VARIETY
Common, T-Mobile Leaders, Pinterest and Mars Talk the Rise of IRL Experiences, Using AI to Sell Candy and More at Variety’s Executive Studio
As New York’s 2024 Advertisement Week comes to a close, Variety’s Executive Interview Studio, presented by Canva, rounded out its week with an impressive list of industry innovators and respected advisors. The interview studio featured major personalities from companies such as Spotify, NBC Universal, Ford, and even pop stars like Camila Cabello.
Moderated by Variety editors, Thursday’s conversations included the Academy, Emmy, and Grammy-winning artist Common, Pinterest‘s head of global brand experiences and programs Judy Lee, and T-Mobile’s consumer chief marketing officer Vinayak Hegde, among many others.
Campaign US
Snoop Dogg provides sports commentary on Patrick Mahomes’ shopping skills in T-Mobile spot
The rapper-turned-broadcaster is fronting a new campaign for T-Mobile, released Friday, advertising its offers for the new iPhone 16.
In the ads, Snoop Dogg provides gameplay commentary on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes as he dashes into a T-Mobile store to grab the new iPhone. Popular streamer Kai Cenat also shares his take on Mahomes’s shopping moves.
“Using these people together had not been done in any way and covered a lot of ground,” said Brian Klugman, who directed the ads with Panay Films, which also worked on T-Mobile’s 2024 Super Bowl spot. “It felt like a fun, unique way to put this posse together.”
DIGIDAY
From the Super Bowl to the Olympics, AI companies are spending more on AI-related advertising
During the Olympics opening ceremony, Microsoft aired a new commercial for Copilot, the company’s flagship AI platform. The new ad follows a different commercial that debuted during in February during the Super Bowl. This one, titled “They Say,” shows athletes — including an elderly runner, a young boxer and a pregnant weightlifter — using Copilot in their daily lives as it aims to portray AI as a tool that enhances human performance for Olympians and non-Olympians alike.
Panay Films, a production company and creative agency, made both Microsoft ads. According to CEO Andrew Panay, the goal is to make AI more relatable and explain how products like Copilot can help people “get an edge on your life, even 1%.” The new campaign is integrated across Microsoft’s apps and products, with different versions of the main ad running during the Olympics.
ADAGE
Microsoft’s Olympics ad touts its AI in Super Bowl sequel
Microsoft’s Copilot is receiving the royal advertising treatment. The AI platform was the subject of the tech giant’s Super Bowl spot earlier this year, and is now the focus of a sequel national ad during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics, which begin today.
The spot, titled “They Say,” follows a similar narrative as that of its predecessor, with characters portrayed as underdogs transcending their limits through the help of the Copilot chatbot. But instead of focusing on unlikely creatives, the new 60-second spot trains its sights on unlikely athletes, a nod to the ad’s appearance during the Olympics.
Lily James’ Bumble Movie Confirmed For Hulu Launch As 20th Unveils First Look Photo
To commemorate the launch of production on its untitled film starring Lily James as Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd, 20th Century Studios has unveiled a first look photo of James from set…
…the studio has confirmed that the film will premiere on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ in all other territories in 2025. As part of today’s announcement, 20th additionally confirmed the addition of a number of cast members, including Ben Schnetzer (3 Body Problem), Ian Colletti (The Hot Zone), Mary Neely (Happiness for Beginners), Ana Yi Puig (Goosebumps), Aidan Laprete (The Wilds), Pedro Correa (My Dead Dad), Coral Peña (Thelma) and Hunter Sansone (Stargirl).
Deadline
Pierson Fodé Latest To Join Lily James In 20th Bumble Film
Pierson Fodé (The Man from Toronto) has been tapped for a role in the upcoming film inspired by the story of Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd, from 20th Century Studios and Ethea Entertainment, Deadline has learned.
Like Jackson White, Fode will play a love interest of Herd’s. Others cast thus far include Myha’la and Dan Stevens.
DEADLINE
Dan Stevens Joins Lily James In 20th Century Pic Inspired By Bumble’s Whitney Wolfe Herd
After having a busy month at the box-office with Godzilla x Kong: A New Empire and Abigail both opening, Dan Stevens is continuing to stay busy as he is set to join Lily James in the upcoming film inspired by the story of Bumblefounder Whitney Wolfe Herd, from 20th Century Studios and Ethea Entertainment.
Variety
Ben Schnetzer Joins Lily James Film Inspired by Bumble Founder Whitney Wolfe Herd (EXCLUSIVE)
Ben Schnetzer has joined the cast of the upcoming Lily James-led film inspired by the story of Bumble founder and former CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd, from 20th Century Studios and Ethea Entertainment.
Schnetzer recently completed the film “The Yellow Tie,” a biopic on the famed Romanian conductor Sergiu Celibidache. He plays the young version of the legendary classical music conductor, with John Malkovich co-starring as the older version.
DEADLINE
Jackson White To Star Opposite Lily James In 20th Pic Inspired By Bumble’s Whitney Wolfe Herd
Jackson White (Tell Me Lies) has been tapped to star opposite Lily James in the upcoming film inspired by the story of Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd, from 20th Century Studios and Ethea Entertainment.
