Who is in the Walmart Black Friday commercial?
Unpacking the star-studded cast behind Walmart’s “Deals of Desire” Black Friday campaign
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Overview: A New Kind of Black Friday Ad
Walmart’s 2024/2025 Black Friday campaign, titled “Deals of Desire,” stands out as a multi-episode “advertainment” series airing across TV, TikTok, YouTube, and even outdoor displays. Rather than a single commercial, Walmart dropped a 10-part mini-series, each segment spoofing a popular TV genre—everything from soap operas to supernatural dramas. The campaign is anchored by a high-profile ensemble cast.
Who’s Who in the Lineup
Walmart assembled a diverse mix of celebrities across TV and film:
Anthony Ramos (from Hamilton and In the Heights) stars in the “Stable Boy” episode.
Chad Michael Murray (star of One Tree Hill) appears in a dramatic, Friday Night Lights-inspired vignette.
Taye Diggs, Lisa Rinna (soap opera veteran), Ian Somerhalder, and Walton Goggins also feature in various genre spoofs.
TikTok star Jake Shane plays a meta role as a production assistant casting the “Wal-verse”.
Example Episode: Chad Michael Murray in “Locker Room Pep Talk”
One standout spot features Chad Michael Murray in a football-themed parody, complete with rousing pep-talk energy. A dramatized coach vibe, humor, and Nashville-style intensity deliver laughs while plugging Walmart’s deals.
Anthony Ramos & Kalay Moore in “Stable Boy”
Another episode mimics historical dramas with Anthony Ramos and rising talent Kalay Moore. Ramos, portraying a forlorn stable hand, delivers a heartfelt soliloquy—only for the twist to land on a killer Black Friday deal. Kalay, noted from her Instagram reel, anchors the dynamic duo in the ad .
Soap Opera Spoof with Lisa Rinna
In “Sister, Swindler,” Lisa Rinna channels her Days of Our Lives essence in a melodramatic romp. With exaggerated gasps and dramatic reveals—plus a Walmart surprise—her performance anchors one of the series’ most delightfully over-the-top moments.
Supporting Stars & Surprise Cameos
Other recognizable faces in the series include:
Ian Somerhalder, evoking his The Vampire Diaries legacy in a supernatural-themed spot.
Taye Diggs, who appears in a showdown reminiscent of Friday Night Lights.
Walton Goggins and TikToker Jake Shane round out the playful ensemble.
Campaign Strategy & Rollout
The campaign unfolds like a TV binge session—new episodes released throughout November targeting Walmart+ members early (Nov 11 & 16), and general audiences on Nov 25, with Cyber Monday content on Dec 1. Walmart cross-promotes via TikTok, YouTube, and public spaces with trailers, snippets, and shareable content. The strategy merges entertainment and commerce in one seamless experience.
Why the Star Power Works
The approach pays off by leveraging familiar personalities:
Nostalgia & recognition: Each actor is closely tied to the genre they spoof—going from career reflection to campaign credibility.
Emotion meets commerce: Humor, drama, and suspense—meet steals, deals, and urgency.
Social reach: Fans of each celebrity—plus TikTok’s Jake Shane—bolstered viral content and engagement.
This blend of entertainment formats and celebrity allure turns ads into bingeable, shareable content—and not just spot break interruptions.
Fan Reaction & Shareable Moments
Social responses highlight surprise and delight:
“Chad Michael Murray in a coach role for a Walmart ad? Love it.”
“That Lisa Rinna soap twist caught me off guard 😂”
Snippets from TikTok and Twitter celebrated their genre mash-ups—proving Walmart’s buzz-focused approach succeeded.
Industry Take & What’s Next
Investors and marketers praised Walmart’s “advertainment” pivot:
Marketing Dive notes how the campaign merges storytelling with brand messaging, capturing “main character energy”.
Walmart’s CMO, William White, emphasizes the goal: make deals feel epic and engaging. This isn’t just retail—it’s content marketing evolution.
With “Deals of Desire,” Walmart cements a shift: holiday ads are no longer just product showcases—they’re episodic experiences.
In Summary:
Walmart’s Black Friday “Deals of Desire” campaign features:
Anthony Ramos, Chad Michael Murray, Lisa Rinna, Ian Somerhalder, Taye Diggs, Walton Goggins, and Jake Shane—each in genre-specific mini-episodic vignettes.
A bold blend of comedy, drama, nostalgia, and commerce.
Release strategy optimizing binge and sharing for maximum engagement.
This innovative format offers both entertainment and urgency—and delivers star talent you genuinely recognize starring in memorable, deal-driven scenarios.
Key Episodes to Watch:
Chad Michael Murray’s football-themed “Locker Room Pep Talk”
Anthony Ramos’s historical “Stable Boy of the Season” with Kalay Moore
Lisa Rinna’s melodramatic “Sister, Swindler” soap-opera spoof
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Expect surprise, humor, and memorable moments—all wrapped in Walmart’s Black Friday urgency.
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