Who Is the Actor in the Ben Affleck Dunkin’ Commercial?
Unpacking the Surprising Star Who Joined Ben Affleck in Dunkin’s 2025 Super Bowl Spot
(By Carmichael Phillip)
A Surprise Addition: The Actor Emerging from the Coffee Can
The man who steals the scene in Dunkin’s 2025 Super Bowl commercial—rising dramatically from a vat of coffee grounds—is none other than Jeremy Strong, known for his role as Kendall Roy in Succession. The ad humorously amplifies his reputation as a deeply committed actor, with Strong literally submerging himself in coffee to “find the character.”
Why Jeremy Strong Was Chosen—and How He Pushed the Concept
Jeremy Strong wasn’t just cast—he collaborated creatively. When Ben Affleck first pitched a concept involving a tracksuit rap (a nod to Strong’s Succession rap), Strong declined. Instead, he proposed the now-iconic “bean method” gag: an over-the-top Redemption arc inspired by Apocalypse Now, where he bathes himself in coffee grounds and re-emerges as a theatrical Paul Revere figure.
A Playful Self-Parody
The ad leans into Strong’s “method actor” stereotype—casting him as absurdly earnest and self-serious, only to let him crack the facade with comedic flair. In his own words: he wanted to poke fun at “this idea of me as this sententious, self‑serious actor.”
How the Scene Unfolds
Set during the “Java Jam” framing of Dunkin’s DunKings 2 ad, Ben and Casey Affleck are on a mission—to recruit Jeremy Strong into their Dunkin’ boy-band lineup. Casey reveals Strong is still “preparing,” leading to the discovery of him emerging from a coffee drum, drenched and dramatic. He declares with gusto, “America runneth on Dunkin’!”
Beyond the Coffee Vat: The Full Cast
In addition to Strong, the extended seven-minute version features a star-studded lineup: Bill Belichick (with partner Jordon Hudson), Donnie Wahlberg, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, and comedian Druski. Together with the Affleck brothers, they revive the DunKings in over-the-top, Dunkin’-branded splendor.
Why It Works
This ad hits a sweet spot between high-concept absurdity and self-aware parody. The theatrical staging, coupled with bold pop culture self-satire, makes for a memorable and discussion-worthy campaign. Jeremy Strong’s choice to lean into the joke elevates the ad from commercial spectacle to cultural lightning rod. Plus, it gives Dunkin’ clever distance from Starbucks’ critics—laughing at its own formula while poking fun at over-customized coffee culture.
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In Conclusion
So, who is the actor in the Ben Affleck Dunkin’ commercial? It’s Jeremy Strong—not a new face, but an unexpected one. He’s the one emerging in full coffee-grind immersion, delivering a wildly theatrical take on Boston, patriotism, and the “method” of method acting—all wrapped in the caffeine-fueled package of a Super Bowl ad.
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