McDonald’s, the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026, made the savvy decision to let Grimace represent the brand in this year’s marketing push.
Tag: PopIcon
The star of Extra Gum’s latest campaign “Chew Into It” is a wad of gum named Chewbert and he’s on a mission to get gum chewers everywhere to lock in and be present in the moment.
ICYMI, a clothing collection starring Pillsbury’s beloved Doughboy mascot dropped on Friday May 15, 2026.
Do you remember when a typical bag of plain M&M’s didn’t have blue candies inside it?
What do you know about the Dole Food Company mascot, Bobby Banana?
What’s it like to be the face of the “World’s Most Famous Building?” It’s the kind of question only Emma Pire, the Empire State Building’s mascot and beloved social media sensation, can answer.
Colonel Sanders pitches the KFC Box Feast meals to a group of shareholders. They’re outraged about being encouraged to sell value meals to consumers and demand to know who the Colonel thinks he is.
Only one cookie company is known for having Scottish terrier-shaped treats and that’s Walker’s Shortbread.
In “A Story Inspired by True Memorable Moments,” we see the travel experience told through Pilot Parker’s eyes. Let’s watch.
What comes to mind if you’re tasked to come up with a mascot for a weed killer brand? Your brainstorm session might be more likely to include a live-action spokesperson or an animated ornery weed — and less likely to consider a dog.
Thomas’ Breads made headlines in 2024 when the breakfast breads purveyor announced the debut of Thom, their first-ever character.
Advertising has yet to determine how brand mascots can successfully retire, if they should retire at all.
PopIcon spoke to Allison Feldman, Vice President Fabric Softener and Personal Care Brands at Snuggle, to learn more about the Bear’s rebranding.
Is it possible to build your dream man? The answer is yes, according to Pringles Big Game ad (and their mascot Mr. P.
Football’s biggest night, Super Bowl LX, is shaping up to be a little lighter than usual when it comes to brand mascot appearances.
Advertising’s introduction to the Jet-Puffed marshmallow mascots occurred five years ago in August 2020.
Dos Equis announced on January 16, 2026, their iconic spokescharacter known as “The Most Interesting Man in the World” is back to encourage and inspire the next generation to “Stay Thirsty.”
What comes to mind when you think of nature’s greatest mascots? Odds are pretty good you’ll refer to animals like Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl.
We were lucky enough to chat with John Ludeke, SVP of Global Marketing at Dr. Squatch, who explains the surprising reason why their mascot is a sasquatch, the one question fans can’t stop asking him, and where we might see the mascot land next in 2026.
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl will be more than a football game this year. It’s a homecoming celebration for Cheez-It’s beloved, and previously retired, mascot Prince Cheddward.
They said I do! Kevin the Carrot has officially wed his longtime sweetheart, Katie, close to 10 years after they first met.
Remember how groundbreaking it was for the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl to have not one, not two, but three edible mascots? Game day will reach next-level intensity at the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Aldi UK’s spunky mascot has been a fixture in Christmas adverts for the last 10 years, dabbling in a bit of everything.
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be full of larger-than-life balloons, floats and balloonicles, but one float is making a splash for its extra small size.
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is already shaping up to be quite different than previous years when it comes to which brand mascots will and won’t be featured as balloons and floats.
The return of the Heathrow Bears is being celebrated in an extra special way in their fourth advert.
2025 continues to be the year of brand mascot firsts including the first time a character has ever intentionally lost their two front teeth.
The Pillsbury Doughboy, one of advertising’s smallest mascots at five inches tall, repeatedly rose to new heights this year.
OtterBox announced their brand mascot Ollie, a fun-loving otter, had gone missing. The brand put out an SOS on Instagram and encouraged OtterBox fans to join in the search via social media in the “Find Ollie” sweepstakes.
More than five decades later, Mr. Owl and the iconic ad are back in a newly refreshed “How Many Licks?” commercial.
