In a surprising turn of events, the late Carl Weathers will still make a posthumous appearance in FanDuel’s upcoming Super Bowl commercial. The iconic actor, known for his roles in the Rocky franchise and The Mandalorian, passed away in his sleep on Thursday.
Initially featured in teasers for the FanDuel commercial, Weathers played a coaching role in the spotlight, offering guidance to former NFL star Rob Gronkowski attempting a live field goal, a theme continuing from the previous year.
Despite Weathers’ untimely demise, FanDuel plans to honor the actor’s involvement with some adjustments to the commercial. Andrew Sneyd, FanDuel’s Executive Vice President of Marketing, shared that, following discussions with Weathers’ family, they have decided to proceed with the original plan, ensuring the late actor’s presence in the ad.
As per Variety, the commercial’s concept remains intact, featuring Gronkowski attempting the field goal just before the game begins. However, the in-game ad will undergo alterations in how Weathers is portrayed, respecting the sensitivity of the situation.
Weathers’ positive and energetic spirit left a lasting impact on the team, making the editing process emotionally challenging.
Sneyd expressed the difficulty of reviewing edits amid tears and emphasized the importance of treating the moment with the utmost respect. FanDuel continues to collaborate with Weathers’ family to ensure their comfort during this process.
Despite the somber circumstances, Weathers’ legacy will live on in the Super Bowl commercial, a fitting tribute to the beloved actor’s final role.
