FanDuel intends to modify its 2024 Super Bowl commercial with Carl Weathers after the actor’s recent passing on Thursday.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Carl Weathers,” the online sports betting platform said in a statement. “Throughout his life, Carl was an iconic talent who had a profound impact on the people he worked with on and off the screen.”
“FanDuel was fortunate to have had an opportunity to work with him during our Super Bowl campaign,” the company continued. “We are adjusting our campaign accordingly out of respect for the family during their time of grief.”
The firm revealed a teaser for the commercial on Jan. 9, featuring ex-NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski venturing into the “land of second chances.” Gronkowski aims to kick a field goal on Super Bowl Sunday, with Weathers, on a motorcycle, assuring he won’t miss.
In the previous year, 34-year-old Gronkowski missed the field goal. Had he succeeded in the 2023 FanDuel Kick of Destiny, fans with existing bets on the championship game would have shared $10 million in bonus bets. Despite Gronkowski’s miss, the company distributed the money. Weathers passed away “peacefully in his sleep” on Thursday, Feb. 1, as confirmed by his family’s statement to Deadline and Variety on Friday.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” said the family, adding, “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.”
Weathers, a former NFL linebacker, gained fame as Apollo Creed in the original Rocky film opposite Sylvester Stallone. His notable roles include featuring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987’s Predator. Additionally, his portrayal of Greef Karga on the Disney+ Star Wars series, The Mandalorian, earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for outstanding guest actor in a drama series in 2021.
Super Bowl LVIII, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, commences at 6:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 11.
