As Super Bowl LVIII approaches, Paramount+ has dropped an extended version of its anticipated ad, showcasing an eclectic mix of characters and celebrities in a whimsical climb up the iconic Paramount Mountain.
Titled “Sir Patrick’s Hail Mary Pass,” the spot features Sir Patrick Stewart, known for his role in Star Trek: The Next Generation and the Paramount+ original series Star Trek: Picard, leading a motley crew of characters up the Paramount Mountain. Joining Stewart are Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Drew Barrymore from the Drew Barrymore Show, Jeff Probst of Survivor, and Thomas Lennon from Reno 911.
The ensemble cast also includes beloved animated characters such as Arnold from Hey Arnold!, Dora the Explorer, Knuckles from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, Peppa Pig, and the Master Chief from Halo.
The narrative unfolds as the group attempts to scale a large cliff wall on Paramount Mountain. Amidst the comedic chaos, Stewart, in character, proposes a daring solution involving Arnold’s football-shaped head to assist in the ascent, “We throw the child.” When Barrymore protests, Stewart barks, “Barrymore, shut your face.”
As Stewart prepares for action, he is accompanied by the band Creed singing their hit Higher. The group starts to sing along. Watch below, as this may be the funniest spot in the Big Game:
REELated:
However, amidst the humor and spectacle, some observers express concerns about the consolidation of pop culture by media conglomerates like Paramount. The ad’s whimsical blend of characters underscores a broader trend where beloved franchises are viewed as intellectual property commodities rather than artistic endeavors.
As the Super Bowl approaches, the Paramount+ ad serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of entertainment and the complex relationship between creativity, corporate ownership, and consumer culture. While it entertains audiences, it also sparks conversations about the implications of conglomerate control over our shared cultural heritage.
Super Bowl LVIII will be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 11, 2024. It will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon. Usher will perform at halftime.
For all of Reel 360 News’ Super Bowl coverage, click here.
Nominate Someone You know For The Reel Black List OR Reel Women
