Elle Fanning, known for her roles in “A Complete Unknown” and “Predator: Badlands,” is stepping into the Super Bowl spotlight with a new Hellmann’s Mayonnaise commercial airing during the 2026 game. With a family legacy tied to football — her grandfather Rick Arrington was a quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1970s — the Super Bowl holds a special place in Fanning’s household, making this opportunity all the more meaningful.
Fanning stars alongside comedian Andy Samberg in a spot that blends humor and an ode to the classic condiment, fittingly embracing the American football celebration. Her participation highlights this year’s focus on creating memorable, entertaining Super Bowl commercials.
The Concept and Setting of the New Hellmann’s Advertisement
The 2026 Hellmann’s commercial returns to the familiar setting of a deli, continuing the brand’s tradition from last year’s ad. While the previous spot cleverly referenced the beloved film “When Harry Met Sally,” this year’s commercial dives into absurd humor. Andy Samberg takes on the persona of “Meal Diamond,” a playful nod to Neil Diamond, performing a comedic song about mayonnaise and sandwiches, with Fanning playing an engaged and captivated customer.
This creative direction aims to capture attention through a mixture of humor and catchy music, echoing Samberg’s long-standing comedic style linked to his Lonely Island days.
Elle Fanning Reflects on the Super Bowl Experience and Her Role
Fanning expressed enthusiasm about being part of the campaign, noting the importance of the Super Bowl as a family event.
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It’s something that, for me, is really like uniting with my family,
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she said.
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It’s something that we’ve always done together and love to talk about, and it really brings us all together in that way. It’s just something that is very special to get to be a part of, and have my face up there this year.
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Discussing the advertisement’s tone, she highlighted the cleverness of last year’s spot, saying,
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Last year’s spot was so clever and so funny, and almost said with a wink, it was very cheeky and just very clever. When Harry Met Sally is such an iconic film, and I felt like that spot was very iconic and super memorable,
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and added,
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With Super Bowl commercials, everyone’s trying to have one that’s going to make a splash and impact and be memorable, and so I feel like this year, I hope we’ll do just the same.
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Why Elle Fanning Seized the Opportunity and Her Personal Mayo Preferences
Choosing to participate in a mayonnaise commercial was an easy decision for Fanning, due to both the fun of the concept and her real fondness for the product. She remarked,
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Mayonnaise can be a controversial topic at times, people either like it or they don’t,
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followed by,
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I love mayonnaise, and I put it on everything, so it was kind of perfect for me.
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She shared a glimpse into the Fanning family’s culinary habits, mentioning their spinach dip recipe made with mayonnaise, alongside its classic use on sandwiches.
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A sandwich would be my last meal,
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she confirmed, hinting at her affection for the condiment’s versatility.
Behind the Scenes: Working with Andy Samberg on Set
Fanning praised the dynamic on set with Andy Samberg, describing their collaboration as joyous and energetic.
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I have to say, it was a really joyous, fun day for me, Andy I’d never met Andy before, and he was so kind,
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she recalled.
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He was, you know, throwing out little ideas… it was very fast paced and I got to be really funny and kind of go big and respond to what he was doing. So I really enjoyed bouncing off of him in that way, and getting to watch him in action, and see his talent in action, was super cool.
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She emphasized the clever integration of the classic tune “Sweet Caroline” into the commercial’s fun atmosphere, stating,
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‘Sweet Caroline’ is a tune that we all know very well, it’s a song that we all love, and for him to kind of incorporate that and have his signature funny lyrics to go along with it and a big backstory, I was just excited to go along and hopefully make a commercial that people are going to laugh at and find memorable, and that’s going to stand out,
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she added.
Andy Samberg’s Playful Tribute and Unilever’s Campaign Vision
Echoing the lighthearted spirit, Samberg described his love for sandwiches, saying,
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I’ve long been known as a great lover of all things sandwich,
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and added humorously,
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One could almost say it’s been my life’s great calling. So, when I was asked to take part in singing the sandwich gospel atop the highest peak of all monoculture, there was but one answer, and that answer was a simple, ‘Yes I will do that with aplomb and joy upon this glorious day and yes please and thank you and all praise to Neil Diamond.
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Jessica Grigoriou, senior vice president of condiments marketing for Unilever North America, highlighted the brand’s long-standing involvement with the Super Bowl, stating,
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The Big Game is a stage for unforgettable moments and iconic performances, and for our sixth year we’re bringing that same energy,
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and added,
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Music, nostalgia and food all have a unique way of creating shared moments and ‘Sweet Sandwich Time’ is a catchy reminder that Hellmann’s can be the star of any sandwich – or any game day celebration.
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Why This Super Bowl Commercial Could Leave a Lasting Impression
With Elle Fanning’s family connection to football, Andy Samberg’s trademark humor, and Hellmann’s continuing to mix nostalgia with quirky creativity, this commercial aims to be both memorable and heartwarming. The combination of famed personalities, catchy music, and relatable themes of food and family support Hellmann’s goal of making the brand synonymous with game day fun. As the Super Bowl remains a cultural highlight full of iconic advertising, this year’s Hellmann’s spot looks poised to capture viewers’ attention and add a new chapter to its celebrated advertising history.
