Super Bowl Ad Starring Carl Weathers to be Adjusted Following Actor’s Death
The upcoming Super Bowl ad featuring the beloved actor Carl Weathers will undergo adjustments following his recent passing. Weathers was set to star alongside former NFL star Ron Gronkowski in the FanDuel sports betting app’s highly anticipated commercial for the Big Game. A short clip previewing the ad had already been released online before Weathers’ untimely death.
In light of this tragic event, FanDuel announced on Saturday that they would be altering the “Kick of Destiny 2” ad, although they did not provide specific details about the changes. It remains unclear whether they will edit Weathers’ appearance or remove him from the commercial entirely. However, the company expressed their deep sadness and respect for Weathers and his family during this difficult time.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Carl Weathers. Throughout his life, Carl was an iconic talent who had a profound impact on the people he worked with on and off the screen,” FanDuel stated in a heartfelt message to The Hollywood Reporter.
Weathers, known for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky series, as well as his memorable performances in Predator, Happy Gilmore, Arrested Development, and The Mandalorian, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 77. His family released a statement honoring his extraordinary life and the indelible mark he left on the world through his contributions to film, television, sports, and the arts.
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend,” his family expressed.
The news of Weathers’ death deeply affected his longtime friend and co-star Sylvester Stallone, who portrayed Rocky Balboa opposite Weathers’ Apollo Creed. Stallone took to Instagram to pay tribute to their decades-long friendship and the immense impact Weathers had on his life and career.
“Today is an incredibly sad day for me. I’m so torn up, I can’t even tell you. I’m just trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success — everything about it. I give him incredible credit and kudos,” Stallone emotionally shared while standing in front of a painting depicting their characters’ final moment in the ring together. “Because when he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness. But I didn’t realize how great. I never could’ve accomplished what we did with ‘Rocky’ without him. He was absolutely brilliant.”
The adjustments to the Super Bowl ad will ensure that Weathers’ legacy is respected and honored while allowing fans to remember him fondly. The loss of this iconic actor has undoubtedly left a void in the entertainment industry, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