If you love the Mediterranean fast casual chain Cava and consider yourself chronically online, you probably have some familiarity with their mascot, Peter Chip.
Even the Stat Card doesn’t explain the significance behind why this specific jar of mayonnaise weighs 1,913 pounds.
Viewers of Ralph Lauren’s first animated short film “The Polo Bear Chronicles: Operation Black Tie” can’t deny the Polo Bear has more je ne sais quoi than your average brand mascot.
Characters Catch Feelings in Vita Coco’s “Mascot Love,” the First-Ever Dating Show For Brand Mascots
Beverage company Vita Coco made headlines in July when they announced the debut of “Mascot Love.” It’s their Love Island USA parody “where icons catch feelings” featuring Vita Coco’s own coconut water carton mascot Coco Man.
This year, Franken Berry, Count Chocula and Boo Berry have been brought to life as puppets in the Jim Henson universe to celebrate the company’s 70th anniversary.
What if we told you these General Mills icons are partnering with The Jim Henson Company to celebrate the company’s 70th anniversary as cereal puppets?
How does a company like Old El Paso, which has previously never had its own brand icon before, get into the mascot game? Find out!
The internet first met Sarah V on May 22, 2025, through skincare brand CeraVe’s social media accounts on Instagram and TikTok.
PopIcon tracked down the six stop-motion animated “Must Cinnadust” spots on Vimeo and watched them all.
The city of Akron, Ohio was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime sight on June 3, 2025. The 100th anniversary of the first-ever Goodyear blimp flight in 1925 was celebrated with all three Goodyear Blimps taking to the skies together.
Keebler has announced the return of the Hollow Tree via a new activation starting May 7 and coinciding with the launch of the new E.L. Fudge Choco Vanilla cookies.
By Heather Taylor, Editor-in-Chief, PopIcon If any one brand mascot should be blown up, it’s…
Hotels.com recently teased that something big was coming via TikTok this April — and that something, as it turns out, is a brand-new mascot named Bellboy.
How familiar are you with StarKist’s iconic “Sorry Charlie” catchphrase? Or the hippest tuna mascot under the sea, Charlie the Tuna?
Fans of the frozen food company Birds Eye may recall there was a time when the brand had another mascot that wasn’t the pioneering Captain Birds Eye. The mascot’s name was Clarence, and he was a polar bear that lived inside your freezer.
As human beings get older, their tastes tend to evolve and mature. Such cannot be said for brand mascots, especially those in the breakfast space.
Brand mascot. Tastemaker. Style icon. And now, movie star! PLANTERS very own Mr. Peanut is making his film debut in Netflix’s original new film “The Electric State” on Friday March 14.
Orbi made its debut on the Sphere’s LED screen in 2023 and has since been a daily fixture on its exterior making funny faces to capture each day’s feelings and emotions.
PopIcon had been closely following the story of the iconic bird’s demise which turned out to be, as we suspected, just a marketing stunt.
Bedtime just isn’t the same without the Serta Counting Sheep. America’s favorite flock of sheep celebrates their milestone 25th birthday in 2025.
Perhaps we were too hasty to make declarations that 2025 is the year of the brand mascot. Or were we?
Who better to announce the return of McDonald’s menu fan favorite Shamrock Shake than two beloved McDonaldland icons? On February 4, Uncle O’Grimacey, Grimace’s Irish uncle, reunited for the first time in decades with his nephew.
If you have any doubts that brand mascots are fading into obscurity, the commercials for Super Bowl LIX prove advertising’s hardest working characters are so back.
When Instacart announced in November 2024 they’d be dropping their first Super Bowl ad in 2025, nobody anticipated the teaser would feature an all-star lineup of mascots.
Looking back at these forgotten cereals, it’s clear that the 1970s were a playground for experimental flavors, wacky mascots, and marketing gimmicks that truly went for it.
