Willem Dafoe, Catherine O'Hara are pickleball hustlers in Michelob Ultra Super Bowl commercial
LOS ANGELES — Excuse Willem Dafoe, the Academy Award-nominated actor, if he hadn't heard of pickleball prior to his latest project.
"I guess I live under a rock," the actor, 69, deadpanned to USA TODAY on the set of a new Super Bowl commercial for Michelob ULTRA that he and his "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice" castmate Catherine O'Hara star in. "When this was proposed to me I said, 'What the hell's pickleball? Really?' I didn't know. And it's fabulous."
O'Hara, an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress, came on to the set with a little more experience. She played once.
"I just found it really difficult," the actress, 70, said after joking that her husband Bo Welch wouldn't let her get to a ball because of how competitive he is. "But (filming this commercial) is making it somehow seem easier."
Competition, with the prize of an ULTRA, is the name of the Anheuser-Busch brand's latest game. In "The ULTRA Hustle," Dafoe and O'Hara hustle unsuspecting pickleball players for the low-calorie beer. Principal photography with the actors took place over two days in Southern California last November. The "hustlers" rack up accolades and beverages as they lob and drive past the likes of Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss, WNBA champion Sabrina Ionescu and Olympic shot put gold medalist Ryan Crouser.
The commercial's "Play for an ULTRA" theme is a platform-setter for the brand's future campaigns.
"'Play for an ULTRA' is incredibly consistent with the DNA of the brand," explained Ricardo Marques, senior vice president of marketing. "It goes back to this idea of championing a social and active lifestyle. This is not only a Super Bowl campaign, this is a brand platform that will set the stage for us for the next few months and maybe the next couple of years."
Michelob ULTRA Zero, a non-alcoholic beer, also makes a cameo in the ad and will be featured during Fox's broadcast of Super Bowl 59.
"The Super Bowl is a more than a sports moment, it's a cultural moment," Marques said. "When you create a spot, when you take the Super Bowl stage, you need to think about this opportunity to really engage with everybody from all walks of life across different age groups, different parts of the country.
"I think this spot will do incredibly well, because there's something for everybody. If you're not a pickleball fan, I'm sure you'll be engaged with the story. And Willem and Catherine are just incredible pros and they did a fantastic job on set as well."
In 2024, USA Pickleball, the sport's governing body in the U.S., heralded the game as America's fastest growing sport for the fourth consecutive year. Marques called it a "cultural phenomenon" that spanned different demographics, which made it appealing to be featured in the Super Bowl campaign. The brand's last three Big Game spots have used bowling, golf and beach soccer respectively for the storylines. Like "The ULTRA Hustle," the commercials also featured friendly competition and an ensemble cast.
"It helps us with creative voltage," Marques said of the casting, which he believes goes hand-in-hand with the commercial's storyline. "All of that put together gives us the playbook to engage with this amazing audience."
O'Hara and Dafoe are no strangers to the Super Bowl playbook of brands. The "Schitt's Creek" star appeared alongside her castmate from the TV show, Eugene Levy, in a 2022 Nissan commercial that ranked in USA TODAY Ad Meter's top 15 that year. As for Dafoe, he's been in commercials for Mercedes-Benz (2013) and Snickers (2016), both which landed on Ad Meter's top 20 in their respective years.
"I brag to people that I'm doing a Super Bowl commercial," O'Hara said. "It's like, 'Oh, I've made it.'"
"The concept made me laugh when it was pitched me, so I thought, 'I'd love to do this,' Dafoe recalled. "That's even before I knew what pickleball was. Then I fell in love with pickleball and we're off the races."
Both actors love that they're a part of something that aims to, if nothing else, make people laugh.
"Anytime you laugh at something, you loosen up and you're not protecting so much your position and you're considering the other person's position," Dafoe remarked. "So anytime that happens, that's good."
