Who is the queen in the Pepsi commercial?
From Gladiator divas to empress of game day—unpacking Pepsi’s royal casting
(By Carmichael Phillip)
In Pepsi’s legacy of pop-culture-blend advertising, the role of “the queen” has taken on two epic forms: in 2004, Beyoncé (alongside Britney Spears and Pink) ruled the Roman-themed colosseum; in 2024, Megan Thee Stallion reigned supreme in a modern Gladiator sequel ad. This article breaks down both iconic moments, complete with video clips, visuals, and cultural context. We’ll explore how Pepsi cast female powerhouses to claim the throne—first as glittering gladiators, now as a game-day empress.
2004: Gladiator Queens—Beyoncé, Britney & Pink
Back in 2003–04, Pepsi enlisted Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Pink to star in a high-budget Gladiator-style ad. Set in the Roman Coliseum, the three divas prepare to fight one another until they unite and deliver a fierce rendition of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” directed by Tarsem Singh.
A Reddit commenter captured the nostalgic sentiment:
“This was a pinnacle pop culture moment for me… Pink, Britney Spears, & Beyoncé—We Will Rock You” The campaign featured Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor on set, and Enrique Iglesias portrayed a capricious emperor. A YouTube upload (HD remastered) still draws millions of views today.
What made the 2004 spot iconic?
Star power: Three A-list female artists clad in golden armor.
Big-budget cinema: The ad emulated epic scale, complete with CGI extras and gladiatorial tension.
Musical throwback: A global anthem revived in a moment of unity against oppression.
Marketing impact: Though it never aired on US Super Bowl, it premiered in London and remains celebrated.
2024: Empress Megan—the new queen
Fast forward twenty years. In fall 2024, Pepsi launched an NFL-gameday campaign tied to the film Gladiator II. The centerpiece? Megan Thee Stallion, cast as a commanding empress overseeing NFL stars in a Roman-style arena. She performs a fierce rap remix of “We Will Rock You,” revamped for modern ears.
The three-minute cinematic spot—directed by Jake Scott—features NFL players like Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, and Justin Jefferson dressed as gladiators battling it out in the Pepsi colosseum. Behind the scenes, Kelce described it as an “absolute honor” and even kept his custom armor.
Why Megan represents the modern queen
Power performance: She takes Queen’s anthem, adds her bars, and rules the narrative.
Cross-pollination: Brings music, sports, and film together (NFL + Gladiator II) .
Cultural continuity: Empress Megan aligns with Beyoncé’s legacy—paying homage while forging a new path.
Campaign impact: Released as a standalone single, the track lives beyond the spot.
Video & visual highlights
2004 version: Watch the remastered YouTube clip here—look for Beyoncé, Pink, and Britney chanting in unison before rallying the crowd.
2024 version: Search for Pepsi’s “Gladiator II” NFL commercial featuring Megan Thee Stallion—release clips and behind-the-scenes are available.
NFL reactions: Travis Kelce was seen on TikTok with his armor, calling the experience an honor.
Artist endorsement: Megan’s remix debuted on streaming platforms, credited alongside Queen.
Comparing queens across eras
Aspect 2004 Gladiator Queens 2024 Empress Megan
Stars Beyoncé, Britney, Pink Megan Thee Stallion
Setting Roman colosseum Pepsi-NFL colosseum
Music Original Queen chorus Remix with rap verses
Director Tarsem Singh Jake Scott
Legacy Bold pop convergence Modern cultural powerhouse blend
Both ads celebrate female dominance: then with pop unity, now with rap authority.
Cultural impact & legacy
Women leading ads: Pepsi has consistently chosen queens—pop stars or rappers with commanding presence—as brand icons.
Music recontextualized: Queen’s anthem bridges generations, empowering each star’s era.
Marketing strategy: These campaigns transcend soda selling; they reframe pop culture.
Fan reaction: Social buzz, viral clips, and streaming traction amplify reach.
Final verdict: Crowned by Pepsi
So—who is the queen in the Pepsi commercial? The title belongs to two eras:
In 2004, Beyoncé (with Britney and Pink) stood victorious in golden armor.
In 2024, Megan Thee Stallion commands the colosseum as empress of the new era.
Both performances are queens in their own right—peaking as symbols of female power, cultural relevance, and brand brilliance.
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