Pepsi has recently released a new TV spot titled “Make Your Gameday Epic” featuring Megan Thee Stallion, NFL superstars, and a fresh take on Queen’s classic hit “We Will Rock You”. This new campaign is tied to the upcoming Paramount sequel Gladiator II and aims to kick off the new NFL season with a bang.
In this new Pepsi commercial, Megan Thee Stallion plays the role of Empress Megan, leading a group of NFL superstars turned Gridiron Gladiators including Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson, and Travis Kelce. The spot is action-packed, with Pepsi at the center of the excitement, and also features actors Lamorne Morris and Jake Lacy.
Megan Thee Stallion brings her own creative spin to the campaign by putting a fresh twist on Queen’s “We Will Rock You”. She has reimagined the classic song with new lyrics, which will be available on all major streaming platforms. Megan expressed her excitement about being part of the campaign and following in the footsteps of past legends who have been featured in Pepsi’s Gladiator campaigns.
The production of this campaign involved Ridley Scott Associates, Paramount Brand Studio, and direction by Jake Scott in collaboration with Paramount Pictures. Jake Scott emphasized the importance of capturing the energy and intensity of the sport while paying homage to the original Gladiator film and Pepsi’s previous campaigns. The collaboration between Pepsi and the talented individuals involved in the project made it truly unforgettable.
Marc Weinstock, Paramount Pictures’ President of Worldwide Marketing & Distribution, highlighted the enormity of this promotional program and the extensive collaboration with CBS Sports and Paramount Global networks. The collaboration with Pepsi for this epic campaign aligns well with the scope of the upcoming Gladiator II film, creating a fitting partnership between two iconic brands.
Jenny Danzi, Head of Brand Marketing at Pepsi, emphasized the brand’s dedication to staying culturally relevant and celebrating football. The gladiator-inspired campaign is a continuation of Pepsi’s long history of collaborating with iconic artists and engaging with football fans. The campaign aims to create excitement and anticipation for gameday, offering entertainment that resonates with the audience.
Aside from the TV spot, the Gladiator II Pepsi campaign includes interactive elements such as the “My Roman Empire” Portrait Generator Tool, allowing fans to visualize themselves as Gladiators or Roman Royalty. Additionally, there will be a limited line of collector Talking Cans featuring Pepsi’s Gladiator talent with built-in Augmented Reality capabilities. These cans will bring the characters to life through content captured on the set, adding an interactive and engaging aspect to the campaign.
The new Pepsi campaign featuring Megan Thee Stallion, NFL superstars, and a revamped version of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” is set to make a significant impact as it kicks off the new NFL season. With a strong emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and entertainment, this campaign is poised to resonate with audiences and generate excitement for gameday. Pepsi continues to push boundaries and stay at the forefront of cultural relevance through innovative campaigns like this one.