the Doritos Super Bowl commercial

Every year, the Super Bowl delivers more than just a championship game; it delivers a cultural moment where advertising, celebrity, and entertainment collide. The commercials have become a tradition as anticipated as the halftime show, with brands spending millions not just on airtime, but on crafting mini-movies designed to make us laugh, cry, and remember. And every year, certain commercials generate as much buzz as the final score. For Super Bowl LX in 2026, that commercial was undoubtedly Doritos' action-comedy spectacle, "The Triangle."

If you've been scrolling through social media, watching reaction videos, or talking with friends about the funniest ad of the night, you've probably heard people raving about the dynamic duo at its center—and the legendary surprise guest who stole the show. The Doritos Super Bowl 2026 commercial brought together a trio of Hollywood talent that felt both unexpected and absolutely perfect. Here's your complete guide to the stars of "The Triangle" and why their collaboration became the talk of the internet.

The Headlining Duo: Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney

The commercial features two of the most sought-after young stars in Hollywood: Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney. Their pairing is a piece of inspired casting, capitalizing on their real-life chemistry and rapidly rising star power. It's the kind of team-up that makes marketing executives look like geniuses.

Glen Powell has, in the last few years, become synonymous with a specific kind of old-Hollywood charm and charisma that is increasingly rare. After years of supporting roles, his breakout moment arrived with the global phenomenon Top Gun: Maverick, where his portrayal of the cocky but lovable pilot "Hangman" scene-stealed from an ensemble of icons. He followed this by proving his leading man credentials in the hit romantic comedy Anyone But You (coincidentally also starring Sydney Sweeney). The film was a box office surprise, largely driven by the palpable, playful chemistry between its two leads. Powell brings a mix of quick wit, undeniable confidence, and a willingness to engage in physical comedy that makes him perfect for a high-concept, action-oriented commercial.

Sydney Sweeney has established herself as one of the most versatile and powerful actresses of her generation. She first gained widespread recognition for her dramatic depth in acclaimed series like Euphoria, where her portrayal of the complex Cassie Howard earned her Emmy nominations, and The White Lotus, which showcased her ability to hold her own in an ensemble of seasoned actors. However, Sweeney is not content to be typecast. She has actively sought out roles that prove her comedic timing and versatility, including the aforementioned Anyone But You and her foray into the superhero genre with Madame Web. In "The Triangle," she gets to showcase a different side of her talent entirely—one that is adventurous, physically sharp, and ready for comedic action. She holds her own against Powell's charm, proving she can be both the romantic interest and the action hero.

Watch the full commercial here:

Doritos Super Bowl LX Commercial 2026 - "The Triangle":

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The Plot: A Treasure Hunt for the Ages

In "The Triangle," Powell and Sweeney play rival treasure hunters. The ad, directed with the flair of a summer blockbuster, is a mini action-adventure movie. It unfolds across what appears to be an exotic, booby-trapped temple (or a very convincing studio set built by a masterful production team). We see them navigating rolling boulders, dodging ancient mechanisms, and racing through corridors, all in a desperate sprint to find a legendary treasure first.

The twist, delivered with perfect comedic timing, is that the ultimate treasure they're both scrambling to possess isn't gold or jewels. It's the last bag of a new, limited-edition Doritos flavor, shaped like a perfect, mythical triangle. Their rivalry is filled with playful banter and competitive energy, perfectly playing off the chemistry they first developed in Anyone But You. The internet took immediate notice, and their pairing was instantly hailed as one of the best and most natural uses of celebrity chemistry in Super Bowl advertising history. It felt less like a paid endorsement and more like watching two friends have the time of their lives on a massive budget.

The Surprise MVP: Danny DeVito

Just when you think the commercial is a simple, brilliant two-hander, it delivers a hilarious and heartwarming surprise that elevates it to legendary status. Emerging from the shadows of the treasure chamber, casually holding the coveted Doritos bag with a mischievous, knowing grin, is the one and only Danny DeVito.

DeVito's appearance is the perfect comedic punchline, a masterstroke of misdirection. For over four decades, Danny DeVito has been a beloved and iconic figure in American entertainment. From his Emmy-winning role as the dispatcher Louie De Palma in the classic sitcom Taxi to his unforgettable performances in films like Twins, Throw Momma from the Train, Matilda, and the long-running, cult-favorite series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, DeVito has carved out a unique space. His everyman charm, combined with his ability to deliver a line with perfect deadpan humor and a twinkle in his eye, has made him a national treasure beloved by multiple generations.

