Pepsi has launched an exhilarating new campaign featuring Megan Thee Stallion alongside NFL stars Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Justin Jefferson, and Derrick Henry, breathing new life into its legendary Roman Empire ad. Titled “Make Your Gameday Epic,” this campaign blends the grandeur of ancient Rome with modern vibrancy, celebrating both the start of the 2024 NFL season and the upcoming release of Paramount Pictures’ “Gladiator II”.
In this captivating campaign, Megan Thee Stallion stars as Empress Megan, presiding over a gladiatorial contest involving the NFL stars within a breathtaking colosseum. The film features a remix of Queen’s classic “We Will Rock You,” reimagined with Megan’s distinctive style, and pays homage to Russell Crowe’s iconic line, “Are you not entertained?” from the original “Gladiator”.
Directed by Jake Scott and produced by Ridley Scott Associates in collaboration with Paramount Brand Studio, the campaign stands as one of Paramount’s most ambitious promotional efforts. It merges theatrical marketing with CBS Sports and Paramount Global networks to deliver a compelling blend of sports, music, and cinematic spectacle.
The campaign extends beyond the screen with interactive elements such as the ‘My Roman Empire’ Portrait Generator, allowing fans to create and share personalized gladiator or Roman royalty images. Pepsi is also releasing limited-edition 16oz cans with Augmented Reality features that bring campaign characters to life. Megan Thee Stallion’s new remix of “We Will Rock You” is available on major music platforms, and she will host the MTV VMAs on September 11, where a Gladiator-themed moment and the campaign’s short film will be featured. In-store displays will showcase the campaign’s themes in both English and Spanish, and a special Fandango offer provides a $10 movie reward towards “Gladiator II” tickets with the purchase of $20 in Pepsi products.
Jenny Danzi, Pepsi’s Head of Brand Marketing, highlighted the campaign’s epic scope, saying, “This initiative underscores our dedication to integrating culture, iconic artistry, and football, setting new standards for gameday excitement and entertainment.”
Catch the full campaign on Pepsi’s YouTube channel and national TV, and get ready for an epic NFL season with Pepsi’s latest innovation.