"It's a beautiful gift to be able to laugh, and especially to laugh at yourself, which is hard," O'Hara added. "And this ad is funny."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Super Bowl commercials 2025: Willem Defoe, Catherine O'Hara for Michelob
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Aaron Rodgers Contract Dubbed 'Major Bargain' for Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers Contract Dubbed 'Major Bargain' for Pittsburgh Steelers originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Pittsburgh Steelers finally got their guy. After months of speculation and strange conjecture about where Aaron Rodgers would or wouldn't play, he's finally put pen to paper for the black and gold. Advertisement While his skills and mobility may have diminished a bit, the $13.65 million the Steelers are paying him for 2025 still seems like a bargain. Even if he somehow reaches the contract's full potential of $19.5 million seems like a deal for the team. And PFT's Mike Florio agrees. "It's still not known how Rodgers can pump up his pay from $13.65 million to $19.5 million. There's talk that one factor to unlock the maximum package is winning the Super Bowl," Florio wrote. "The full amount, if he earns it, will still be less than what Justin Fields will make this year ($20 million). Which, for a player of Rodgers's capabilities, gives the Steelers a huge advantage. "It also saves millions in cash and cap dollars for other players. Whether it means they'll use the money to pay linebacker T.J. Watt or sign an available skill-position player (like running back J.K. Dobbins) or trade for a receiver (like Allen Lazard) or be ready to make a deal prior to the Week 9 deadline remains to be seen." The key here is that they're getting a top-tier quarterback (we think) for second- or third-tier money. And that's a lot less than what they could've spent elsewhere. Advertisement And it gives the Steelers room to add some pieces around Rodgers if it chooses to do so - and it should. Related: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Can Make NFL History with Week 8 Win Related: Three Wideout Possibilities for Steelers' New QB Aaron Rodgers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
24 minutes ago
- USA Today
Jamie Foxx cries in BET Awards speech about health, credits daughters for recovery
Jamie Foxx cries in BET Awards speech about health, credits daughters for recovery Show Caption Hide Caption Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz talk returning to 'Back in Action' set Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz tell USA TODAY what it was like to return to shooting 'Back in Action' after pausing for Foxx's health scare. Two years out from his stroke and subsequent coma, Jamie Foxx emotionally thanked his sister and daughters for getting him through the dark period. Daughters Corinne Foxx, 31, and Anelise Bishop, 16, — like their dad — were in tears as they were seated in the 2025 BET Awards crowd. Anelise's chin trembled as she looked up at her dad on stage, who accepted one of the night's Ultimate Icon Awards. "When I saw that in memoriam, I was like, 'Man, that could've been me.' But I don't know why I went through what I went through, but I know that my second chance, I'm not going to turn it down," said Foxx, 57. He went on to thank sister Deidre Dixon, a Hollywood hair and makeup artist, because she "made sure that she took care of her brother" in spring 2023. Then he shouted out his eldest daughter, who was the one sharing updates on his health at the time. "My beautiful daughter, Corinne, I cannot say enough about you," Foxx said. "You've always taken a backseat to everything. But when you needed to drive it, you drove. And you made sure I was here. And at a certain point, I'm going to stop crying, but I'm not going to stop yet." Jamie Foxx speaks out: Actor reveals his mysterious illness in Netflix special Jamie Foxx daughters sob during speech as he reveals how Anelise helped recovery with guitar Foxx's lengthy speech also included a story about how his younger daughter helped with his recovery in the hospital. "Anelise Estelle Foxx, my baby with the big hair. She hides under that hair because she's got something special. You're so beautiful, man," Foxx said. "When I was fighting for my life in there, I've got to say this. They said, 'We're going to lose him because his vitals are bad.' And I didn't want my 14 year old to see me like that. But Anelise overheard the conversation and she snuck into my hospital room with her guitar and said, 'I know what my Daddy needs,'" he continued. Foxx recounted, "And as she played the guitar, my vitals (improved). And I