If you've watched television, scrolled through social media, or seen any Super Bowl highlights in 2026, you've likely encountered a familiar face—actually, two very familiar faces—hawking Dunkin' iced coffee. The campaign has taken the internet by storm, blending Hollywood nostalgia with fast-food marketing in a way that feels fresh, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt.
The celebrity in the Dunkin' 2026 Iced Coffee commercial is none other than Ben Affleck. But he's not alone. Joining him is his longtime friend and creative partner, Matt Damon. Together, they've revived the spirit of their Oscar-winning film Good Will Hunting for a series of ads that have become cultural events in themselves.
The "Good Will Dunkin'" Campaign: A Sitcom Reunion
The centerpiece of the campaign is a brilliant extended commercial styled like a sitcom pilot, titled "Good Will Dunkin' : The Pilot." In it, Affleck and Damon reprise the essence of their iconic roles from the 1997 film—but with a hilarious, caffeinated twist.
Watch the full "Good Will Dunkin' : The Pilot" here:
In this ad, Affleck's character (a clear nod to his Oscar-winning screenwriting past) is now working at Dunkin', debating life's big questions over iced coffee. Damon shows up as the familiar friend, and their chemistry—honed over decades of real friendship—is undeniable. The sitcom format, complete with a laugh track and multiple scenes, allows the ad to breathe and tells a mini-story rather than just selling a product.
Why It Works
The genius of this approach is that it doesn't feel like an advertisement. It feels like catching up with old friends. Affleck and Damon's genuine camaraderie translates through the screen, making viewers smile before they even notice the iced coffee in their hands.
The Super Bowl 2026 Version
For the biggest advertising stage of the year, Dunkin' distilled the "Good Will Dunkin'" concept into a tighter, punchier version designed for maximum impact during the Super Bowl.
Watch the Super Bowl 2026 version here:
This spot captures all the charm of the extended pilot but in a compact format perfect for the big game. It features the same witty banter, the same nods to Good Will Hunting, and the same focus on Dunkin' iced coffee as the fuel for friendship and deep conversations.
The Super Bowl version racked up over 902,000 views shortly after its February 2026 debut, demonstrating the massive appetite for this nostalgic yet fresh collaboration.
The Backstory: Ben Runs on Dunkin'
This 2026 campaign didn't emerge from nowhere. It builds on a beloved earlier commercial that established Affleck's genuine connection to the brand.
Watch the classic "Ben Runs on Dunkin'" ad here:
In this full version, Affleck actually works the drive-thru at a Dunkin' location, serving customers with his trademark deadpan humor. The ad went viral for its authenticity—Affleck, a Massachusetts native, has been a lifelong Dunkin' fan, making the partnership feel natural rather than forced.
This earlier commercial set the stage for the 2026 campaign by establishing a key truth: Ben Affleck doesn't just endorse Dunkin'—he actually loves it. This authenticity is the secret sauce that makes the new ads resonate so deeply.
Why Ben Affleck and Matt Damon?
The choice of Affleck and Damon for this campaign is marketing perfection for several reasons:
1. Massachusetts Roots
Both actors grew up in Massachusetts, where Dunkin' is less a coffee chain and more a cultural institution. Their connection to the brand is genuine, not manufactured.
2. Good Will Hunting Nostalgia
The 1997 film, which they wrote and starred in, is set in Boston and remains beloved. By gently parodying it, the ads tap into warm memories while creating something new.
3. Real-Life Friendship
Affleck and Damon have been friends since childhood. Their on-screen chemistry isn't acting—it's decades of genuine connection. Viewers can feel this, and it makes the ads warmer and more engaging.
4. Willingness to Self-Deprecate
Both actors are secure enough in their careers to poke fun at themselves. The ads don't take themselves too seriously, which invites audiences to laugh along rather than feel sold to.
The Cultural Impact
The "Good Will Dunkin'" campaign has transcended typical advertising metrics. It has:
Spawned countless memes featuring Affleck and Damon's expressions and lines
Generated discussion about the best Good Will Hunting references
Driven actual sales of Dunkin' iced coffee, particularly in New England
Reinforced Affleck's persona as a relatable celebrity who doesn't mind looking silly
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the ads for being genuinely funny rather than just tolerable. Many have noted that the sitcom pilot format leaves them wanting more—which may be exactly what Dunkin' has in mind.
Behind the Scenes: Creating the Campaign
While specific production details remain confidential, the campaign clearly involved close collaboration between Dunkin's marketing team, the actors, and directors who understand both comedy and nostalgia.
The sitcom pilot version, in particular, required careful balancing: it had to honor Good Will Hunting without being trapped by it, and it had to sell coffee without feeling like a commercial. The decision to use a laugh track and multi-camera setup signals that Dunkin' trusted the concept enough to commit fully to the bit.
What This Means for Celebrity Endorsements
The "Good Will Dunkin'" campaign represents a shift in how brands use celebrities. Rather than simply putting a famous face in front of a product, Dunkin' created a universe where the celebrity's existing persona and history become part of the brand story.
Key lessons for marketers:
Authenticity matters more than star power alone. Affleck's genuine fandom makes the ads believable.
Nostalgia is powerful when handled with care. The Good Will Hunting references delight fans without alienating those who don't catch them.
Long-form content can work. The pilot format proves that viewers will watch ads if they're entertaining enough.
Chemistry is irreplaceable. Affleck and Damon together create magic that neither could achieve solo.
Where to Watch
Ready to enjoy the full "Good Will Dunkin'" experience? Here's your viewing guide:
Start with the sitcom pilot to get the full story and extended jokes
Watch the Super Bowl version for a tighter, punchier take
Go back to "Ben Runs on Dunkin'" to see where the partnership began
The links throughout this article will take you directly to each video. Fair warning: you may find yourself watching them multiple times. The chemistry between Affleck and Damon is that enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
The celebrity in the Dunkin' 2026 Iced Coffee commercial is Ben Affleck, but the real star is the friendship between Affleck and Matt Damon. By reviving the spirit of Good Will Hunting with a caffeinated twist, Dunkin' has created something rare in advertising: content that people actually want to watch and share.
The campaign reminds us that the best marketing doesn't feel like marketing at all. It feels like entertainment, like nostalgia, like two old friends joking around over coffee. And in 2026, that's exactly what we needed.
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