ABOUT

To celebrate the release of Gladiator II, Pepsi® launched a star-studded TV commercial (TVC) that transported viewers to game day in the Roman Colosseum. As a part of this epic campaign, we developed special-edition cans and a PR kit that captured the grandeur of ancient Rome and highlighted the five unique personalities from the campaign. Blending premium finishes, innovative features, and narrative details, our North American team delivered a design experience as bold and unforgettable as the broader campaign that perfectly aligned with the bold spirit of Pepsi.

Our challenge was to extend the cinematic impact of the Gladiator II campaign into physical packaging, creating a cohesive, tangible connection to the Pepsi TVC. We blended creative storytelling with technical precision, transforming the drama and opulence of the campaign into an immersive product experience. Through close collaboration with our structural design team, we developed stand-out features like a 3D metallic Pepsi globe logo and a dynamic unboxing mechanism. These elements amplified the campaign’s epic themes, while the overall design aligned seamlessly with the grandeur and sophistication of ancient Rome.

Our cohesive vision started with five individually illustrated cans, each inspired by the detailed costumes and football teams of the campaign’s stars. High-gloss and matte finishes mimic the textures of gladiator armor and ancient Roman architecture, evoking strength and opulence. On the reverse, a 3D metallic Pepsi logo adds depth and serves as a dynamic focal point, which symbolizes the campaign’s power and prestige. The accompanying PR kit, shaped like the iconic Colosseum, houses the cans in a bold architectural design. A rotating plate mechanism dynamically reveals the cans, creating a theatrical unveiling that mirrors the grandiosity of the campaign. Topped with a 3D Pepsi logo, the kit offers an exclusive and immersive unboxing experience, elevating the brand’s storytelling.

The Pepsi x Gladiator II can collection and PR kit set itself apart in the world of campaign packaging, blending craftsmanship, innovation, and immersive storytelling to deepen engagement with audiences. The project contributed to over 1,000+ media placements and 22 billion impressions globally. We delivered an exclusive, collector-worthy experience that deepened engagement with our Pepsi brand.