Carl Weathers’ Death Will Not Stop Superbowl From Using His FanDuel Ad
Known for his portrayal of the courageous Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies, Carl Weathers has been an innate part of Hollywood for many decades. His death last week upset the industry as fans pour in love and admiration for his work on social media. More than an actor, Weathers also served as a director and an NFL linebacker, adding more feathers to his cap. No matter what bravado he exuded on screen, his close ones always knew the kindness and humble demeanor that hid beneath.
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Carl Weathers in Superbowl Ad
FanDuel and Carl Weathers have been associated with each other for a long time. In the upcoming Superbowl, the betting company was supposed to air an advertisement with Weathers in the lead as they have done previously. The Happy Gilmore actor had already shot teasers of the ad for this season. FanDuel faced a hiccup in the production after Weathers’ peaceful death in his sleep on February 1, 2024.
With the use of artificial intelligence, it seems like the company will air the ad after all with a few minor adjustments to make up for Weathers’ absence. The marketing executive at FanDuel, Andrew Sneyd shared with Variety their plans to adjust the ad video and how they will go about including Weathers in the ad.
“The family has been very supportive that they would still like to see Carl in the work. We need to change what we are doing in the Bowl. The live event itself carries forward and as is. Rob will kick the field goal and he will be even more inspired to make it. He really enjoyed meeting Carl and found him to be such an optimistic and energetic person. We had built a master. One is an edit if he makes the kick and we have an edit if he misses. That content we had in those masters wouldn’t be appropriate for us to do any more.”
Sneyd claimed further that the team has been working tirelessly to make the ad perfect. Editors and production crew have been working to find an edit that looks real and believable. At the same time, the team is also mourning the loss of such a revered actor. In a short time span, they all came to love Weathers and his charming presence on set. Sneyd assured everyone that they would keep their respect for the actor at the forefront and represent his positive outlook on the world.
What is the Advertisement About?
The ad teaser featured Rob Gronkowski and Carl Weathers together. Gronkowski is seen visibly upset at missing the goal kick in the last Superbowl. He yells to the heavens in despair as he catches and does not kick well. While encouraging people to place their bet carefully, Weathers rides into the scene on a motorbike and asks Gronkowski to sit with him.
The complete advertisement will air during the Superbowl. As informed by Sneyd, the ad has already been shot and only one scene is left that will be played depending on how Gronkowski does in the upcoming goal kick. It will be nice for Weathers’ fans across the world to see the actor on screen one last time in his iconic magnanimous charm.
