From Furry Star to Human Co-Star: A Super Bowl Journey
A Canine Muse: How Roy Inspired a Super Bowl Comeback
Kurt Russell revealed the heartwarming reason behind his participation in a Michelob ULTRA Super Bowl advertisement: his beloved Labrador retriever, Roy Hawn Russell. Roy, owned by Russell and Goldie Hawn, had previously achieved unexpected fame by appearing in a Budweiser Super Bowl commercial. Russell jokingly stated that his motivation was to "catch up with my dog," recognizing the immense popularity Roy gained from his previous commercial.
Roy's Rise to Fame: The Budweiser Blitz
Russell recounted how Roy landed the coveted role in the 2024 Budweiser Super Bowl ad. Roy participated in a "cattle call" and was selected from a large pool of candidates, quickly becoming a fan favorite. In the heartwarming commercial, Roy heroically guided a horse-drawn carriage through a snowstorm to deliver Budweiser to a local tavern, capturing the hearts of millions.
Family's Delight: Viral Reactions to Roy's Stardom
The Russell-Hawn family, including Kate Hudson and Wyatt Russell, enthusiastically celebrated Roy's Super Bowl debut. Kate Hudson's video of the family watching Roy's commercial went viral, much to the surprise of Anheuser-Busch, who were reportedly unaware of Roy's famous owners. Goldie Hawn also shared her pride on social media, emphasizing her joy in watching their canine companion shine on such a grand stage.
Sharing the Spotlight: Russell's New Commercial Venture
Now, the spotlight shifts to Kurt Russell as he stars in Michelob ULTRA's "The ULTRA Instructor" commercial. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the ad features Russell as a mysterious "snow guru" who mentors a novice skier, played by Lewis Pullman, transforming him into a skilled snow enthusiast. The question remains how Roy will react to sharing the Super Bowl stardom with his owner.
A Star-Studded Collaboration: Pullman's Endorsement
Russell disclosed that he hadn't met Lewis Pullman before filming the commercial. However, his son Wyatt Russell, who has worked with Pullman in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, highly recommended him. Wyatt assured his father that Pullman was a "great guy" and that they would have an enjoyable time collaborating, a sentiment that Russell confirmed proved true during the filming process.
The Marvel Connection: A Family Affair
The Russell family has a strong presence in the Marvel universe. Wyatt Russell has portrayed John Walker, also known as U.S. Agent, for five years and is set to reunite with Pullman, who plays Bob/Sentry, in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Kurt Russell himself appeared in the MCU as Peter Quill's father in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, further cementing the family's ties to the superhero franchise.