This month: Ben Affleck doesn’t do commercials, Snoop Dogg becomes an action figure and Brian Cox gives big “Succession” energy.
The top 5 celebrity brand collabs you need to know about right now
5. Ben Affleck x Dunkin’
After the success of Dunkin’s Super Bowl spot starring Ben Affleck, the actor returned to the coffee chain with a self-aware twist. Affleck portrays a goofy insecurity as he tells the register workers at a Dunkin’, “I don’t do commercials. I’m a real actor,” while compensating for the fact that he is indeed in a commercial by calling the spot “authentic and meta.” Because, of course, celebrities also enjoy deals on coffee and donuts.
Related: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez star in Dunkin's Super Bowl ad
“Yes I’m doing a commercial, but am I doing a commercial?” Affleck asks, as his co-stars watch with confusion (he’s doing a commercial).
Adding to the joke is the fact that Affleck conceived, directed, selected the cast and crew and executed the production in-house at Artists Equity, the studio he runs with Matt Damon. Damon also gets a shoutout as the Dunkin’ employees confuse Affleck and Damon’s careers, saying they prefer Damon.
4. Rose Leslie and Kit Harrington x Make My Money Matter
Two “Game of Thrones” favorites star in a twisty PSA for Make My Money Matter. The spot, made with agency Mother, shows Rose Leslie and Kit Harington in couple’s counseling because Harrington can’t seem to provide Leslie with the action and affirmation she feels she deserves. Rather, she reveals he’s been giving his love to renewable energy.
The curious turn builds up to a finale in which the two are revealed to represent the U.K.’s major banks and their toxic love affairs with oil companies. As they collide for a passionate kiss, the message about the institutions’ false promises for sustainability sets in, demanding multiple viewings.
3. Brian Cox x DirecTV
Brian Cox knows what the people want and delivers in this campaign for DirecTV and agency TBWA\Chiat\Day LA. The “Succession” star seems to still be in character from his time as Logan Roy on the HBO series as he leans menacingly over the arm of a rich leather chair. “Let me be direct,” Cox says calmly, before yelling, “You’re doing TV wrong!” and flipping a tray.
The “Overly Direct Spokesperson” inserts himself into silly situations—a couple whose cable connection glitches so they have to resort to conversation and a father watching his son fail to hit a baseball off the tee—to illustrate the luxury of well-performing cable.
2. Sydney Sweeney x Ford
In a campaign for Ford, “Euphoria” actress Sydney Sweeney showcases a lesser-known side—her love of cars. A beautiful spot shows Sweeney getting her hands dirty in the mechanic shop as well as cruising coastal roads in her vintage Ford Bronco.
The campaign, a collaboration between agencies Wieden+Kennedy New York, Artemis, Mindshare, VMLY&R and BBDO, also features a line of “female-forward workwear” with Dickies. Sweeney’s spot, as well as ones featuring surfer Kai Lenny and professional stunt driver Dee Bryant, airs across social, digital and broadcast and connected TV through June.
1. Snoop Dogg x 19 Crimes Wine
To promote his wines, 19 Crimes, Snoop Dogg and agency Observatory took an unexpected approach to market the celebrity brand. Rather than appearing in the spots for the Cali Blanc variety, a Snoop Dogg action figure steals the show.
“Lil Snoop” floats in a swimming pool in one spot and embraces a much larger stemless glass in another as the real rapper narrates. In the first spot, “Big Snoop Dogg” has been busy. With 19 Crimes wine, now he’s “just chillin’, straight chillin’. Look at me, I can’t even move,” says the rapper as his action figure floats past the camera.