- Iconic Collaboration: Adidas Originals enlists Samuel L. Jackson, Missy Elliott, Anthony Edwards, and other trailblazers to underscore the Superstar’s cross-generational appeal.
- Bold Visuals: Striking black-and-white cinematography and a two-part film structure reinforce the sneaker’s timeless design and cultural relevance.
- Narrative Depth: “Pyramids” and “Clocks” connect enduring human achievements with the ongoing legacy of the Superstar silhouette.
- Heritage Meets Innovation: The campaign bridges Adidas Originals’ 1970s basketball roots with today’s creative vanguard, spotlighting voices that defy convention.
- Strategic Impact: By spotlighting authenticity and originality, Adidas aims to drive continued growth in its Originals line and deepen engagement with diverse audiences.
From Run-D.M.C. to GloRilla, a multigenerational cast underscores the Superstar’s enduring influence.
Since its basketball-court debut in 1969, the Superstar silhouette has transcended sport to become a global emblem of creativity. Adidas Originals taps into that storied past by recalling the sneaker’s early champions—Run-D.M.C., whose anthem “My Adidas” propelled the shelltoe into hip-hop lore, and ’90s boundary-pushers like Missy Elliott and skateboard legend Mark Gonzales.
By invoking these pioneers, the campaign reinforces how the Superstar first sparked cultural change. It wasn’t simply footwear; it was a statement of identity against a backdrop of uniformity. Today’s iteration honors that spirit by weaving together decades of style revolutions, demonstrating that the sneaker has never been static, but a dynamic canvas for self-expression.
Vision and Voices Unite
Adidas Originals enlists Samuel L. Jackson as narrator and co-star, leveraging his commanding presence to bridge past and present. In the teaser “Pyramids,” Jackson’s monologue draws parallels between ancient monuments and the sneaker’s enduring cultural footprint. The film’s austere black-and-white palette underscores the fundamental message: true originality withstands the test of time.
In the hero spot “Clocks,” Jackson shares the frame with modern trailblazers—rapper GloRilla commanding a stretch limo, genre-bending artist Teezo Touchdown at a piano, and NBA star Anthony Edwards contemplating unseen forces. Their staged vignettes reveal individual approaches to creativity, yet together they form a chorus that celebrates authenticity as a universal human impulse.
Cinematic Storytelling Through Monochrome
Under the direction of Thibaut Grevet and production by Johannes Leonardo, the campaign’s black-and-white cinematography strips away distraction, focusing the viewer on movement, attitude, and emotion. Each scene unfolds in a single take or a series of deliberate cuts that highlight facial expressions and body language, allowing personalities to emerge organically.
Missy Elliott’s fourth-wall break with a pay-phone call and GloRilla’s kinetic dance across a studio floor feel unscripted, yet perfectly choreographed. This visual minimalism mirrors the Superstar’s sleek, unadorned design, reminding audiences that sometimes less truly is more.
Amplifying Originals Across Channels
Adidas doesn’t confine “Superstar, the Original” to TV spots. Teasers and extended cuts will roll out on streaming platforms, social channels, and in experiential pop-ups, where fans can step into the campaign’s stark aesthetic.
A dedicated microsite delves into the sneaker’s history and profiles each cast member, inviting deeper engagement. Meanwhile, limited-edition releases of the Superstar and accompanying Firebird tracksuit echo the campaign’s themes in tangible form.
Collaborations with DJs, street-art collectives, and style influencers ensure that the content reverberates through music, visual arts, and fashion subcultures, reinforcing the sneaker’s role as a cultural touchstone.
Inviting a New Generation
True to Lionel Messi’s maxim—“Why live life if you can’t make it an adventure?”—the campaign extends an open invitation for fans to define originality on their own terms. Through the hashtag #BeTheOriginal, Adidas Originals encourages consumers to share their personal takes on the Superstar’s legacy, whether via dance videos, street-style shots or DIY remixes.
By transforming the campaign into a participatory movement, Adidas ensures the Superstar’s narrative continues to evolve, driven by the creativity of each generation that laces up.
