This Campaign Matters
Pepsi’s goal with this gladiator-themed campaign is clear: to unite sports and pop culture in an unforgettable way. As Jenny Danzi, head of brand marketing at Pepsi, put it, the campaign emphasizes the brand’s commitment to football and culture by working with iconic artists and showcasing epic visuals.
The effort goes beyond a one-off video, incorporating digital activations, in-store promotions, and a musical element that ties back to Pepsi’s previous campaigns. Megan Thee Stallion’s remix of “We Will Rock You” is available on streaming platforms and will play a significant role at the upcoming MTV VMAs.
A Nod to the Past: Pepsi’s Gladiator Legacy
This isn’t Pepsi’s first foray into the gladiator theme. Nearly 20 years ago, Pepsi released a campaign featuring Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Pink reworking “We Will Rock You” in a similar setting. While that ad never aired in the U.S., it left a lasting impression—one that Pepsi is bringing back with a fresh, 2024 twist.
Pepsi’s campaign also coincides with Tostitos’ largest NFL push to date, as PepsiCo continues to solidify its connection with football fans. Tostitos, the Official Chip and Dip of the NFL, is rolling out a series of promotions alongside Pepsi’s beverage division, marking an all-out effort to engage consumers.
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