Kirk Douglas follows Beckham to star in gladiator ad for Pepsi

by Joe Lepper, Brand Republic 06-Apr-05, 08:55

LONDON - Kirk Douglas is following in the footsteps of David Beckham to star in Pepsi's latest epic themed television ad, this time a reworking of the actor's famous role as Roman slave Spartacus.

For the latest ad, created by BBDO/New York, the drinks giant lampoons the 1960 Oscar-winning film's "I'm Spartacus" scene.

In the original, Roman soldiers agree to spare the lives of a group of slaves if they name Spartacus. All the slaves gradually stand up declaring themselves to be Spartacus, leaving Douglas to shed a tear at his friends' courage.

However, in the reworking a Roman soldier wants the slaves to identify Spartacus becase he left his lunch, including a can of Pepsi, at the last stop. Douglas is once again left crying, as one by one his friends attempt to claim the drink. At the end of the ad, the centurion says "I'm Spartacus" and drinks the Pepsi.

Beckham does not have to worry that his place as Pepsi's number one star is being assumed by Douglas, however. The ad is a one-off and is only being shown in North America.

Previous epic ads by Pepsi include a spot set in medieval times starring Beckham alongside other football stars such as Brazil and Barcelona player Ronaldino. The drinks giant also used the gladiator theme before, with a creative featuring Enrique Inglesias.

The last Pepsi ad to feature Beckham had the England and Real Madrid star battling with singers Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Lopez in a martial arts epic.

The chief creative officer for the "Spartacus" spot was David Lubars and it was directed by Joe Pytka.

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