Three of my favorite brand mascots — the Pillsbury Doughboy, Kool-Aid Man, and the McNugget Buddies from McDonald’s — all have something in common with one another. Objectively speaking, they’re all weirdos.
Ultimately, the real magic of marketing is found in the relationships we build and the narratives we craft, and there’s nothing more human than that.
Remember Cornelius, the Kellogg’s Corn Flakes mascot? Here in the United States, the character was created at Chicago ad agency Leo Burnett and made his debut on cereal boxes in 1957. “Corny,” as the character was nicknamed, was illustrated with a green body, red comb, yellow beak and a whole lot of personality.
What do yetis, sunglasses, cinnamon rolls, and the song “Satisfaction” by Benny Benassi all have in common? Each has a starring role, or an extremely prominent cameo, in PopIcon’s ranking of 2024’s five best Christmas ads.
What’s better than one edible mascot? Three edible mascots, according to Pop-Tarts — and we’re in agreement! The Pop-Tarts Bowl is back on December 28, 2024. This time, it’s triple the Crazy Goodness with three new Edible Mascots Game Day-bound.
Could you impressively parallel park in front of Mayhem, the iconic Allstate spokesperson? Even the most confident parallel parking pro would feel some pressure getting it right.
This year’s celebration airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock is slated to be the largest celebration yet with 22 giant balloons, 33 floats, seven balloonicles and many more festivities.
Aldi UK’s much-anticipated 2024 Christmas campaign officially premiered on November 4th to the delight of Aldi shoppers everywhere.
Did you catch Progressive’s Dr. Rick on the hit YouTube series “Hot Ones?” The wildly popular talk show series known for its hot questions and even hotter wings recently featured its first-ever brand spokesperson as a guest in an October mini episode.
Yellow and Green are in a new BBDO New York campaign crossing over into the Snickers universe. Across the pond, Red is partnering with smart home security manufacturer Ring UK and Ireland to activate Halloween mode in your Ring doorbell.
Hi, Chewbie! The fruity, chewy candy brand HI-CHEW has officially debuted their first official mascot, Chewbie, to the world.
Whether bursting through walls or simply bringing a smile to people’s faces, the Kool-Aid Man continues to be a beloved character, reminding us all to embrace the fun and refreshing moments in life.
Every day is Halloween when you’re a fan of the General Mills Monster Cereals and their respective mascots. Around May 2024, exciting news began to circulate online in this niche breakfast cereal community.
Remember Life Cereal’s Mikey? The spokeskid’s back at the breakfast table in a new commercial that introduces the ad icon, and the Quaker-owned cereal brand, to the next generation.
Another mascot was active during the same timeline as Smokey and Woodsy and his name was Johnny Horizon. In looking back on the short-lived legacy of Johnny Horizon, PopIcon discovered that one Idaho county is still determined to uphold the outdoorsman’s legacy today.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games may be over, but in two short years it will be time for the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics, or Milano Cortina 2026. Hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, registration is now open on the ticketing platform for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Doesn’t it feel as though it was just yesterday when we were wishing Smokey Bear a happy 75th birthday? Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday officially falls on August 9, 2024, marking eight decades of the mascot having the longest running public service initiative in United States history.
For the first time in its five-year history, The National Mascot Hall of Fame has created a special display honoring an a-peeling corporate brand mascot.
If you peel back enough layers, you’ll discover there’s more humanity in string cheese than you’d think.
In February 2024, NERDS made headlines when they debuted their first commercial during Super Bowl LVIII.
The New York Mets might just have a big, purple, good luck charm on their side for the 2024 season.
How does a crocodile, stylish as he may be, become the ubiquitous icon of a luxury brand? The answer is a bit different than what we’re used to seeing in the advertising industry.
Howie Cohen cites blowing up the Jack in the Box clown as one of his biggest career milestones.
Did Frankenstein’s Monster really reach a dead end in the new “Monster” spot from The Martin Agency? And is he even a monster? Let’s watch and learn.
