Ben Stiller expressed admiration for Benson Boone’s extraordinary acrobatic skills in an Instacart commercial that aired during Super Bowl LX in 2026. The collaboration, featuring Stiller and Boone, showcased Boone’s distinct ability to perform physically demanding stunts, which left Stiller genuinely impressed and amazed.
A Retro-Inspired Super Bowl Commercial Stars Stiller and Boone
The Instacart ad featured Ben Stiller and Benson Boone portraying brothers in a nostalgic homage to 1980s European variety shows. The two perform a synth-pop song celebrating Instacart’s Preference Picker feature, all while speaking in ambiguous European accents. Directed by Spike Jonze, known for his inventive filmmaking, the commercial was part of a wider campaign that included teasers highlighting the complicated relationship between the brothers, Gary (Stiller) and John (Boone), alongside an extended director’s cut exploring their backstory.
Boone’s Jaw-Dropping Backflip Stunt and Sibling Rivalry Portrayed
One of the ad’s most memorable moments is Boone’s flawless standing backflip, a signature move that parallels the flips he regularly performs during concerts. Stiller’s character attempts to surpass his younger brother by trying a similar flip from a lofty height, only to fail spectacularly. This physical competition underlines the complex emotional tension between the brothers in the storyline, blending humor and drama.
Insights from Ben Stiller on Filming the Instacart Commercial
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Stiller shared how the opportunity to work with both Boone and Spike Jonze attracted him to the project. He described the concept as absurd yet sharply stylized, evoking a bygone era of television. Stiller explained that the ambiguous accents were intentionally vague, creating a deliberately nonspecific and inconsistent tone reflective of the ad’s eccentric style.
When discussing his own performance, Stiller admitted to improvisation that shaped his character’s distinct voice and interaction with Boone. The dynamic between the two actors evolved naturally during filming, fostering an entertaining and authentic on-screen relationship.
Ben Stiller’s High Regard for Benson Boone’s Talent and Work Ethic
Stiller praised Boone as an incredibly talented and enthusiastic performer, emphasizing Boone’s willingness to explore new challenges despite limited acting experience. He remarked on Boone’s courage to dive into improvisation and his impressive combination of musical and physical skills. Stiller found the process of working with Boone both fun and inspiring.
Highlighting the physical demands of Boone’s performance, Stiller recalled a moment backstage when Boone was about to execute the signature flip. Curious about his stamina, Stiller asked,
“What did you have for lunch?”
to which Boone replied,
“I had a couple of cheeseburgers and a milkshake.”
Ben was astonished that Boone could perform such difficult stunts right after eating so heavily, underscoring Boone’s exceptional physical prowess.
Boone’s Repetitive Commitment to Perfecting His Stunts
Stiller revealed that Boone performed the flip at least 20 times during the shoot. He noted that Boone regularly does between 10 to 12 flips during live shows, a fact that Stiller found mind-boggling, even when standing nearby watching the feat. Beyond these acrobatics, Boone also impressed with his vocal ability. During studio recording for the commercial’s song, Boone’s vocal runs astonished Stiller, prompting the actor to exclaim,
“Oh my God, this guy is really, really insane.”
This recognition highlighted Boone’s versatility as a multi-talented performer capable of captivating audiences without backup dancers or elaborate staging.
Benson Boone’s Musical Journey and Stiller’s Appreciation for His Growth
Ben Stiller shared that Benson Boone began his public career primarily as an athlete before discovering his singing voice in late adolescence. Boone’s relatively late start in music contrasts with his natural aptitude for both singing and, now, acting. Stiller found it rewarding to witness Boone’s exploration of comedy and improvisation through this project, revealing new facets of his artistic identity.
When asked if Boone was familiar with Stiller’s past work, the actor mentioned that Boone grew up watching some of his films, which helped ease their initial meeting. Stiller reflected on how receiving admiration from younger performers feels less surreal with age and emphasized his excitement about Boone’s emerging talents.
The Making of the Commercial’s Climactic Stunt Scene
Regarding the complicated stunt at the commercial’s finale where Stiller’s character attempts a dangerous flip, the actor credited a professional stunt team for its execution. He humorously remarked,
“We hired Tom Cruise.”
Stiller emphasized that the physical pain and emotional baggage between the characters enhanced the scene’s authenticity. The director, Spike Jonze, crafted the moment to balance realism with humor, with the stunt team ensuring safety while delivering a convincing performance.
Stiller Reflects on Personal Stunts and On-Set Challenges
Stiller disclosed that although he appreciates performing his own stunts, he prefers to let experts handle more difficult maneuvers. He fondly recalled being Tom Cruise’s stunt double for an MTV Movie Awards event as one of the most enjoyable stunt experiences he’s had.
The Emotional Depth Behind the Ad’s Sibling Rivalry
Stiller provided insight into the psychological complexity underlying the fictional rivalry between Gary and John. He explained that the competition for parental approval informs their relationship, adding a serious human element beneath the ad’s absurd comedy. This darker theme, juxtaposed with the silly premise, creates a unique blend that resonates on an emotional level.
He remarked that performers often experience internal rivalry, pushing them to attempt risky feats beyond their usual comfort zones. This dynamic helped shape the narrative and performance style of the commercial, making it both entertaining and relatable.
The Broader Impact of Stiller and Boone’s Collaboration
This Instacart campaign introduced viewers to Benson Boone’s multifaceted capabilities as both a singer and physical performer, with Ben Stiller’s seasoned presence enhancing the project’s comedic and emotional depth. The commercial’s blend of ‘80s nostalgia, inventive stunts, and character-driven storytelling sets a distinctive tone for future advertising approaches that balance humor with underlying complexity.
As Boone continues to expand his artistic repertoire, this high-profile exposure during the Super Bowl marks a pivotal moment in his career. Meanwhile, Stiller’s willingness to collaborate with emerging talent emphasizes the evolving nature of entertainment, where multi-talented performers increasingly cross traditional disciplinary lines.
