Everyone's Talkin' Like Walken in BMW Ad Co-Starring Usher
And nothing gets lost in translation
Which brand will take home the 2024 Super Clio for the best Super Bowl commercial? We’ll find out on Feb. 12.
Christopher Walken’s got a distinctive style of speaking? Who knew?
CW appears to have a blast with a multitude of mimics in BMW’s Super Bowl :30, with halftime star Usher and actress Ashley Park along for the ride:
“Christopher Walken is iconic, as is the 5 Series. It’s one icon working with another, creating a synergy of two legendary figures. You wait your whole life to make a campaign like this,” says Rich Silverstein, co-chairman and co-founder of Goodby Silverstein & Partners, which developed the campaign. “The reality is everyone has a Walken impression. But there’s only one original.”
Veteran Hungry Man director Bryan Buckley sets the perfect stage to let Chris do his thing. With no bells and whistles, the comedy connects without undue distractions.
“Our cast didn’t know until the day before shooting that they’d be performing to Walken’s face,” recalls agency creative director Clemens Zlami. “The approach brought some hilarious results. Seeing Christopher Walken coach other actors about doing a better Christopher Walken impression is something everyone needs to witness.”
And Usher’s cameo really pops in a commercial that gives celeb culture its props. (Ad made me rhyme. Must be a winner.)
CLICK HERE to watch all of this year’s Super Bowl commercials as they’re released.