Who is in the Ritz commercial?
Uncovering the salty stars behind Ritz Crackers’ Super Bowl spot
(By Carmichael Phillip)
When Ritz Crackers debuted their first-ever Super Bowl commercial during the 2025 broadcast, they did it with style—and salt. The spot, set in the fictional “Ritz Salty Club” in Salt Flats, Utah, features a trio of surprisingly salty personalities. Let’s dive into who’s in that ad, what the setup is, and why it works.
Aubrey Plaza: The Quirky Queen of Deadpan
Aubrey Plaza is the first face you see—and the first “salty” personality in the club. Known for roles like April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation and her dry, sardonic humor, Plaza plays the self-proclaimed “human version of Monday.” She’s perfection in delivering that signature deadpan line, “Heh, I’m the saltiest.” This marks her first public appearance since the tragic passing of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, earlier in 2025.
Michael Shannon: Intense, Ironic, Infuriatingly Dry
Joining Plaza in the Salty Club is Michael Shannon, the intense character actor you’ve seen in Revolutionary Road, The Shape of Water, or Boardwalk Empire. In the commercial, Shannon delivers the deadpan line: “When I smile, people assume it’s a glitch.” It’s such a perfect encapsulation of his on-screen persona that it practically winks at the audience.
Bad Bunny: The Smile Breaker
Enter Bad Bunny—the only smiling member of the Salty Club. As the duo nibbles on Ritz crackers, Bad Bunny pops in, brandishing one while cheerily exclaiming, “I love them!”, flagrantly ignoring the “No Smiles Allowed” rule. His presence contrasts brilliantly with Plaza and Shannon’s bland demeanor, heightening the humor—and the saltiness.
What Makes This Ritz Commercial Effective?
This spot works on multiple levels:
Celebrity Casting with Purpose: Plaza and Shannon are naturally “salty”—Plaza’s deadpan, Shannon’s intense aura. Their contrast with Bad Bunny’s exuberance creates instant comedic tension.
First Super Bowl for Ritz: It’s a milestone. The high-profile ad makes the brand feel culturally relevant and memorable.
Visual & Verbal Comedy: The “No Smiles Allowed” sign, the Salt Flats backdrop, and their exaggerated scowls meld into a cohesive, humorous tone.
Emotional Undercurrent: For viewers in the know, Plaza’s appearance carries added emotional weight—her resilience and humor after a personal tragedy make the ad feel both funny and heartfelt.
A Snapshot of the Cast
Actor Role in Commercial Notable Traits
Aubrey Plaza Self-proclaimed “saltiest” person Deadpan, comedic timing, recent return to screen
Michael Shannon Fellow salty club member Intense presence, ironic deadpan jokes
Bad Bunny Rule-breaking smiley interloper Charisma, contrast, pop culture relevance
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