Pepsi just dropped a clever commercial that brilliantly flips a recent awkward viral moment into pure comedy gold. The ad takes direct aim at their longtime rival Coca-Cola by featuring its iconic polar bear in an unexpected twist. After a blind taste test reveals the bear actually prefers Pepsi, it spirals into an identity crisis that lands it in therapy. The spot aired during the latest Super Bowl, reaching a massive audience and quickly racking up views online.
The therapy scene steals the show early on with filmmaker and actor Taika Waititi playing the counselor. When the distraught bear dramatically flops off the couch, Waititi calmly asks about its mother in that classic therapist style. It’s a perfect nod to the ongoing soda wars, where Pepsi has long touted blind taste challenges to claim superiority. Soon after, the bear peers through a restaurant window at people happily enjoying Pepsi with their pizza meals.
Another bear soon joins the scene, offering a can of Pepsi and sparking an instant friendship. The two share a moment of connection that feels warm and genuine. This sets up the ad’s biggest laugh when they end up side by side at a packed concert. One bear wraps a paw around the other from behind as they sip their drinks, completely relaxed in the crowd.
That’s when the kiss cam swings their way and projects them onto the giant screen. Their initial surprise mirrors a real-life viral clip from a Coldplay concert last year that captured millions of views. In that original footage, Andy Byron, then an executive at the tech company Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot, the firm’s HR director, appeared on the kiss cam together. The pair abruptly pulled away from each other, creating an uncomfortable moment that spread rapidly across social media and fueled endless speculation.
@instaagraace trouble in paradise?? 👀 #coldplay #boston #coldplayconcert #kisscam #fyp ♬ original sound – grace
Pepsi smartly subverts the tension in their version by having the bears react with total confidence. Instead of awkward separation, they flash big smiles and enthusiastically wave to the cheering crowd. Both still clutching their Pepsi cans, the bears lean into the spotlight without a hint of embarrassment. It’s a sharp contrast that highlights how the brand positions itself as the choice for fun, bold moments.
This flip delivers the ad’s core message about Pepsi bringing people together in unexpected joy. The use of Coca-Cola’s beloved mascot switching sides adds an extra layer of playful rivalry that fans of both brands can appreciate. Taika Waititi’s deadpan delivery ties everything together with his signature humor. Viewers have responded enthusiastically, sharing clips and memes that keep the laughter going strong.
Marketing experts often praise spots like this for blending timely cultural references with brand storytelling. By referencing a moment everyone remembers while poking fun at a competitor, Pepsi created something memorable and shareable. The concert setting feels relatable since kiss cams have delivered countless funny and cringeworthy highlights at events over the years. Ultimately, the ad reminds us that a little humor can turn even an awkward situation into something celebratory.
What do you think of Pepsi’s clever take on that viral kiss cam clip – share your favorite part in the comments.
