FanDuel paid a touching tribute to the late Carl Weathers in its Super Bowl commercial, after the company had to adjust the ad following his death.
The star, famous for playing Rocky Balboa’s adversary turned boxing mentor Apollo Creed in four Rocky films, passed away “peacefully in his sleep” on February 1.
Before his death, the 76-year-old had already filmed a Super Bowl ad for the company alongside football legend Rob Gronkowski.
The ad closed with an on-screen graphic next to a Weathers with crossed arms that read, “Thank you, Carl 1948-2024.”
FanDuel confirmed last week that they would alter the commercial following the actor’s death.
The ad closed with an on-screen graphic next to a Weathers with crossed arms that read, “Thank you, Carl 1948-2024.”
In a statement, they said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Carl Weathers.
‘Throughout his life, Carl was an iconic talent who had a profound impact on the people he worked with on and off screen.
‘FanDuel was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him during our Super Bowl campaign.
“We are adjusting our campaign accordingly out of respect for the family during their time of grief.”
In a preview of the ad released three weeks ago, Gronkowski is seen trudging through the desert in his NFL uniform, with a matted mane of hair and beard.
Filled with regret for missing out on a gambling opportunity during last year’s Super Bowl, he decides to visit “the land of second chances: Las Vegas.”
“And this time you won’t fail,” Weathers says, pulling up beside him on a motorcycle and welcoming Gronkowski to his sidecar. ‘Enters.’
The ad, which aired on Sunday, shows Gronkowski attempting a “destiny kick” that fails, before cutting to a somber Weathers who had acted as his trainer.
The star, famous for playing Rocky Balboa’s adversary turned boxing mentor Apollo Creed in four Rocky films, passed away “peacefully in his sleep” on February 1.
Weathers rose to worldwide fame playing world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in 1976’s Rocky. He is seen here alongside actor Sylvester Stallone.
Creed gave Rocky underdog ‘Italian Stallion’s’ Stallone his title shot in the iconic film
Andrew Sneyd, executive vice president of marketing at FanDuel, said Variety: ‘The family has been very supportive and would still like to see Carl at work.
‘We really enjoyed the little time we had to work with him. He is a wonderful man and truly is an inspiration and has a very positive view of the world. We want to make sure we try to approach this moment with the respect that he deserves.”
On Friday, Weathers’ cause of death revealed that the actor had died of “atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease” after suffering from the heart condition for years.
In a statement released by his family after his death, his family called him an “exceptional human being.”
Weathers rose to worldwide fame playing world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in 1976’s Rocky.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was another celebrity who shared a tribute to Weathers on social media; seen with Carl in 2016 in New York
Creed gave ‘Italian Stallion’ Rocky underdog Sylvester Stallone his title shot in the iconic film.
He would reprise his role in the next three films in the franchise, before his character was killed in the ring by Russian heavyweight Ivan Drago.
His character also formed the plot of the acclaimed Rocky spin-off film series Creed, starring Michael B. Jordan as the son of Apollo and boxer Adonis Creed.
He is survived by his sons Jason and Matthew, whom he shared with his ex-wife Mary Ann Castle, and their grandchildren.
Stars including his Rocky co-star Stallone and his Predator co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger were among those who paid tribute to Weathers.