realized God was in her guitar. The nurses ran in and said, 'What did they give him?' My daughter said, 'Shh, I've got him.'" Jamie Foxx's health struggles Foxx explained in his 2024 Netflix special that he'd experienced "a bad headache" on April 11, 2023. Moments after he'd asked for an aspirin, he lost consciousness — and now doesn't remember the ensuing 20 days. During this comatose period, Foxx was taken to a doctor, who administered a cortisone shot and sent him home. Then a follow-up appointment with a doctor revealed Foxx had experienced a stroke caused by a brain bleed. The exact cause of the stroke was not determined. Jamie Foxx on medical emergency: 'I was gone for 20 days' Speaking to a group outside of a hotel in Phoenix, actor Jamie Foxx revealed more details about a medical emergency he experienced last year. Jamie Foxx, Stevie Wonder joke about blindness With Foxx's speech lasting around 10 minutes, music legend and award presenter Stevie Wonder wandered back to Foxx, who was standing center stage, to gently encourage him to start wrapping it up. After Foxx noted he'd almost elbowed Wonder behind him, he started walking around the microphone with the trophy outstretched (which was not how Wonder was moving on stage). "How did he know?" Foxx said. Wonder joked earlier in the night that he watched and edited the tribute package for Foxx and had ribbed Foxx for trying to connect with him as a blind artist when he portrayed Ray Charles in the Oscar-winning movie "Ray." Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
A trade proposal that brings tight end Mark Andrews to the D.C. would continue the Washington Commanders' "all-in" approach to this offseason.
A trade proposal that brings tight end Mark Andrews to the D.C. would continue the Washington Commanders' "all-in" approach to this offseason. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders have already made a point that they are targeting proven offensive talent to build around breakout star Jayden Daniels to get as close as possible to a "win-now" window. Advertisement Acquiring All-Pros in left tackle Laremy Tunsil and receiver Deebo Samuel sures up gaps in crucial positions, but there remains one question mark that could make Washington's offense one of the best in the league: a tight end. Zach Ertz is a solid contributor, but he is going to turn 35 this season and may not be looked at as a long-term answer within the offense. Writer James Dudko of believes the Commanders should pursue a trade with the Baltimore Ravens to land a star tight end in Mark Andrews. Andrews, a former 1st Team All-Pro selection, could pair with Samuel and Terry McLaurin to create a lethal pass game that Daniels could easily thrive in. Advertisement "[Andrews would] join a depth chart already brimming with numbers, but there's still room for a clutch chain-mover and prolific playmaker in the red zone," Dudko said. The Ravens may already have a replacement waiting in the wings in young tight end Isaiah Likely, so with Andrews on an expiring contract, Baltimore could move on from their seven-year vet at the right price. In this deal, a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft could be a worthy offer. Andrews ranks as a top-5 tight end in the NFL when healthy and has proven that he is capable of being a security blanket within a group loaded with talent. Advertisement Upon signing a contract extension, McLaurin will complement Samuel by being an all-around receiving target. Samuel's dual-threat capabilities are as versatile as they come and Daniels' extraordinary rushing ability can get him out of trouble with ease. This all could allow Andrews to find space in intermediate routes through the middle of the field and fortify a diverse offense for coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Andrews may just now be hitting the peak of his career at 29 years old, so with Baltimore's decision looming between choosing him or Likely this offseason, they could decide to get ahead of things and deal the veteran to Washington for draft compensation. Last year, Andrews caught a career-best 11 touchdowns, while also converting 39 of his 55 grabs into first downs, according to Pro Football Reference. Those numbers are a young quarterbacks best friend and allow for a fit in any offense, let alone one as dynamic as the Commanders' already is. Advertisement More star power, like Andrews, on offense opens Washington's Super Bowl window wide open for the next few years. Related: Commanders' Zach Ertz Shockingly Disrespected In Tight End Rankings Related: Terry McLaurin Named in 6 'Can't Refuse' Trade Proposals This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
