Home / Arts and Entertainment / VW's 'The Force' Ad: 15 Years Later
VW's 'The Force' Ad: 15 Years Later
24 Jan
Summary
- Iconic 2011 Super Bowl ad celebrates 15th anniversary.
- Ad featured a boy, Darth Vader costume, and VW Passat.
- Child actor Max Page is now a heart condition advocate.
Nearly 15 years ago, Volkswagen and Star Wars collaborated for a memorable Super Bowl XLV commercial titled "The Force." Aired on February 6, 2011, the ad depicted a young boy in a Darth Vader costume attempting to use the Force on household items, culminating with his father's Volkswagen Passat. This masterclass in marketing reminded viewers of childlike wonder and became a cultural event.
The advertisement, directed by Lance Acord and produced by Park Pictures, famously used John Williams' "Imperial March." Volkswagen's decision to release the ad early on YouTube proved highly successful, accumulating 1.8 million views within a day and 17 million by the Super Bowl kickoff.
"The Force" was recognized as one of the top 10 most influential ads of the past 25 years in 2013 by The One Club. Child star Max Page, who portrayed the young Darth Vader, gained significant attention. He later became an advocate for Children's Hospital Los Angeles after undergoing numerous surgeries for Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart abnormality.
