At the 2026 Super Bowl, George Clooney teamed up with award-winning director Yorgos Lanthimos to star in a groundbreaking commercial for Grubhub, highlighting the brand’s latest offer to eliminate delivery and service fees on orders over $50. This collaboration marks Clooney’s debut in Grubhub’s advertising efforts and aims to reshape consumer perceptions of the food delivery market.
A Surreal Dinner Party Sets the Stage for Grubhub’s Message
The commercial unfolds as an extravagant dinner party in a grand manor, where unusual and quirky guests enjoy an elaborate feast. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his distinctive absurdist style, the spot builds tension when the diners are suddenly faced with the prospect of paying the usually hidden fees. The atmosphere shifts dramatically when George Clooney appears as a surprise guest, announcing that Grubhub will cover these fees, sparking celebration among attendees.
Grubhub’s Campaign Takes a Bold Stand on Fees
This new campaign from agency Anomaly promotes Grubhub’s initiative to remove delivery and service fees on restaurant orders exceeding $50, essentially allowing customers to enjoy their meals without additional financial burdens. Grubhub Vice President of Brand Marnie Kain explained that the company, founded in 2004, is seeking to reclaim its position as the original disruptor in the crowded food delivery space.
We will continue to right the wrongs of the category; to make great food more accessible, to put more food, not fees, on people’s plates, and to ensure that people can take advantage of the convenience and the enjoyment that they love from the category without the friction,
said Marnie Kain, VP of Brand at Grubhub.
Creative Vision Rooted in Lanthimos’s Unique Style and Clooney’s Charm
The campaign’s creative concept was developed by Anomaly, with the intention to present Grubhub’s offer through an innovative and memorable narrative, challenging the norms of food delivery advertising. Kain highlighted how Yorgos Lanthimos’s ability to make the familiar seem strange and humorously engaging was vital to the ad’s tone.
The agency really thought this could be perfect for him. It really captures his sensibilities, his ability to make the familiar strange, and be funny without trying to be funny, bringing out these characters and nuances,
explained Marnie Kain.
Originally, Grubhub did not plan to feature a celebrity in the campaign, but Clooney’s enthusiasm to work with Lanthimos influenced the direction. The collaboration proved successful, with Clooney fostering a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere among the cast during shooting, reinforcing the ad’s congenial tone.
Multiple Platforms Amplify Grubhub’s Fee-Free Initiative
Beyond the Super Bowl broadcast, the “Grubhub Will Eat the Fees” campaign will run across a wide range of media channels, including digital, paid social, influencer partnerships, local radio, in-cinema pre-trailers, organic social media, and out-of-home advertising. These activations aim to reach consumers broadly and embed the new brand message ahead of and beyond the game.
In addition to this campaign, Grubhub recently partnered with independent agency Walrus for a rebrand, unveiling a refreshed identity system featuring bold typefaces, vibrant orange backgrounds, and appetizing food imagery. This was introduced alongside the “Summon the Food” campaign, reinforcing Grubhub’s focus on enhancing consumer experience.
Yorgos Lanthimos’s Expanding Presence in Super Bowl Advertising
Yorgos Lanthimos has a notable presence in this year’s Super Bowl lineup, directing two commercials. In addition to Grubhub’s spot, he directed an ad for Squarespace featuring actress Emma Stone, with whom he has a long-standing creative partnership. Lanthimos’s distinctive style continues to influence mainstream advertising narratives through these high-profile collaborations.
Impact and Outlook for Grubhub in a Competitive Market
With fierce competition from brands like DoorDash and Uber Eats, Grubhub’s latest campaign reflects a strategic effort to position itself as a customer-friendly innovator in food delivery. By addressing one of the most common consumer pain points—the additional fees—it hopes to drive higher engagement and loyalty among users. The involvement of George Clooney and the artistic direction by Lanthimos provide a memorable, impactful platform for this message.
As the campaign rolls out across multiple channels, industry observers will be watching to see if the fee-free promise can shift market dynamics and influence competitors to reconsider their pricing structures. For consumers, this change could mean more accessible and enjoyable food delivery experiences without hidden costs.
