Aubrey Plaza’s career path resembles a well-crafted screenplay, vividly blending sharp humor with a strategic media presence. The actress from Delaware has captured the attention of audiences through her distinctive brand of dry wit, recently highlighted in two Super Bowl commercials: one for Mountain Dew in 2024 and another for Ritz Crackers in 2025. These advertisements not only showcase her growing star power but also reflect marketing strategies aimed at engaging diverse audiences, capitalizing on the cultural significance Super Bowl commercials hold.
The magic of Super Bowl commercials lies in their ability to go beyond the game and capture viewers’ imaginations through creative storytelling. In 2024, Plaza stole the spotlight as she rode a fire-breathing dragon in the Mountain Dew Baja Blast advertisement. This theatrical presentation represented the brand’s youthful zest for adventure while strategically positioning Mountain Dew against its competitors in a crowded beverage market during the Super Bowl, a time when multiple brands vie for attention.
The following year, the Ritz Crackers commercial saw Plaza sharing screen time with notable personalities like Michael Shannon and Bad Bunny. Her comedic exchanges in the “Ritz Salty Club” elevated her image as both a relatable and iconic figure, making astute remarks about her own saltiness. This approach effectively highlighted the delicate balance in advertising: pairing humor with authentic relatability to forge real connections with consumers.
Evaluating the impact of Plaza’s involvement brings clarity to how various stakeholders have shifted their perceptions. Emerging talent like Plaza transforms into an A-lister with national recognition. Brands such as Mountain Dew have fortified their appeal to younger demographics, while traditional snack brand Ritz Crackers has modernized its image through cultural tie-ins. Moreover, advertisers have shifted from generic celebrity endorsements to campaigns focused on humor and relatability.
The implications of Plaza’s successful advertising integration reflect broader socio-economic dynamics. With media consumption rapidly digitalizing, brands are increasingly forced to innovate to engage fragmented audiences. This trend is prominent across markets in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, where unconventional advertising techniques are becoming the norm. Brands are no longer just selling products; they are telling stories that resonate on an emotional level, thereby setting new standards for future marketing strategies.
As 2026 unfolds, several potential developments could shape both Aubrey Plaza’s career and the advertising landscape. She may capitalize on her rising profile to explore more diverse roles in film and television, or even pivot into production and directing. Furthermore, brands might adopt Plaza’s humorous yet authentic approach, leading to a rise in advertising practices emphasizing relatable stories over traditional celebrity endorsements. We may also witness an increase in collaborations between celebrities and brands through innovative formats, such as interactive online experiences, designed to engage audiences beyond the confines of typical commercials.
Aubrey Plaza’s ascent in the advertising realm highlights both her personal achievements and the evolving nature of marketing, illustrating the potent blend of entertainment and consumer engagement that defines today’s media landscape.