When it comes to the Super Bowl, Pepsi is there. In fact, the company is more or less the beverage of the NFL. They’ve worked hard on their relationship, and are best known for sponsoring the halftime show. Plus, Pepsi is also known for airing some incredible ads during the big game.
Next weekend is Super Bowl LIII, when the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams will play against each other. So as expected, Super Bowl commercials have started to leak. One of the best so far? Pepsi.
Pepsi’s ad features two of the most talked-about celebrities in the last few years, both who have nothing to do with each other. That is, until now. Actor Steve Carell shares the screen with rapper Cardi B in a commercial that takes a big dig at Coke.
The two have been rivals for some time, but this year, it’s a bit more serious. The Super Bowl is being held in Atlanta, Georgia — also known as the home of Coca-Cola. Their ad campaign is set to “paint Atlanta blue.” Since Coca-Cola likely employs a ton of Atlanta residents, who knows how successful they’ll actually be with converting people. But still, their attempt is mighty.
Here’s the ad that you won’t stop hearing about:
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9xy3cdykJs"]The situation is relatable. How many times have you asked for a Coke, but were asked, “Is Pepsi okay?” It usually is. The problem is, many of us substitute “Coke” for a brown soda. Kind of like how we call tissues “Kleenex” even though any tissue brand will do in an emergency.
Pepsi also shared a ton of fun footage on Instagram. Here’s Carell behind the scenes, reading his script:
And here’s Lil’ Jon, sporting his catchphrase. While he appears in the ad for a few seconds, this footage is even more hilarious. Obviously, they gave him some sort of magical cup that will never fill up completely.
And here’s Cardi, proving that they all must have had an absolute blast working together. Can these three do more Pepsi commercials together in the future? Or, I don’t know — host the Oscars together?
It’d just be good to have footage of Carell trying hard to say “Okurrrr” for a half-hour. The world would be a better place with a compilation like that.
The main message is, Pepsi is always okay. How many times have you been asked if Pepsi was fine and you said no? Sure, some of us have very distinct taste buds, but Pepsi is still a perfectly good choice.
Pepsi also released the commercial on Twitter, which added a new scene. Let’s just say it was a big moment for the waiter who learned a big lesson.
The company was also quick to respond to the haters. Whoever runs their social media account probably knew this was coming.
*yawns*
— Pepsi (@pepsi) January 28, 2019
But most of the buzz was about Cardi. She’s such a dynamic presence that she was bound to get people talking.
She added a ton to the commercial, which should make Coke a little scared. Especially because it was announced a few days ago that Coke was planning on pulling advertisement from the actual game.
Instead, they’ll be airing an ad right before kickoff. It’s technically going to be watched a ton, but according to Variety, it ends an 11-year tradition of having an ad on air during the big game.
But back to that Pepsi ad. People can’t stop talking about the bedazzled can that’s featured. Perhaps Pepsi can make that a reality in the near future?
IS THAT A BEDAZZLED PEPSI CAN?!?!? pic.twitter.com/jIM97MsuQV
— Logan Deitrick (@loganaumann) January 28, 2019
😂😂😂
— Pepsi (@pepsi) January 28, 2019
And of course, there was that one person who had to bring health into it. Listen, we all know it’s not the best thing for you, but let us have our occasional cravings!
This ad is also a big reminder that Carell needs to appear on our televisions way more. And not just on reruns of The Office on TBS. (Even though those are still very much appreciated.)
He can take a simple concept and make it hilarious. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine that role going to anyone else.
So, who else is going to be sipping on Pepsi this Sunday?
