Juno Temple’s first commercial gave her a workout, showcasing her strength in an unexpected way. Known for her winning roles in series such as “Ted Lasso” and “Fargo,” Temple embarked on a new acting venture by working with Oikos, the Greek yogurt brand from Danone North America, which is making its sixth consecutive appearance in the Super Bowl. This highly anticipated 30-second spot is scheduled to air during Fox’s broadcast of Super Bowl LIX, where Temple is seen lugging her friend, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, on her shoulders across a crowded airport. Here, Oikos highlights the power of protein it delivers.
In reality, Temple admits that she didn’t actually carry the professional athlete that far. “I didn’t ever run with him through the airport. Sad. I can’t do that yet,” she shares during a recent interview, adding, “There’s hope still.” However, she does recall a moment where she was able to lift him briefly, stating, “I think we both surprised each other.” To ensure her actions looked authentic on camera, Temple trained with weights on her back as she made her moves, demonstrating the efforts required for the shoot.
Oikos executives believe that the distinctive image of the petite Temple hauling a large football player across the airport will help their advertisement stand out amidst a slew of commercials featuring pizza, candy, beer, and chips. “At Oikos, we power all types of strength and we’re proud to offer fans nutritious, high-quality protein options that are sure to provide a boost whenever they need it most in their everyday lives,” explains Victoria Badiola, vice president of Greek & functional nutrition at Danone North America, in a statement.
This type of work is quite new for Temple, who admits, “I’ve never done a commercial before.” She found the experience vastly different from her other roles, describing it as a “whirlwind.” Temple explains that the director must consider various formats, such as maybe 45 seconds, then 20 seconds, and perhaps even a 15-second cut. With this rapid pacing, a quick line or movement may represent an “important beat” in telling a succinct story. “When I’m on a film or a TV set, I’m not selling a brand. I’m telling a story,” she highlights, referencing the distinct requirements that come with each medium.
Despite the differences in approach, Temple believes that her role in the Oikos commercial allows her to embody another character characterized by inner fortitude. “It felt very on point for me, and it’s important to me to have a kind of surprise strength that gives you a little power that isn’t always on display,” she mentions. The team behind Oikos likely couldn’t ask for a better marketing strategy, leveraging Temple’s unique talents and the visual contrast in their upcoming ad.