Pepsi recently launched a new advertising campaign, entitled “Make Your Gameday Epic,” to celebrate the start of the NFL season. The campaign features Queen’s iconic song “We Will Rock You,” with a fresh twist from Megan Thee Stallion. The advertisement stars NFL superstars like Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson, and Travis Kelce as Gridiron Gladiators, along with actress Lamorne Morris and actor Jake Lacy.
The new Pepsi campaign draws inspiration from the upcoming film, Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott. The campaign was produced in collaboration with Ridley Scott Associates, Paramount Brand Studio, and Paramount Pictures. The goal was to create a visual spectacle that captures the energy and intensity of sports while paying homage to the original Pepsi Gladiator campaign from 20 years ago.
According to Marc Weinstock, President of Worldwide Marketing & Distribution at Paramount Pictures, the Pepsi campaign has become one of the biggest promotional programs in the company’s history. The collaboration between Pepsi and Paramount Pictures showcases the scale and magnitude of the campaign, spanning across theatrical marketing, CBS Sports, and Paramount Global networks.
Pepsi’s Head of Brand Marketing, Jenny Danzi, emphasized the brand’s long history of cultural collaboration and celebration of football in the new campaign. The partnership with iconic artists and the focus on football aims to engage consumers in preparation for gameday with football, food, and ice-cold Pepsi. The campaign is expected to be visible everywhere, ensuring that fans are excited for the upcoming NFL season.
As part of the campaign, Pepsi has introduced interactive elements such as the “My Roman Empire” Portrait Generator Tool, allowing fans to envision themselves as Gladiators or Roman Royalty by uploading a selfie on PepsiRomanEmpire.com. Additionally, a limited line of collector Talking Cans featuring Pepsi’s Gladiator talent will be available with built-in Augmented Reality capabilities, providing an immersive experience for consumers.
The new Pepsi Gladiator II campaign signifies a strategic and creative approach to marketing, combining music, sports, and entertainment in a visually stunning production. The collaboration between Pepsi, Ridley Scott, and Paramount Pictures has resulted in a campaign that captures the essence of excitement and anticipation for gameday, delivering entertainment that resonates with the audience. With innovative elements and iconic partnerships, Pepsi continues to demonstrate its commitment to staying at the forefront of cultural trends and engaging consumers in unique and memorable ways.