Have you ever watched a Hyundai commercial and found yourself pointing at the screen, saying, "Wait, I know that kid!"? You're not alone. Over the years, Hyundai has featured some incredibly talented young actors in their Super Bowl ads—some who were already famous, and others who went on to become major Hollywood stars.
If you've been searching "who is the kid in the Hyundai Super Bowl commercial," the answer depends on which ad you're thinking about. Hyundai has a rich history of casting memorable young performers, from horror movie icons to comedy scene-stealers.
Let's meet the kids (and the young actors behind them) who have starred in Hyundai's biggest commercial moments.
1. Jaeden Martell: The Face of "Hope on Wheels"
Who He Is: If you recognize this young actor from somewhere, it's probably because he's been in some of the biggest movies of the past decade. Jaeden Martell (sometimes credited as Jaeden Lieberher) starred as Bill Denbrough in the horror blockbusters IT and IT Chapter Two. He also delivered a standout performance in Rian Johnson's murder mystery Knives Out alongside Daniel Craig and Chris Evans.
The Commercial: But before he was battling Pennywise the Clown, Martell was the heartfelt face of Hyundai's "Hope on Wheels" campaign. This initiative supports pediatric cancer research, and Martell appeared in a deeply moving PSA that highlighted the importance of the cause. Unlike a typical Super Bowl comedy spot, this ad focused on real impact and hope.
Why It Matters: Martell's involvement brought genuine emotional weight to the campaign. Even as a young actor, he conveyed sincerity and compassion, helping to raise awareness for children fighting cancer. It's a beautiful example of Hyundai using its Super Bowl platform for more than just selling cars.
Where to Watch:
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2. "Epic Mission" (Super Bowl 2026): John Krasinski's Co-Stars
The Celebrity: The 2026 Hyundai Super Bowl commercial starred beloved actor and director John Krasinski (best known as Jim from The Office and for directing A Quiet Place).
The Plot: Titled "Epic Mission," the ad follows Krasinski as he embarks on an action-packed adventure with his kids. Their mission? A seemingly ordinary trip to the supermarket, but through a child's eyes (and Krasinski's playful imagination), it becomes a high-stakes, blockbuster-worthy journey. The twist is that the real hero is the new Hyundai PALISADE Hybrid, which makes the family's everyday life feel extraordinary.
The Kids: The children in this commercial are young actors cast to play Krasinski's on-screen kids. While their names aren't widely publicized (as is common with child actors in commercials), they bring an infectious energy and wide-eyed wonder to the ad. Their performances are crucial to making the "epic mission" concept work—we see the adventure through their imaginations.
Where to Watch:
You can find this commercial in the official 2026 Super Bowl compilations:
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3. "Smaht Pahk" (Super Bowl 2020): The Neighborhood Kid
The Concept: This became one of the most iconic and quoted Super Bowl commercials of its year. "Smaht Pahk" (a Boston accent pronunciation of "Smart Park") starred Chris Evans (yes, Captain America himself), John Krasinski, and Rachel Dratch, all leaning heavily into their Massachusetts roots.
The Plot: The ad showcases the Hyundai Sonata's remote smart parking assist feature. Evans demonstrates how he can park the car using just his key fob, much to the amazement of his friends and... a kid from the neighborhood.
The Kid: A young boy watches from his bicycle as the car seemingly parks itself. His stunned reaction—pure, unfiltered childhood amazement—adds a perfect layer of humor to the spot. He represents all of us, marveling at technology that seems like magic. While this young actor wasn't a established star, his cameo became a memorable part of the ad's charm.
Where to Watch:
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4. "First Date" with Kevin Hart (Super Bowl 2016): Christopher Meyer
The Celebrity: This Super Bowl classic starred comedy powerhouse Kevin Hart in full overprotective dad mode.
The Plot: Hart's daughter is going on her first date, and a nervous young man arrives to pick her up. What follows is Hart's signature comedic intimidation—staring down the boyfriend-to-be, flexing his authority, and making the date as uncomfortable (and hilarious) as possible.
