A Super Bowl ad starring Carl Weathers will be “adjusted” before the Big Game and following the death of the beloved Rocky actor.
Weathers was set to appear alongside former NFL star Ron Gronkowski in the FanDuel sports betting app’s Super Bowl commercial, and the actor appeared in a short clip previewing the ad that appeared online in the days before his death.
In light of Weathers’ death, FanDuel announced Saturday it would alter the “Kick of Destiny 2” ad, but didn’t specify how; whether that means editing some of Weathers’ appearance — Weathers was set to play Gronk’s coach as the tight end attempts to successfully kick a field goal — or removing the actor completely.
“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 the screen,” FanDuel told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement.
“FanDuel was fortunate to have had an 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.”
Weathers, a former NFL player who starred as Apollo Creed in the Rocky series in addition to memorable roles in Predator, Happy Gilmore, Arrested Development and The Mandalorian, died “peacefully in his sleep” Thursday at the age of 77.
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” his family said in a statement. “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.”
Sylvester Stallone, who co-starred as Rocky Balboa opposite Weathers’ Creed, took to Instagram Friday evening to pay tribute to their decades-long friendship.
“Today is an incredibly sad day for me. I’m so torn up, I can’t even tell you. I’m just trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success — everything about it. I give him incredible credit and kudos,” said the actor while standing in front of a painting of their characters depicting their last moment in the ring together. “Because when he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness. But I didn’t realize how great. I never could’ve accomplished what we did with ‘Rocky’ without him. He was absolutely brilliant.”