Ever wonder what it might be like to work alongside brand mascots like Lucky the Leprechaun, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Count Chocula, and Boo Berry at General Mills?
Duct tape or duck tape? While the correct spelling for this adhesive is duct, its common mispronunciation has been trademarked under Duck Tape for Duck Brand’s line of branded duct tape.
Charlie is the new, first-ever mascot for The Habit Burger Grill, but don’t expect him to start cracking wise with customers. For burgers at The Habit to keep being delicious, this little charcoal briquette must fulfill his date with destiny.
Do you think you could guess the which insurance mascot, or spokescharacter, is universally beloved by one and all? The answer might surprise you!
One of the last times we heard about Lefty was when Eagle Foods acquired Helper from General Mills in 2022. Lefty has been laying low since then, but it sounds like 2024 will be a big year for the icon’s triumphant comeback.
The 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November 2023 featured a series of new and returning balloons on the Parade route. One returning balloon was the Pillsbury Doughboy.
Let’s step back in time to 1898, the year the Michelin Man — AKA Bibendum — made his debut and look at some of his greatest design evolution hits.
16 of the best brand collaborations based on brand recognition, originality, press exposure and overall product.
The Mint Mobile team joins PopIcon, and Advertising Week, in answering every question we’ve ever had about the Mint Fox
The new M&M’S spokesperson, AKA the “Chief of Fun,” is actress and comedian Maya Rudolph.
Do you remember the last time you saw Mr. Peanut at the Super Bowl? The brand mascot’s last appearance at Super Bowl LIV in 2020 when the character sacrificed his life for pals Matt Walsh and Wesley Snipes.
PLANTERS is on the hunt for three Peanutters to chauffeur the iconic Mr. Peanut. And the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is seeking 12 applicants to join the 36th Hotdogger class.
Would you start to love vegetables if Veggieman asked you to?
It’s not even 2023 and we already have a confirmed brand mascot for Super Bowl LVII! Make that several mascots — specifically spokescandies.
Calling all brands! Do you have a New Year’s Resolution which looks like it’s open to making a mascot? Look no further than Newt the Gnu.
“The Story of Lidl Bear” follows the overnight success of the Lidl Bear. While the bear does not express any emotions in its furry face, this does not stop it from becoming a viral sensation.
You’ve heard of Elf On a Shelf, but what do you know about the Ranch On a Branch?
We may be more than 600 days out until the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, but the games’ “Les Mascottes” have just been unveiled to the public.
The FIFA World Cup officially kicks off in Qatar on November 20 and La’eeb is ready to play! Wait, who’s La’eeb? He’s the official mascot of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022!
We never quite know what kind of jam Aldi UK’s Kevin the Carrot will end up in during the holidays. What we do know is Kevin has a fondness for global pop culture lexicon.
We’re only a few weeks out from the 96th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and this year is full of characters!
Tourism Australia has never had an animated ambassador until now. In a new global campaign, Tourism Australia is encouraging travelers to “come and say g’day” and join their unofficial national mascot Ruby the Roo in finding adventure across Australia.
Only two brand mascots, and two slogans, can be inducted into the Walk of Fame. Who won? We can’t wait to share the news with you!
Let’s see how much of La Bussi’s backstory I can uncover in figuring out if La Bussi is an onion, bus map, or meant to be another character, like a clown, entirely.
Yes, these legendary pails will be back until October 31, 2022. After this, will the Halloween pails return for 2023? Maybe.
She’s here and she’s just gonna be herself! M&M’S, proudly part of Mars, is expanding its spokescandies to include Purple, the first new character in a decade.
Gatsby and Blocky are two best friends with incredibly unique backstories. Anyone, whether you’re in the crypto space or not, can relate to them. Let’s learn more about each character!
The Gecko’s latest adventure, helmed by The Martin Agency and Cut+Run, reveals how unsolicited advice could potentially lead to the beloved Gecko transforming into the kind of lizard for whom life, uh, finds a way.
