It’s been a celebrity-filled week in advertising, with several major brands launching new campaigns with their high-profile spokespeople. Catch up on the latest marketing news and promotions in our Weekly Must Reads.

Apple Launches Two New Ads

Last week, in coordination with their annual keynote presentation and announcement of the iPhone 15, Apple launched two new ads with high-profile celebrity partners. In the first spot, the brand tapped Octavia Spencer to star as Mother Nature, who grills Apple CEO Tim Cook and other executive on their products’ environmental impact. The second ad is a partnership with Olivia Rodrigo, fresh off the success of her second studio album and promoting the iPhone 15 with her music video for “get him back!,” shot entirely on the new phone.

Some consumers were quick to call the ad with Spencer “cringey” or overly-corporate, but others praised it for focusing on the brand’s impressive emissions record. The promotion with Rodrigo also sparked a lot of buzz, especially because it utilizes one of the most-talked-about tracks from the singer’s new album. Watch the first ad and learn more about Apple’s latest efforts here: https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2023/09/14/what-mother-nature-would-really-make-apple-and-the-iphone-15

Dunkin’ Taps Ice Spice & Ben Affleck for Munchkins Promo

Starting with this year’s Super Bowl, Dunkin’ has been partnering with longtime customer Ben Affleck in a string of humorous ads. His latest spot premiered last week during the MTV VMAs, and also stars Ice Spice as she launches her fall-flavored drink with Dunkin’. The new partnership couldn’t be a better a fit – the drink is both iced and pumpkin spiced, and it features blended pumpkin Munchkins donuts, which share a name with the rapper’s loyal fanbase.

In the ad, Ice Spice runs her idea for the Munchkins drink by Affleck, who is busy brainstorming the “next big thing” for the coffee brand. Affleck also wrote and directed the new spot. See the commercial and learn more about the collaboration here: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Food/ben-affleck-ice-spice-munchkins-drink-ad/story?id=103110971

DirecTV’s New Travis Kelce Commercial

In their newest NFL promotion, DirecTV is hoping to “Sack the Sunday Scaries” with help from Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce and Chris Jones. The new campaign includes an 11-track Spotify playlist, featuring relaxing, sleep-including audio from Kelce and Jones as they calmly discuss topics like how a football is made or the best way to apply face paint. In addition to the audio tracks, DirecTV will also release themed merchandise, including a Kelce-shaped body pillow and pajama jersey.

The comical but relaxation-focused campaign comes in the midst of controversy for Kelce and DirecTV. Their last spot, “Overly Direct Salesperson,” has been criticized by the NFL for being deceptive and incorrectly leading customers to believe they can view every NFL game once they sign up for DirecTV. Catch up on the details of the controversy and learn more about the brand’s new campaign here: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/directv-nfl-travis-kelce-chris-jones-NFLcampaign/693172/

Idris Elba Marks Celebrity Return to Crypto Ads

Despite recent controversies and lawsuit surrounding the cryptocurrency industry, celebrities have started advertising for crypto brands again. Recently, Idris Elba partnered with the Stellar Development Foundation and Stellar blockchain to create a three-minute short film that positions blockchain as a force for good. However, Elba never references crypto or blockchain by name, instead using vague references to the technology as he tells different stories about people who overcame financial instability.

While cryptocurrency could theoretically help consumers in unstable banking situations, its volatility has added a sense of uncertainty around the industry. Other celebrities have also faced charges from federal agencies for promoting cryptocurrency without proper disclosures. Find out more about Elba’s new partnership here: https://adage.com/creativity/work/idris-elba-pitches-blockchain-company-stellar-celebrity-crypto-advertising-returns/2515541