Hollywood star Ben Affleck has once again collaborated with the iconic coffee and doughnut chain Dunkin' Donuts to create a highly anticipated advertisement for the upcoming Super Bowl. This latest commercial marks another chapter in Affleck's successful partnership with the brand, but it introduces a fresh twist by featuring several beloved television personalities from the 1990s.
A Star-Studded Reunion
The new advertisement brings together Affleck with Friends alumni Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc, alongside Seinfeld veteran Jason Alexander. A teaser for the commercial was released recently, offering fans a glimpse of the humorous dynamic between the actors. In the preview, Affleck presents his co-stars with what appears to be an unaired television pilot from 1995, seeking their candid feedback on the project.
Mixed Reactions From Hollywood Veterans
The teaser opens with the three legendary actors having just watched Affleck's old work, labeled as 'Network Pilot '95 v3'. An eager and cheerful Affleck immediately asks for their thoughts, prompting a range of reactions. Jennifer Aniston responds with a clear shake of her head, while Jason Alexander expresses scepticism, quietly remarking to the others, 'I don't think he directed Argo,' in a playful nod to Affleck's Oscar-winning film.
Undeterred by the lukewarm reception, Affleck enthusiastically declares that the concept of 'cringe' is currently trending, describing his own work as possessing 'monster cringe' and 'golden cringe'. He then reveals a surprising twist, confessing that he had previously claimed to have destroyed all copies of the pilot but had actually lied about its demise.
Diverging Opinions On The Project
The actors' responses highlight their differing perspectives. Matt LeBlanc appears genuinely intrigued by what he has seen, asking Affleck if he can obtain a copy for himself. In contrast, Jennifer Aniston adopts a firm stance, insisting that 'No one can see this,' with a tense and emphatic tone. Affleck humorously counters that the material is 'only going to air once,' to which LeBlanc cheerfully replies, 'Still holds up!' Aniston's exasperated reaction, 'Oh God, Matthew,' adds to the comedic tension.
Affleck's History With Dunkin' Super Bowl Ads
This advertisement is not Ben Affleck's first foray into creating Super Bowl commercials for Dunkin'. His previous campaigns have become notable events in their own right, often featuring high-profile collaborations:
- In one memorable ad, he formed the fictional band 'The Dunkings' with fellow actor Matt Damon and football legend Tom Brady.
- Another commercial featured his then-wife, Jennifer Lopez, adding star power to the brand's message.
- For the 2025 Super Bowl, Affleck teamed up with his brother Casey Affleck, Succession star Jeremy Strong, and renowned coach Bill Belichick.
Affleck also starred in Dunkin's inaugural Super Bowl advertisement in 2023, which surprised real customers at a drive-thru and included an appearance by Jennifer Lopez. Reports from CNN in February 2024 suggested that Affleck was compensated nearly $10 million for that campaign, a significant sum that reflects the commercial's impact.
Proven Success For The Brand
Despite the substantial investment, insiders have highlighted the remarkable return for Dunkin'. Following the 2023 advertisement, the company reportedly sold more doughnuts in a single day than at any other point in its history. Scott Murphy, President of Dunkin', told Entrepreneur in January 2024 that the campaign generated approximately 7 billion media impressions and effectively kickstarted the brand's year. Affleck's involvement extended beyond acting, as he also contributed to directing, conceptualising, and producing the landmark 2023 spot.
A Lifelong Fan From Massachusetts
Ben Affleck's connection to Dunkin' Donuts runs deep, rooted in his upbringing in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The brand itself was founded in Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1948, originally named Open Kettle before becoming Dunkin' Donuts in 1950. Like many natives of the state, Affleck has long been a devoted customer.
In a 2019 interview with Collider, Affleck shared his daily ritual, stating, 'I have Dunkin Donuts every day.' He expressed delight when the chain expanded to the West Coast, with the first Los Angeles location opening in 2014, and noted that he often finds himself recommending it to others, spreading his enthusiasm for the brand.
This latest Super Bowl advertisement continues to blend Affleck's personal affinity for Dunkin' with his creative talents, promising to deliver another entertaining and memorable moment for viewers during one of the year's most-watched television events.
