Who is the Guy in the Ultra Commercial?
Unmasking the Chill, Charismatic Man Behind the Michelob Ultra Ads
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Image Source: Michelob ULTRA / YouTube
The Rise of the Michelob ULTRA Commercials
Michelob ULTRA has made a name for itself not just as a low-calorie beer for active lifestyles but also for its sleek, stylish, and sometimes mysterious commercials. Whether it’s someone teeing off on a golf course, running through neon cityscapes, or grooving to funky jazz in a stylish bar, the brand’s cinematic flair stands out—and so does the leading man.
The question buzzing on social media and Google alike: Who is the guy in the Ultra commercial?
He’s handsome, cool under pressure, and oozes confidence. But unlike most celebrity-backed commercials, this actor isn’t always immediately recognizable—which only adds to the intrigue.
Meet Chris Pratt: The Face of Michelob ULTRA
Yes, Chris Pratt, star of Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, is the man behind the Michelob ULTRA campaign—especially in the Super Bowl and prime-time versions of the ad.
Pratt first appeared in a Michelob ULTRA commercial during the 2018 Super Bowl, in a spot called “The Perfect Fit.” In it, Pratt hilariously trains for the role of a Michelob spokesperson, only to find out it’s a background part.
“I was just excited to do a funny, clever ad,” Pratt said in an interview. “And to partner with a brand that aligns with fitness and enjoyment—it just made sense.”
Chris Pratt prepares for his Michelob ULTRA commercial debut. Image Source: Men’s Journal
Why Chris Pratt Was the Perfect Choice
Michelob ULTRA prides itself on being a beer for people who live active, balanced lifestyles. Who better than Chris Pratt, who famously went from lovable goofball Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation to full-blown Marvel superhero?
“Pratt represents a healthy balance between having fun and staying fit,” said Azania Andrews, Vice President of Michelob ULTRA.
Plus, his relatable charm and humorous delivery made the ad not just memorable but rewatchable, a key metric in marketing success.
Breaking Down the Ad: The Elements of Success
The original 2018 commercial features Chris Pratt training as though he’s preparing for a major film role. He’s jogging, weightlifting, practicing lines in front of the mirror—and of course, carrying around a six-pack of Michelob ULTRA like it’s part of his gym routine.
The twist? He’s just playing an extra. The real spokesperson strolls by casually in the final seconds of the ad, and Pratt just smiles, humbled.
“This is a smart subversion of celebrity endorsement,” Adweek wrote at the time. “It pokes fun at the genre while still selling the lifestyle.”
Not Just a One-Off: The Return of the Michelob ULTRA Man
Chris Pratt’s collaboration didn’t stop with one commercial. He reappeared in future iterations of the Michelob ULTRA campaign, often framed in glamorous or exaggerated “everyman” moments—drinking a beer after a hike or at a beach volleyball game.
More recently, however, Michelob ULTRA has diversified its cast, featuring athletes like Serena Williams, Tony Romo, and Alex Morgan. But fans of the original campaign still associate Pratt’s easygoing charm with the brand.
Is Chris Pratt Still in the New Commercials?
In newer commercials—especially those that air around the Super Bowl or during high-profile sports events—you might notice someone like Pratt but with a more subdued presence.
That’s because the newer campaigns have taken a more ensemble approach, featuring a mix of celebrities and athletes celebrating the joy of sport, camaraderie, and leisure. However, Pratt remains the most iconic face associated with Michelob ULTRA’s modern era.
Serena Williams and athletes star in newer ensemble-style Michelob ULTRA ads. Image Source: GQ
Behind the Scenes: Michelob ULTRA’s Branding Strategy
Michelob ULTRA is not just selling beer—it’s selling a lifestyle. Their commercials are typically shot in golden-hour light, with scenes of sports, laughter, and post-workout reward.
According to a 2022 Nielsen report, Michelob ULTRA ranked in the top five most effective beer ads based on emotional engagement. The choice to include a versatile, charismatic figure like Chris Pratt only reinforced this brand identity.
“It’s about balance,” said a rep from Anheuser-Busch. “You can work hard and still enjoy a cold beer.”
What Fans Are Saying Online
Across Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube, fans are quick to comment on the guy in the Michelob ULTRA ad:
“Is that Chris Pratt or just a guy who looks like him?? Either way, I want that beer.” — @juliemiller09
“Michelob ULTRA knows how to make beer ads classy. That guy’s got charm for days.” — Reddit user r/sportsads
“That ULTRA commercial with Pratt is hilarious and stylish. Great combo.” — YouTube comment
This kind of positive chatter shows how a single performance in a commercial can influence brand perception and consumer loyalty.
Other Notable Faces in Michelob Ads
While Pratt stands out as the guy, Michelob has recently partnered with other major names:
Serena Williams – Tennis icon, featured in Welcome to Superior Bowl.
Tony Romo – Former NFL quarterback with a comedic edge.
Alex Morgan – Soccer star symbolizing strength and teamwork.
Peyton Manning – Legendary quarterback and fan favorite.
These celebrities highlight Michelob ULTRA’s focus on the intersection of fitness, fun, and fame.
Will Chris Pratt Return?
It’s unclear whether Chris Pratt will reprise his role in future Michelob ULTRA ads. Given his expanding film career and recent involvement with blockbuster franchises, his availability may be limited.
Still, his legacy in the ULTRA campaign is secure. His commercials are still re-aired, reshared, and ranked among the funniest and most effective beer ads of the 21st century.
“I’d love to do it again,” Pratt said in an interview. “But only if they let me be the lead this time!”
Conclusion: The Power of a Commercial Icon
Chris Pratt’s Michelob ULTRA ads show how the right actor, paired with smart writing and cinematic visuals, can turn a standard beer commercial into a viral cultural moment.
His balance of humor, likability, and physical fitness made him the ideal fit for a brand selling “low carb fun.” While other celebrities have stepped into the spotlight for Michelob since, Pratt remains the face people remember—the guy who made training for a beer commercial look like a superhero’s job.
So next time someone asks, “Who’s the guy in the Ultra commercial?”—now you know.
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