KFC’s New Colonel Sanders Is A Computer-Generated Instagram Influencer

Is a fast food place even a real fast food place if it doesn’t include a mascot? For McDonald’s, it’s always been Ronald McDonald, of course. Burger King has the, um, Burger King, obviously. Wendy’s has their red-headed Wendy, Taco Bell used to have their chihuahua, Chick-fil-A uses cows, Chuck E. Cheese has that famous mouse, and of course, KFC has, and always has had, Colonel Sanders. Colonel Sanders has been portrayed as a white-haired older man with glasses; someone who seems dependable, friendly, and kind of like your grandfather who just wants you to eat some really good fried chicken because you deserve it. Colonel Sanders has never been creepy or weird. He’s more like your friend. Well, until now.

While the classic KFC image of Colonel Sanders seems to be the drawing of a particular man, they’re always using different people to portray Colonel Sanders in advertisements and commercials. Remember when Reba McEntire was Colonel Sanders? So, it’s not weird that in their latest ad campaign, they’re having someone else portray the mascot. But who (or maybe we should say what?) they have portraying him this time is just, well, kind of creepy and odd.

Basically, KFC’s new Colonel Sanders mascot is really freaking weird. We don’t know if we’re into him or not.

Yes, that is the new Colonel Sanders… for now.

Yes, he looks considerably younger than he should. Yes, he is quite buff. He’s even tattooed! And yes, he doesn’t look real, which is probably because he isn’t. The new mascot is a computer-generated man the company is calling “Virtual Influencer Colonel.”

Virtual Influencer Colonel is basically KFC’s way of poking fun at all the Instagram influencers out there, as well as Instagram influencer culture. And we get it, but it’s also kind of creepy. Virtual Influencer Colonel has his own hashtag, which is #SecretRecipeForSuccess.

That hashtag is tattooed on his chest. Because of course it is.

His captions on the KFC Instagram are also extremely on point. Like, this could be a real life-influencer talking. For one image, the caption states, “I may be a restaurant mogul and international inspiration, but I’m still just a kid who loves being in the kitchen. #humble It’s important never to lose sight of the things that make you who you are. For me, it’s being in the kitchen and making amazing fried chicken. That’s what got me here, and I never want to lose that young and hungry Colonel who spent all his time perfecting fried chicken. I’m still that kid who straps on an apron and makes fried chicken. And I’ll never lose that part of me. Never lose the things that make you who you are. This is part of my #secretrecipeforsuccess.”

Even creepier? Virtual Influencer Colonel has his own influencer girlfriend… who is also a computer-generated person.

She has an Instagram, too, and she almost looks… real?! But like real in a way that she’s a person who uses a ton of FaceTune on her selfies?!

How is this not an actual person??? We’re concerned!

In fact, we can’t decide if we’re terrified or intrigued. Is this campaign funny and weird, or scary and weird? This tweet basically sums it up:

According to AdAge, Virtual Influencer Colonel even comes with a little “media kit” that includes business deals, inspirational collaborations, and authentic Gen-Z engagement. In the kit, he says, “Basically, I am an international mogul turned virtual person who wants to inspire the world with my amazing life.”

Check me out on Instagram. #secretrecipeforsuccess #VirtualInfluencer

— KFC (@kfc) April 8, 2019

The account will also be promoting partnerships with brands like TurboTax and Old Spice, as well as Dr. Pepper, through April 22nd. Just like a real influencer!

On Twitter, users aren’t sure if they should be into this or, like, terrified that the world is going to be taken over by computer-generated influencers. Which is relatable.

nope pic.twitter.com/wraCZZFyJe

— Wanderingpaws (@Wanderingpawz) April 8, 2019

But a few people are into him. In fact, some people think he’s attractive.

This is one way to use the KFC slogan. We guess.

finger lickin’ good 👅💦

— aiz =3 (@aizpokka) April 10, 2019

Some people want to know why sweet, innocent old Colonel Sanders is suddenly buff, young, and tattooed. Honestly, same.

But if you’re intrigued by this new influencer version of the Colonel, don’t worry: he’s sticking around for a bit. He’ll be updating us all on his life through April 22nd, like he did here, in the following post, where he writes, “Feeling so connected to nature by being on this horse in Kentucky. You have to find things that connect you. Whether it’s to other people or a place or another spirit like a horse. You always have to find the connection. Connection is a big part of the #secretrecipeforsucccess. Also, I need your help naming this horse. Give me some suggestions in the comments for this horse spirit.”

As weird as it is, we can’t wait to see how far KFC takes this. Stay tuned!