McDonalds recreates classic ad for Super Bowl

Posted on February 4th, 2010. Written by Emmett Jones.

Quick, name your favorite McDonalds commercial.

If you mentioned the iconic Larry Bird/Michael Jordan “Showdown” for a Big Mac, then I have some good news for you.  The commercial is getting a 2010 update…for the Super Bowl.  And this year’s Larry and Michael?  None other than LeBron James and Dwight Howard.  A sample of the spot is below.

First thought?  Why in the world did McDonalds get Dwight Howard for a shooting contest?  I mean, his personality is great, but when I think trick shots, I can’t honestly say Howard is my first thought.  Apparently, I wasn’t the only one with this line of thinking…

Consider that an April 2007 Ad Age story heralded that the fast feeder was in talks with Mr. James and fellow NBA star Dwyane Wade to participate in a remake of the spot.

In that story, then-McDonald’s USA CMO Bill Lamar noted that the roots of the idea dated six months before that. He said McDonald’s kicked the idea to Omnicom’s TBWA/Chiat/Day to “get a chance to see Lee Clow’s ideas engaged” on brand efforts, Mr. Lamar said at the time.

So much for fast food. It took more than three years, but the spot has finally arrived, sans Mr. Wade, Mr. Lamar and TBWA. This spot, which does feature Mr. James, co-stars Orlando Magic Center Dwight Howard, was produced by Translation, and was overseen by a new McDonald’s USA CMO, Neil Golden. (via AdAge)

Wow, three years is quite a long time to have a commercial in flux.  Of course, maybe its a blessing in disguise for McDonalds.  Three years ago, LeBron James was a great player.  Nowadays, many are already crowning him a legend and a global icon.

His extra stature seemingly wouldn’t do anything but help the already high profile McDonalds ad.

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