The Colossal Cast Of The New Pepsi Gladiator Commercial: Who Is 'Empress Megan' And Which NFL Stars Became 'Gridiron Gladiators'?

The question of who is in the latest Pepsi "Gladiator" commercial has a new, star-studded answer, bringing together the worlds of hip-hop royalty and NFL titans. Released for the 2024 NFL season kickoff, the newest iteration of the iconic ad—titled "Gladiator II: Make Your Gameday Epic"—features rapper Megan Thee Stallion alongside a powerhouse lineup of professional football players, including Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Justin Jefferson, and Derrick Henry. This colossal commercial serves as both a celebration of football season and a tie-in to the highly anticipated *Gladiator II* movie, recreating the epic, Roman-era battleground with a modern, musical twist. The 2024 campaign is a direct homage to the legendary 2004 Pepsi commercial that saw pop icons Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Pink transform into gladiators. This fresh take, however, swaps the pop divas for the "Hot Girl Coach" and a legion of "Gridiron Gladiators," solidifying Pepsi’s reputation for producing memorable, large-scale advertisements. It’s an instant classic that has fans buzzing, not just about the celebrity cameos, but about the sheer scale and topical authority of the production, which was directed by Jake Scott, son of *Gladiator* director Ridley Scott.

Meet Empress Megan: The Star of the 2024 Pepsi Gladiator Ad

While the commercial features several massive names, the undisputed star is the Houston-born rapper, Megan Thee Stallion. She takes on the commanding role of "Empress Megan," overseeing the action in the Colosseum.

Megan Thee Stallion: Biography and Career Profile

• Full Name: Megan Jovon Ruth Pete
• Born: February 15, 1995 (Age 30 as of December 2025)
• Hometown: San Antonio, Texas (Raised in Houston, Texas)
• Nickname: Hot Girl Coach, Tina Snow, Thee Stallion
• Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actress
• Education: Graduated from Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration (2021)
• Notable Achievements: Multiple Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist (2021); hit singles like "Savage," "WAP" (with Cardi B), and "Body."
• Recent Career Update (2024/2025): Megan Thee Stallion has continued to release new music, collaborate with major artists, and expand her brand empire through high-profile partnerships, including her estimated net worth climbing to around $30 million. Her role in the Pepsi ad marks another major brand deal, cementing her status in both music and mainstream pop culture.
• Role in Commercial: Empress Megan, who commands the Gridiron Gladiators and delivers a rap rendition of Queen's "We Will Rock You."

The Full Cast of Gridiron Gladiators and Roman Royalty

The "Gladiator II: Make Your Gameday Epic" commercial is packed with star power from the National Football League (NFL) and popular television.

The NFL Gladiators: Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, and More

The core of the commercial features four of the NFL’s biggest names, transforming them from football heroes into ancient warriors. They are referred to as the "Gridiron Gladiators," battling it out for the ultimate prize: a refreshing can of Pepsi.

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• Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs, Tight End): Kelce is arguably the most prominent NFL star in the ad, given his mainstream visibility. He is depicted as a gladiator facing off against his rivals. His inclusion is particularly timely, coinciding with his continued success on the field and his high-profile celebrity status.
• Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills, Quarterback): Known for his powerful arm, Allen brings his competitive spirit to the colosseum as one of the featured gladiators.
• Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings, Wide Receiver): The dynamic receiver showcases his agility as a warrior in the epic battle sequence.
• Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans/Baltimore Ravens, Running Back): Henry, known as "King Henry" for his dominant rushing, naturally fits the role of a formidable gladiator.

The commercial effectively uses the excitement of the NFL season kickoff to build anticipation. The concept of the "Gridiron Gladiators" battling in a Roman Colosseum perfectly blends the intensity of football with the drama of the upcoming *Gladiator II* film, creating a unique cross-promotional event.

The Supporting Actors and Creative Team

Beyond the main celebrities, the Pepsi commercial features a few familiar faces from the world of television and a major film director's influence.

• Lamorne Morris: Best known for his role as Winston in the TV series *New Girl*, Morris appears in the ad, adding a comedic element to the epic saga.
• Jake Lacey: An actor known for roles in *The White Lotus* and *The Office*, Lacey also makes an appearance, further diversifying the commercial's celebrity appeal.
• Director Jake Scott: The commercial was helmed by Jake Scott, the son of legendary director Ridley Scott, who directed the original 2000 film *Gladiator*. This connection adds significant topical authority and cinematic flair to the production, which was produced by Paramount Brand Studio.
• Music: The ad features a new rendition of Queen's classic anthem, "We Will Rock You," performed by Megan Thee Stallion, linking the commercial back to the original 2004 ad which also used the song.

The Legacy of Pepsi's Epic Gladiator Ads: From Pop Princesses to NFL Powerhouses

Pepsi's "Gladiator" commercials are part of a long-standing tradition of using massive celebrity power and high-budget production to create memorable, iconic advertisements, often during the Super Bowl or major season launches.

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The Iconic 2004 Original: Britney, Beyoncé, and Pink

The 2024 campaign is a direct sequel to the legendary 2004 Super Bowl commercial. That ad, which aired twenty years prior, featured pop music’s biggest stars at the time: Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Pink. They were cast as gladiators who, instead of fighting, performed a powerful, choreographed version of Queen's "We Will Rock You."

• Britney Spears: The "Princess of Pop" was the reigning queen of the music industry.
• Beyoncé: Already an established solo artist following her time with Destiny's Child.
• Pink: Known for her edgy, rock-influenced pop style.
• Enrique Iglesias: The original ad also featured singer Enrique Iglesias as the Roman Emperor, though he was notably defeated by the trio.

The original commercial set a high bar for celebrity endorsements, creating a cultural moment that is still discussed today. The 2024 version successfully taps into this nostalgia while giving it a modern, NFL-centric twist to appeal to a new generation of football fans and music lovers.

Topical Authority: Why the Gladiator Theme Works

The choice to revisit the "Gladiator" theme is a strategic move that provides immense topical authority for the brand:

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1. Gladiator II Movie Tie-in: The commercial capitalizes on the massive buzz surrounding the 2024 film *Gladiator II*, ensuring the ad is culturally relevant and timely.
2. NFL Season Connection: The Roman Colosseum and the gladiatorial battle are perfect metaphors for the competitive, epic nature of the NFL season, with the players being the modern "Gridiron Gladiators."
3. Pop Culture Nostalgia: By directly referencing the 2004 ad, Pepsi engages older audiences who remember the original while introducing the concept to younger viewers.

In conclusion, the 2024 Pepsi "Gladiator II: Make Your Gameday Epic" commercial is a masterclass in celebrity marketing. By casting Megan Thee Stallion as the Empress and surrounding her with NFL powerhouses like Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Justin Jefferson, and Derrick Henry, Pepsi has created an unforgettable, timely, and highly shareable piece of content that honors its own legacy while looking toward the future of epic entertainment.