While it’s not entirely clear who White will be playing, we’re told he’s set for the part of Herd’s love interest. The untitled feature goes into production this year.
DEADLINE
‘Industry’ Star Myha’la Joins Lily James In 20th Century’s Bumble & Tinder Movie; Filming Due To Begin Next Month
Industry star Myha’la has joined Lily James in 20th Century’s upcoming movie inspired by the story of Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble and co-founder of Tinder…
…20th Century Studios and Ethea Entertainment, the production company formed by Jennifer Gibgot and Andrew Panay, are behind the project, which has James in the lead role.
ELLE
The Bumble Biopic: EYNTK About The Film Starring Lily James
It's a match! Lily James is set to star as Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd in an upcoming film about the American entrepreneur's life.
The yet-untitled movie is reportedly in pre-production, with James on board to produce alongside 20th Century Studios and another company, Ethea Entertainment. It's set to begin filming this year and is expected to be released in 2025.
TODAY
Microsoft shows off new AI-powered chatbot in Super Bowl ad
Microsoft shows off the power of artificial intelligence of its new copilot chatbot in their new Super Bowl ad. Get a first look!
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
‘Suits’ Stars Patrick J. Adams and Gabriel Macht Share Advice for Spinoff Cast on Set of Super Bowl Commercial
THR was exclusively on set as the 'Suits' duo filmed their “audition” for T-Mobile's latest big game spot that also features Bradley Cooper, Laura Dern and more.
ADAGE
WATCH MICROSOFT’S SUPER BOWL AD FOR ITS AI PLATFORM
Tech giant is back in game for first time in four years to showcase Copilot, its ubiquitous generative AI assistant
MEDIAPOST
Microsoft Back In The Big Game With Copilot Ad
Microsoft will run the first Super Bowl ad in four years on Sunday to showcase Copilot on mobile and desktop.
The last Super Bowl ad focused on gaming, but this time there are no gaming consoles, Window PCs or spreadsheets.
VARIETY
Bradley Cooper and Mom Return to Super Bowl Ad Roster
Bradley Cooper and his mother, who last year raised eyebrows with a no-frills commercial for T-Mobile, are making a new play. In their 2024 effort, the actor and his mother are among a bevy of famous faces auditioning for “magenta status,” a membership perks-and-discounts plan. Laura Dern, Gabriel Macht, Common, Patrick J. Adams and Jennifer Hudson are among those trying to win the rewards.
ADAGE
T-MOBILE SUPER BOWL AD BRINGS BACK ‘SCRUBS’ DUO—JOINED BY JASON MOMOA AND JENNIFER BEALS
T-Mobile is returning to the Super Bowl with two familiar faces from its prior ads—this time, joined by two other stars.
USA TODAY
Jennifer Beals was in 'heaven' shooting T-Mobile's 'Flashdance' Super Bowl commercial
Much of the old gang is back: "Scrubs" stars Zach Braff and Donald Faison are crooning for a third consecutive year about 5G home internet, but the company wanted to take this ad away from Broadway musicals.
And when they settled on "Flashdance," and had to have Beals, Faison was their secret weapon.
CNN
Zach Braff, Donald Faison team up for another Super Bowl ad, this time with Jason Momoa
For the third year in a row, “Scrubs” costars and real-life best friends Zach Braff and Donald Faison are returning for another Super Bowl song-and-dance
PEOPLE
Bradley Cooper Reveals Why He Asked His Mom Gloria to Be in a 2024 Super Bowl Ad: 'She's a Character' (Exclusive)
Director Brian Klugman and producer Andrew Panay have been Cooper's close friends for decades
ADWEEK
FASTCOMPANY
How Microsoft Teamed With A “Wedding Crashers” Producer For A New Creative Ad Model
For the first time, Microsoft’s vice president of brand, advertising, and research, Kathleen Hall, talks about why she’s been working with Andrew Panay since 2012.
ADWEEK
This Hollywood Producer Is Finally Talking About His Secret Agency
BLK-Ops is behind Microsoft's powerful Super Bowl ads
AdWEEk
Why the Lawrence Brothers Reunited in Google's Latest, Nostalgic Ad
New work for Samsung Galaxy channels '90s-era pop culture in a message about togetherness.
Variety
John Travolta, Donald Faison and Zach Braff Might Take Their T-Mobile Super Bowl Show On The Road
After spending time blending their voices to do an homage to “Grease” for a Super Bowl commercial for T-Mobile, John Travolta, Zach Braff and Donald Faison might want to start working on a new tune.
People
Bradley Cooper and His Mom Star in Hilarious New T-Mobile Commercial for 2023 Super Bowl
Cooper's mother pokes fun at his acting abilities and wardrobe in the humorous spot
ADWEEK
Anheuser-Busch Discusses Why It's Getting Into the Talk Show Business
Not a Sports Show will lift the veil on athletes' personal lives
Billboard
John Travolta Makes Zach Braff & Donald Faison’s ‘Wildest Fantasies’ Come True With T-Mobile Super Bowl Commercial
The trio switch up the lyrics to "Summer Nights" from the 1978 classic musical film Grease in the new ad.
ADWEEK
Why Zach Braff and Donald Faison ❤️ T-Mobile
The carrier's approach to creativity with the Scrubs stars is letting go and having fun