His cameo in the Doritos commercial works brilliantly on multiple levels:

The Element of Surprise: In a world of young, glamorous action stars, the sudden appearance of a beloved, older character actor like DeVito is inherently, wonderfully funny. It completely subverts the audience's expectations.
The Comedic Payoff: After a full minute of watching Powell and Sweeney outwit each other in an intense physical competition, DeVito casually walking off with the prize is the ultimate anti-climax. It's a brilliant joke suggesting that true wisdom, patience, and perhaps a little bit of sneakiness, will always trump youthful ambition and bravado.
Nostalgia and Warmth: Beyond the immediate laugh, DeVito brings an instant wave of positive nostalgia. Seeing his familiar face makes people of a certain age smile with recognition, adding a layer of warmth and heart to the ad's competitive premise.

His brief appearance was instantly hailed as one of the best celebrity cameos of the entire Super Bowl broadcast, immediately sparking thousands of memes, GIFs, and countless reactions on social media platforms like X and TikTok.

See the buzz and analysis here:

ExtraTV - Super Bowl 2026 Celebrity Cameos Analysis:

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The Chemistry That Made It Work

So, why did this particular combination of stars resonate so strongly and universally with audiences?

According to post-Super Bowl analysis from outlets like WatchMojo and ExtraTV, the success hinges on the genuine and playfully competitive chemistry between Powell and Sweeney. Having already worked together successfully and formed a real-life friendship, they slipped back into a dynamic on screen that feels completely natural and unforced. Their banter doesn't feel scripted or workshopped; it feels like two friends who genuinely enjoy trying to one-up each other. This authenticity is impossible to fake and is the secret ingredient that makes the ad rewatchable.

Danny DeVito's role then acts as the perfect comedic anchor. He represents a completely different generation and style of comedy, and his presence bridges the gap, making the ad instantly appealing to viewers of all ages. It's a masterclass in casting: you have the beautiful, bankable young stars to draw in a younger, Gen Z and Millennial demographic, and a beloved legend to provide the heart, the surprise, and the laugh that grandparents will appreciate just as much.

For a deeper dive into why the ad worked:

WatchMojo - Top 10 Super Bowl Commercials of 2026:

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Where to See "The Triangle" in Context

If you want to see how "The Triangle" stacks up against the other biggest and best ads of the night, you can find it in various "best of" compilations that round up all the Super Bowl LX highlights.

Watch the commercial among other top contenders:

Compilation of the Best 2026 Super Bowl Ads:

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Critical Reception and Why It's a Top Contender

The response to "The Triangle" was overwhelmingly positive. It consistently ranked at or near the top of various "Best Super Bowl Commercials of 2026" lists published by major outlets like USA Today and Ad Age. Analysts praised its perfect blend of high-octane action, clever humor, and genuine heart.

ExtraTV's coverage highlighted it as a standout for its clever and surprising use of celebrity, noting that the surprise cameo from Danny DeVito was the singular moment that truly "won the internet" on Super Bowl Sunday. WatchMojo's Top 10 breakdown specifically pointed to the authentic, unforced chemistry between Powell and Sweeney as the ad's secret sauce, arguing that you simply cannot fake that kind of easy, playful rapport. They noted that the ad transcended its commercial purpose and felt more like a fun, short film you'd actually want to seek out and watch again.

Conclusion: A Winning Recipe

The Doritos "The Triangle" commercial is a perfect example of what makes Super Bowl advertising such a unique and beloved art form. It's a mini-blockbuster, packed with genuine star power, real laughs, and a concept that is both clever and perfectly suited to the brand.

By pairing the undeniable, tested chemistry of Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney with the legendary, scene-stealing presence of Danny DeVito, Doritos created an ad that was more than just a 60-second pitch for a snack. It was a piece of genuine entertainment that people actually enjoyed watching, talking about, and sharing with friends. It reminded us that sometimes, the best treasure isn't gold or jewels—it's that last, delicious chip, and the joy of sharing a laugh over it.

Would you like to explore other famous Super Bowl commercials or the careers of the actors mentioned?