# Epic Rapper-Backed Soda Campaigns PEPSI Launched its 'Make Your Gameday Epic' Campaign By Debra John | Published 2024-09-11 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/make-your-gameday-epic References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pepsi-kicks-off-2024-nfl-season-with-colossal-campaign-inspired-by-paramount-pictures-upcoming-gladiator-ii-starring-megan-thee-stallion-and-nfl-superstars-josh-allen-derrick-henry-justin-jefferson-and-travis-kelce-302238558.html) & [pepsiromanempire](https://pepsiromanempire.com/)  Pepsi has introduced a Gladiator-themed campaign titled 'Make Your Gameday Epic.' As a long-time sponsor of the NFL, Pepsi is celebrating the beginning of the 2024 NFL season while simultaneously highlighting the upcoming release of [Paramount Pictures'](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nba-finals-ad) Gladiator II—serving as the thematic backdrop and essence of the campaign. To mark these events, Pepsi has released a short film designed to engage soda enthusiasts and NFL fans to embrace their 'Roman Empire.' In the short three-minute spot, Megan Thee Stallion appears as "Empress Megan," leading a group of NFL players depicted as "Gridiron Gladiators." Notable athletes "including Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson, and [Travis Kelce](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travis-kelce1) participate in a dramatic and stylized battle, with ice-cold Pepsi featured prominently at the center of the action." Through this campaign, Pepsi aims to "[blend elements of sports and entertainment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coors-light-coors-light)," creating an engaging experience for its audience. Image Credit: PepsiCo ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 28% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/commercials) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Pop-culture Collaborative Campaigns:** The integration of iconic movie themes and celebrity endorsements in marketing campaigns creates more compelling narratives that engage diverse audience segments. - **Celebrity-inspired Brand Endorsements:** Using high-profile celebrities such as Megan Thee Stallion to lead brand narratives makes marketing campaigns more relatable and influential, particularly among younger demographics. - **Sports-themed Marketing:** Brands are increasingly leveraging major sporting events and popular athletes to create high-impact, thematic campaigns that resonate with sports fans. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can benefit from creative, entertainment-driven marketing strategies that elevate brand image and customer engagement. - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry finds innovative cross-promotional opportunities by collaborating with brands for co-themed marketing spectacles. - **Sports:** Incorporating athletes into dynamic, themed marketing campaigns provides a unique platform for sports organizations to increase fan interaction and brand visibility. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Athlete-Backed Beverage Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tailgate-crashers.md) - [Football-Focused Sofa Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/refresh-the-game-campaign.md) - [Soccer-Centric Soda Spots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/refresh-the-game.md) - [Music-Inspired Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-pepsi-campaign.md) - [Local Eatery-Elevated Soda Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-bowl-lix.md) - [Soccer Star-Fronted Soda Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thirsty-for-more-campaign.md) - [Pop Culture-Inspired Beverage Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travis-kelce1.md) - [Influencer-Led Soda Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bring-out-the-flavour-campaign.md) - [Footballer-Backed Global Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pepsi-1.md)