Pepsi is back in the arena, and this time, it’s bringing the energy of the Roman Empire to the gridiron. Ahead of the 2024 NFL regular season and in anticipation of Paramount’s Gladiator II, the brand has launched its colossal new campaign titled “Make Your Gameday Epic,” featuring the Grammy-winning Megan Thee Stallion and NFL stars Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson, and Travis Kelce.
This campaign, which brings to life the thrilling world of football with a gladiator twist, is designed to electrify gameday experiences for fans everywhere.
Following Pepsi’s legendary “Roman Empire” campaign from 20 years ago, this new iteration draws inspiration from the upcoming Gladiator II film and the iconic excitement of football. Directed by Jake Scott and produced by Ridley Scott Associates and Paramount Brand Studio, the campaign is a cinematic experience in itself, blending pop culture, football, and entertainment.
“This campaign is one of the biggest in our brand’s history, combining the excitement of football, film, and music,” said Jenny Danzi, Head of Brand Marketing at Pepsi. “We’re celebrating the passion fans have for gameday, making sure they’re ready to enjoy football, food, and Pepsi in epic fashion this season.”
A New NFL Anthem
Megan plays Empress Megan in the 3-minute short film, leading her legion of Gridiron Gladiators, including NFL superstars Allen, Henry, Jefferson, and Kelce, in an epic battle for glory, with ice-cold Pepsi at the center of the action. The new anthem is now available on all major streaming platforms.
The campaign pulls NFL fans into a world where Gridiron Gladiators battle for more than just a win—they fight for the perfect gameday Pepsi experience. The epic spot opens with actors Lamorne Morris and Jake Lacy, as they peer into a can of Pepsi Zero Sugar that transforms into a colossal colosseum.
From there, Empress Megan leads the NFL stars as they vie for her favor and, of course, the coveted sip of ice-cold Pepsi to signal the start of gameday.
At the heart of the campaign is a brand-new anthem from Megan Thee Stallion. The track, a reimagined version of Queen’s We Will Rock You, features fresh, cutting-edge lyrics and the unmistakable “boom, boom, clap” beat. Watch the epic film below:
REELated:
“I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of the legends from the original Gladiator campaign and create my own legacy,” said Megan Thee Stallion. “It was so much fun putting my spin on such an iconic song and bringing music, sports, and entertainment together to kick off the new NFL season.”
“We wanted to create a visual spectacle that captured the energy and intensity of both football and the Gladiator world,” added director Jake Scott. “This campaign is a unique, thrilling way to bring those two worlds together.”
Gladiator-Inspired Collectibles and Experiences
Fans can immerse themselves in the “Make Your Gameday Epic™” experience with several extensions of the campaign, including:
- “My Roman Empire” Portrait Generator: Fans can create personalized Gladiator or Roman royalty portraits by uploading selfies, available at www.PepsiRomanEmpire.com.
- Talking Cans: Limited edition 16oz collectible cans featuring NFL stars will come equipped with Augmented Reality features, allowing fans to bring the can’s gladiator characters to life.
- Music and Special Offers: Megan Thee Stallion’s “We Will Rock You (Megan Thee Stallion Version)” is available on streaming platforms, and a $10 Fandango movie reward toward Gladiator II is offered for fans who purchase $20 worth of Pepsi products.
- Retail Rollout and VMAs Integration: The campaign extends into retail with bilingual in-store displays and premieres during Megan Thee Stallion’s hosting of the 2024 VMAs on September 11.
A Gameday Epic for the Ages
Pepsi’s “Make Your Gameday Epic” campaign captures the anticipation and spectacle of both NFL football and the larger-than-life world of Gladiators. It brings together pop culture icons, sports heroes, and a new generation of fans, making sure everyone is ready to conquer gameday this fall with ice-cold Pepsi in hand.
Catch Empress Megan and her Gladiators of the Gridiron in action during tonight’s NFL season opener and across national television and digital channels throughout the season.
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