Take a gander at the new global ad campaign for Emirates starring its latest brand ambassador. Choose to “Fly Better.”
Hingie still exists and this can only mean one thing. While previous Hinge campaigns have seen great success with millennial daters, the app is expanding to the next generation of Gen Zers.
Duke’s Mayo, for the first time in its 105-year history, is personifying its brand with a mascot.
Bringing Poppin’ Fresh back to his primitive roots might be the nostalgia the world needs right now.
It’s August and Snap, Crackle, and Pop — and Kellogg’s Rice Krispies — are all officially ready for the Halloween season.
It’s gr-r-reat news in the gaming world! Tony the Tiger, the beloved brand mascot from Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, is now the first-ever brand mascot to work with video live streaming service Twitch.
If you have ever used the social media scheduling software Hootsuite, you might recall the presence of a cheeky owl there to greet you. This is Owly, the Hootsuite brand mascot.
Halloween cereal enthusiasts, get ready to scream your spooktacular hearts out! It is the start of August 2022 and General Mills’ Monster Cereals are back earlier than ever.
What happens when there’s a Toys”R”Us inside every Macy’s?
Brand mascots are some of advertising’s hardest working employees, after all, and they deserve a little break. Let’s see what they’re up to in during summer 2022 as observed through their tweets on Twitter.
The one way guaranteed to make Flo swoon for you? Endlessly repeat “bundle and save” to her. Or sing the bundle song that she’s thinking about. You know the one!
Murph is a mascot designed to represent the playful spirit that lives inside us all and is unleashed through Nerf toys.
In the new season of Chicago Stories, “The Real Mad Men of Chicago” looks back at the golden age of advertising in Chicago and the hardworking group of Midwesterners that brought iconic campaigns and brand mascots to life.
How did Ollie become the mascot for a donut company? Read on to meet Ollie, learn about his origin story, and find out what it means to be part of “Quack Gives Back.”
We did not have this delightful news on our 2022 brand mascot bingo card. Geoffrey the Giraffe, the formerly retired brand mascot at Toys”R”Us, is heading on a global tour in summer 2022.
Then and now, follow along our timeline for a look back at the Sour Patch Kids and their evolution over the decades.
The Energizer Bunny is back — only this time he’s hopping to a true crime case. Get your magnifying glass and looking eyes emoji ready for this one.
Wilderness, the global social agency, was tasked with helping Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) attract a European wide audience to rent the new Bond movie to watch at home, rather than going to the cinema.
If a brand must question whether they should have a mascot, they may already know the answer.
Cracker Jack is adding a new face to its roster — Cracker Jill — to celebrate women athletes that break barriers across sports.
Broccoli lovers, rejoice! ChapStick, America’s favorite lip balm, has just released a new broccoli flavor.
Making an IRL Lily swap, as it turns out, isn’t as easy as AT&T makes it to swap out smartphones.
GEICO is having a ball in its latest commercial starring the iconic Gecko mascot.
The official mascot for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 is named Ibha. Ibha is a lioness. Her name translates to “one with good vision or judgment” in the Khasi language typically spoken in northeast India.
Originally, Duo started off as a logo. He didn’t have an expression on his face. When he finally did receive an expression, it wasn’t cute. It was described as… creepy.
For the first time, the beloved Lucky Charms mascot is bringing breakfast lovers, and readers, into his magical world in a new book called “The Magic Inside.”
From the E*Trade baby emerging out of retirement to a rare appearance from a McDonald’s icon, here’s a look at all the characters that made Super Bowl LVI commercial appearances.
The official emblem for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games is made up of three powerful symbols connected to sport, the Games, and France.
Super Bowl LVI is only a few weeks away, and we’re starting a brand mascot headcount for all the characters that might show up on Game Day. Here’s what we know so far.
There’s one thing we know for sure about Super Bowl LVI. It’s going to be a Flamin’ Hot Super Bowl.
