New Pepsi Generations ad features fan-favourite Uncle Drew ahead of Lionsgate feature film release
Much-loved basketball playing septuagenarian, Uncle Drew, created by Pepsi, is back and will star on the big screen for the first time on 29 June when the feature film Uncle Drew from global content leader Lionsgate opens in theatres.
To celebrate the highly anticipated theatrical release from Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label, Pepsi debuted its new Uncle Drew television advertisement in the US starring NBA star Kyrie Irving as his beloved elderly alter ego.
The vignette features Uncle Drew, across different decades, looking fly, getting buckets and celebrating his love for the iconic cola, whilst drinking from limited-edition retro cans available this summer.
“Creating the Uncle Drew character with Pepsi and being a part of the creative process has been an incredible experience. It is very humbling to see what this character has turned into and I am excited to share what is next,” said Kyrie Irving.
The brand first brought the Uncle Drew character to the court in May 2012 and has since transformed it into an episodic franchise featuring special guests and NBA talent of the past and present.
Whether he is schooling “youngbloods” or teaching players how to “get buckets,” Uncle Drew has captured the attention of more than 100 million YouTube views that have an appreciation for his old school love of the sport.
“Bringing Uncle Drew to the big screen has been such a pleasure for us. Since its inception, Uncle Drew has been a hit with our consumers and basketball fans alike, and we are excited to continue our relationship with the franchise and our close partner, Lionsgate, to share the Uncle Drew movie with our audiences,” said Aziel Rivers, Director, Pepsi Marketing.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to expand the Uncle Drew universe through film, and we cannot wait for fans to enjoy the great storytelling, comedy and amazing basketball that our movie has to offer.
“We are glad to have Pepsi as a trusted partner in celebrating Uncle Drew on and off the big screen.”
The movie, which will be released across the US on Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label, is also produced by Temple Hill in association with Pepsi Productions.
