<!-- canonical: https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-mashup1 -->
<!-- robots: noindex -->

# Ad-Friendly Pop Culture Mashups
KFC's New Colonel Sanders — RoboCop, Protects a Secret Recipe

By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-02-25 | Marketing
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-mashup1
References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2019/2/kfc-colonel-sanders-robocop-ad-campaign) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NdAnCwTfSE)

A science fiction-inspired pop culture mashup is [KFC's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-x-stranger-things) new advertising strategy. Paying tribute to Paul Verhoeven's 1987 fantasy film 'RoboCop,' the fast food joint employs a replica of the lead character to protect "the 11-herb secret recipe of [KFC's] renown fried chicken," as well as the establishment's [$5 and $20 USD Fill Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fill-ups-meal-deal).

The advertising-friendly pop culture mashup is quite entertaining. The video materials take on a narrative tone that sets the mood — much like a movie. The team behind the campaign infuses it with a playfully ominous feeling. When a man inquires about KFC's secret recipe, the Colonel RoboCop responds with “If I told you, I’d have to kill you," followed by a mechanical laugh.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 1.4/10
- Popularity: 4% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8%
- 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

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Pop Culture Mashups:** Exploring creative ways to combine pop culture references in advertising campaigns can capture consumers' attention and create buzz.
- **Science Fiction-inspired Marketing:** Using characters and themes from science fiction movies can lend a futuristic and memorable quality to marketing campaigns.
- **Narrative-based Advertising:** Creating video materials with a narrative structure can engage viewers and immerse them in the brand's story.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Fast Food:** Fast food chains can leverage pop culture mashups to promote their products in a fun and entertaining way.
- **Film and Entertainment:** The film and entertainment industry can collaborate with brands to bring iconic characters and references into their marketing campaigns.
- **Advertising and Marketing:** Creating narrative-driven advertisements can be a unique and effective approach for agencies and brands looking to differentiate their campaigns.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Sci-Fi Fast Food Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-x-stranger-things.md)
- [Branded AI-Generated Short Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aigenerated-short-films.md)
- [QSR-Backed Collectible Deals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-china-1.md)
- [QSR Hotel Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-staycation.md)
- [AI-Generated Recipe Challenges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-vs-ai.md)
- [Horror Movie QSR Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popeyes-freddy-fazbear-crunch-menu.md)
- [AI-Generated Art Challenges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-x-fiiiiiingers.md)
- [Fried Chicken-Flavored Macaroni](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kd-kfc-original-recipe-flavour-mac-n-cheese.md)
- [Mix-and-Match QSR Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saucy-by-kfc.md)