George Clooney is stepping into the Super Bowl spotlight for the first time with a commercial for Grubhub during Super Bowl 2026 on February 8. The actor’s inaugural Big Game ad, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, reflects both a unique creative vision and a partnership that was important to Clooney.
Clooney stars in this 30-second commercial that embodies Lanthimos’s distinct style, known from his work on films such as Poor Things. This collaboration marks Clooney’s first national campaign during the Super Bowl, blending cinematic flair with a bold marketing message.
A Surreal Dinner Party Highlights Grubhub’s New Fee Policy
The commercial is set inside an opulent castle where a group of elegantly dressed guests enjoys a strikingly theatrical dinner party composed entirely of takeout meals. As tension rises throughout the evening, the arrival of the “fees” course shifts the atmosphere dramatically.
At this moment, Clooney’s character steps forward to communicate Grubhub’s central offer: the company will cover all delivery and service fees on restaurant orders over $50. This promise aims to remove a common frustration experienced by many delivery customers.
The new policy represents a permanent adjustment rather than a temporary promotion. According to the company, fees on orders above $50 average around $13 across various delivery platforms, making this change significant for frequent users of delivery services.
Clooney Praises Lanthimos’s Filmmaking Approach in Commercial Work
Reflecting on the collaboration, Clooney expressed excitement about working with Lanthimos for the first time in this format. He stated,
“When I heard Yorgos Lanthimos was directing his first Super Bowl spot for Grubhub, and they called and asked me to be a part of it, I was thrilled,”
making clear his admiration:
“He’s one of my favorite directors.”
The actor noted that the production process felt similar to shooting one of Lanthimos’s feature films, saying, “Honestly, nothing changed.” He highlighted the director’s consistent use of his trusted cameraman and his precise artistic vision, which shaped the entire shoot within the grand castle setting alongside a talented cast of actors.
Campaign Launches with Broad Marketing Efforts Beyond the Big Game
Clooney described the commercial as
“a very short, two-minute Yorgos Lanthimos film,”
condensed into a spectacle fit for the Super Bowl audience. The ad will air in the third quarter of the game and initiate a wider Grubhub campaign. This campaign includes outdoor advertisements, digital promotions, and special restaurant deals during Super Bowl week and ensuing weeks.
Grubhub CEO Howard Migdal emphasized that this campaign signals a new approach to delivery pricing and aims to alleviate the financial burden on customers. He commented,
“For too long, ordering delivery has come with sticker shock,”
adding the company’s goal is to return
“hundreds of millions of dollars back into customers’ pockets.”
Focusing on Simplicity: Clooney’s Hope for Viewers
As the campaign unfolds, Clooney expressed his hope for what will remain in the minds of viewers after the spectacle ends. His response was simple and understated: “A meal delivered.” Through this message, the commercial underscores Grubhub’s promise to provide a seamless dining experience while easing cost concerns for users.
