In a nostalgic nod to the ’90s, Pepsi has teamed up once again with basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, reviving the iconic partnership that produced some of the most memorable commercials of the era. Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Pepsi is making a splash with a new commercial that brings a fresh twist to Skee-Lo’s hip-hop classic, I Wish.
The spotlight this time is on Pepsi Mini Cans, positioned as the ideal companion for snack and mealtime occasions.
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The new commercial, aptly titled “I Wish,” showcases Shaq grappling with the everyday challenges that come with his towering stature. From cramped airplane seats to oversized beds and doorways that seem to shrink in his presence, the spot humorously highlights Shaq’s wish to be “a little bit smaller.” Accompanying this larger-than-life narrative is a cameo appearance by Skee-Lo, who reworks his 1995 hit to fit the theme, adding a playful twist to the storyline.
The commercial draws inspiration from past Pepsi and Shaq collaborations, notably the iconic “Big Slam” spot from 1994. Despite the amusing exaggeration of Shaq’s size in mundane situations, the message remains clear – Pepsi Mini Cans are just the right size for any occasion. Watch below:
REELated:
Skee-Lo, reflecting on the collaboration, said, “In the ’90s when my hit I Wish first came out, it was all about ‘bigger is better.’ Now we’ve got the biggest, baddest dude in the game, Shaq, to flip my song on its head and show how smaller is actually better with Pepsi Mini Cans!”
Todd Kaplan, Chief Marketing Officer at Pepsi, highlighted the campaign’s creative elements inspired by the long history between Pepsi and Shaq. “We were able to tap into ’90s nostalgia with Skee-Lo’s iconic ‘I Wish,’ while completely reimagining the track for today given the evolution we are seeing in consumer demand for smaller-sized packages.”
A Chance to Win with #BetterWithPepsiMinis #Sweepstakes
To engage fans in the celebration, Pepsi is inviting them to participate in the #BetterWithPepsiMinis #Sweepstakes. Starting November 20, fans can post a photo of their favorite snack or meal alongside a Pepsi Mini Can on social media, tagging @Pepsi and using the designated hashtags. Lucky winners will have the chance to score an Official NBA Basketball signed by none other than Shaquille O’Neal. Act fast, though – the contest ends on December 15.
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Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on X at @colinthewriter1
