There is a special kind of joy that comes from seeing a beloved character from film or television return, even if it's just for a 60-second commercial. It's a moment of pure nostalgia, a chance to revisit a world we loved and see what our favorite fictional people are up to now. When done right, these ads become cultural events in their own right.
The key is respecting the source material. The best of these commercials don't just use the character's name; they capture their essence, their world, and their unique voice. Here are five brilliant examples of actors who stepped back into their most iconic roles to create advertising magic.
1. Bill Murray: Reliving the Loop for Jeep
Is there any character more associated with a single day than Phil Connors, the cynical weatherman trapped in an infinite time loop in the classic film Groundhog Day? For Jeep's 2020 Super Bowl commercial, they brought Bill Murray back to Punxsutawney, and the premise was perfect: he's still stuck.
The extended version of the ad is a mini-sequel to the film. We find Phil in his familiar setting, waking up to "I Got You Babe" on the clock radio. But now, he's found a way to make the endless repetition an adventure: his Jeep Gladiator. He uses it to pull stunts, explore the snowy terrain, and generally have the kind of fun that only someone with infinite time and the right vehicle could have.
Watch the delightful return:
Jeep "Groundhog Day" Super Bowl Commercial (Extended Version):
Watch YouTube video
The genius of the ad is that it perfectly understands the character. Phil Connors has evolved. He's no longer the selfish jerk he was at the beginning of the film. He's embraced his fate and found joy in it. Murray slips back into the role with effortless ease, delivering deadpan lines and world-weary glances that feel like a direct continuation of the movie. It's a love letter to the film that also cleverly sells the freedom and capability of a Jeep.
2. Timothée Chalamet: The Son of a Legend in "Edgar Scissorhands"
This wasn't just a character revival; it was a full-blown, spiritual sequel to a beloved film. For the 2024 Super Bowl, Cadillac unveiled a commercial that stunned viewers: Timothée Chalamet as Edgar Scissorhands, the son of Edward, and Winona Ryder returning as Kim, his now-elderly mother.
The ad, titled "Edgar Scissorhands," is a beautifully shot, emotionally resonant mini-movie. It shows Edgar living in the shadow of his famous father, struggling with his own scissor-hands and his place in the world. He uses his unique "gift" to create intricate topiaries and hairstyles, but he's searching for his own path. The commercial culminates in a touching scene where Kim gives him the keys to a sleek Cadillac, a symbol of moving forward and embracing his own future.
Witness the magical sequel:
Cadillac Super Bowl Commercial - Edgar Scissorhands:
Watch YouTube video
This was a masterstroke of advertising. It didn't just use a familiar character for a quick laugh. It told a new story, one that was faithful to the tone and heart of Tim Burton's original film. Chalamet perfectly captured the gentle, outsider quality of Edward, while bringing his own youthful energy to the role. Ryder's brief, poignant appearance provided the emotional anchor, connecting this new story to the one we already love. It was advertising as art.
3. Ben Stiller: Blue Steel is Back for Pepsi
Could Zoolander, the world's most famously dim-witted male model, tell the difference between regular and zero-sugar Pepsi? That was the brilliantly absurd premise of Pepsi's 2020 commercial featuring Ben Stiller reprising his iconic role as Derek Zoolander.
The ad is pure, unadulterated Zoolander. Derek is asked to participate in a taste test, a task that proves hilariously challenging for someone with his... unique cognitive abilities. He brings his signature poses, including the legendary "Blue Steel," and his complete lack of self-awareness to the proceedings. The commercial is filled with the kind of deadpan, ridiculous humor that made the films so beloved.
See Derek's challenging taste test:
Pepsi Zero Sugar - Ben Stiller "Zoolander" Ad:
Watch YouTube video
The ad works because it stays completely true to the character. Zoolander's world is one of beautiful stupidity, and the simple task of a taste test becomes a major dramatic event. Stiller's commitment to the bit, even after all these years, is what makes it so funny. It's a perfect example of how a fictional character can be used to sell a product in a way that feels organic and hilarious, not forced.