The Kid: The young man trying to survive this awkward encounter is actor Christopher Meyer. At the time, Meyer was building his resume with guest roles on TV shows. Since then, he's continued acting, with credits including K.C. Undercover and Walk the Prank. His performance perfectly captures that universal teenage terror of meeting a girlfriend's intimidating parent—magnified times ten because it's Kevin Hart.
Where to Watch:
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5. "Better" (Super Bowl 2016): George Finn
The Concept: Hyundai took a completely different tone with this beautifully cinematic ad. "Better" tells the story of a boy who is born with a "mechanical heart"—a metaphor for passion, drive, and an unstoppable spirit.
The Plot: We watch the boy grow up, his mechanical heart always visible, always powering him forward. He faces challenges, falls down, and gets back up again. The ad culminates with him as a young man, still driven by that same passion, now behind the wheel of a Hyundai. It's an inspirational message about never giving up and always striving to be better.
The Kid (and the Grown-Up): The young boy in this commercial is played by George Finn. Finn has since built a solid acting career, appearing in TV shows like Switched at Birth and Henry Danger. The older version of the character (the young man) is played by actor and musician Robbie Jones.
This commercial is a fan favorite because it tells a complete emotional story in just 60 seconds, with Finn's performance as the determined young boy anchoring the entire narrative.
Quick Reference: All the "Kids" in Hyundai Super Bowl Commercials
| Hope on Wheels | Various | Jaeden Martell | IT, Knives Out | Search: "Hyundai Hope On Wheels Jaeden Martell" |
| Epic Mission | 2026 | Unknown (John Krasinski's on-screen kids) | N/A | Search: "John Krasinski Hyundai Palisade Super Bowl 2026" |
| Smaht Pahk | 2020 | Unknown (Neighborhood boy on bike) | N/A |  Watch YouTube video |
| First Date | 2016 | Christopher Meyer | K.C. Undercover |  Watch YouTube video |
| Better | 2016 | George Finn (young version) | Switched at Birth |  Watch YouTube video |
Other Must-See Super Bowl 2026 Commercials
While you're exploring Hyundai's commercial history, here are a few other 2026 Super Bowl ads that generated major buzz:
Amazon "Alexa Plus" (Chris Hemsworth & Elsa Pataky)
Chris Hemsworth becomes convinced the new Alexa AI is out to get him. The ending? A massage changes everything.
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Uber Eats "Hungry for the Truth" (Matthew McConaughey & Bradley Cooper)
Bradley Cooper plays a man convinced football was invented to sell food. Matthew McConaughey plays the skeptic.
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Jeep "Billy Goes to the River" (Singing Billy Bass Fish)
The iconic 2000s toy embarks on a journey to freedom, singing "Take Me to the River." Two endings exist!
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Microsoft Surface Pro (Justin Long)
The former "I'm a Mac" guy returns to promote... a PC. Self-aware humor at its best.
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Why Hyundai's Kid Casting Works
Hyundai has a remarkable track record of casting young actors who either already have star power or possess the kind of natural talent that makes you remember them. From Jaeden Martell's heartfelt sincerity to Christopher Meyer's comedic timing under pressure, these kids bring authenticity to every role.
Whether they're battling imaginary monsters in an "epic mission," reacting with amazement to a self-parking car, or symbolizing the drive to be "better," these young performers help Hyundai tell stories that resonate across generations.
Final Thoughts
So, who is the kid in the Hyundai Super Bowl commercial? As we've seen, the answer depends on which memorable moment you're recalling. It might be Hollywood star Jaeden Martell in his pre-fame days. It might be Christopher Meyer trying to survive a date with Kevin Hart. Or it might be George Finn, whose mechanical heart reminded us all to keep pushing forward.
Each of these young actors brought something special to Hyundai's advertising legacy. And who knows? The kids in the 2026 "Epic Mission" commercial might just be the stars we're writing about ten years from now.
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