4. Matthew Broderick: The Ultimate Day Off, Honda-Style
For many, Matthew Broderick will forever be Ferris Bueller, the master of the unexcused absence. Honda brilliantly tapped into this collective nostalgia with their 2012 Super Bowl commercial, "Matthew's Day Off."
The ad is a loving, note-perfect recreation of the iconic film Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Broderick, playing a version of himself (or is he playing Ferris?), wakes up and decides to take a day off. He enlists the help of his friend (a nod to Cameron), and they embark on a joyride through the suburbs in a Honda CR-V. The ad is filled with direct visual references to the film, from the garage scene to the art museum to the parade sequence.
Enjoy the nostalgic joyride:
Honda CR-V "Matthew's Day Off" (2-Minute Version):
Watch YouTube video
The genius of this ad is its restraint and its love for the source material. It doesn't try to be a sequel or a reboot. It's simply a celebration of the feeling of the film—the joy of freedom, friendship, and a perfect day. Broderick's knowing smile and easy charm make it work. He's not trying to be a 20-year-old again; he's a grown-up who still remembers the joy of cutting loose. It's a warm, funny, and deeply nostalgic commercial that perfectly aligns the freedom of a Honda with the freedom of a day off.
5. Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul: Cooking Something New in the Desert
Perhaps one of the most anticipated character revivals in advertising history was the reunion of Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul as Walter White and Jesse Pinkman for the snack brand PopCorners.
The commercial, titled "Breaking Good," is a masterclass in meta-humor. It reunites the duo in the familiar setting of the New Mexico desert, in their iconic RV. But instead of cooking meth, they are taste-testing PopCorners. Walter, ever the meticulous scientist, analyzes the crunch and flavor profiles. Jesse reacts with his signature, enthusiastic "Yeah, science!"
Watch the iconic reunion:
PopCorners: "Breaking Good" Full Commercial:
Watch YouTube video
The ad works on multiple levels. For fans of Breaking Bad, it's a joyous, unexpected gift—a chance to see Walt and Jesse one more time in a context that is playful and harmless. The humor comes from the stark contrast between the high-stakes drama of the show and the mundane product they are now discussing. For everyone else, it's a funny commercial with two great actors. By leaning perfectly into their iconic characters, Cranston and Paul created an ad that was both a tribute to the show's legacy and a genuinely effective piece of marketing. It proved that sometimes, the best way to sell a product is to let beloved fictional characters be themselves, even in a completely new and unexpected world.
Conclusion: The Power of Familiar Faces
These five examples demonstrate the immense power of bringing a beloved fictional character back to the screen, even for a brief moment. It's a shortcut to emotion, nostalgia, and instant recognition. When done with care, respect, and a genuine understanding of what made the character special, these ads transcend their commercial purpose. They become events, conversation starters, and tiny, perfect additions to the character's legacy.
Discover the intriguing world of actors who have lent their star powerto tech startup ads. Explore their roles and the impact on brandvisibility.
Discover the talented actors who brought animated ads to life with their voices. Explore their unique contributions and memorable performancesin advertising.
Discover the surprising early careers of famous actors who starred in commercials before achieving stardom. Explore their journeys to famenow!
Discover the fascinating world of actors who played themselves in ads.Explore iconic moments and the impact of celebrity endorsements onadvertising.
Discover how TikTok stars are shaping global campaigns, influencingtrends, and connecting brands with audiences in innovative ways. Explore their impact now!
Discover how top YouTubers transitioned into the advertising world,leveraging their influence to create impactful campaigns and connectwith brands.
Discover how social media influencers are transforming TV advertising.Explore trends, case studies, and the impact on brand engagement today.
Discover the iconic dancers who transformed music video commercials,leaving a lasting impact on pop culture and redefining visualstorytelling in music.
Discover the iconic singers who have lent their voices to memorable ads, shaping brand identities and leaving a lasting impact on audiencesworldwide.
Discover the celebrities who turned down lucrative advertising deals,prioritizing their values over profit. Explore their stories andmotivations here.
Discover the full cast of the Dunkin' Super Bowl commercial 2026! Getinsights into the stars and behind-the-scenes moments that made itunforgettable.