Coca-Cola bottles turn into iconic Star Wars lightsabers in a new ad

Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Grogu and The Mandalorian are coming to supermarkets near you thanks to Coca-Cola and Star Wars’ global marketing campaign titled ‘Coca‑Cola x Star Wars: Refresh Your Galaxy’.

In Coca-Cola's latest ad film, a theatre bursts with multi-generational Star Wars fans, all decked out in incredible cosplay for a special screening. But when a technical glitch threatens to spoil the fun, classic Coke bottles magically morph into iconic lightsabers. What follows is a thrilling, force-fueled battle scene packed with delightful Easter eggs and beloved character cameos, ultimately saving the day. The ad beautifully captures the electrifying fun and camaraderie of shared fandom.

The force will be with you starting July 1, 2025, when special-edition collectable Coke and Coke Zero cans and bottles will hit select markets across North America, Latin America, Europe, Japan and the South Pacific region for the “international, multi-generational community of fans”, as per Coca-Cola.

In an innovative display of fandom engagement advertising, these limited edition cans and bottles will have collectable packaging featuring 30 iconic Star Wars characters.

The original Coca-Cola packaging will feature Lando Calrissian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Queen Amidala, Kylo Ren, Ahsoka Tano, Darth Maul, K-2SO, Boba Fett, Poe Dameron, The Mandalorian, Cassian Andor, General Grievous and Emperor Palpatine.

Whereas gracing Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar will be Darth Vader, Yoda, Princess Leia, Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Han Solo, BB-8, C-3PO, R2-D2, Finn, Rey, Grogu and Imperial Stormtrooper.

Some more exclusive designs featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, First Order Stormtrooper, and Chewbacca will be available only at Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort.

The limited-edition packaging is special not only for its collectable value but also for the scannable QR codes that come with it. Fans can scan the QR codes on these bottles, cans or Coca-Cola’s out-of-home (OOH) advertising to unlock an immersive Augmented Reality (AR) experience that will allow them to send holographic messages to the Star Wars community.

“You can be just like Princess Leia and send your own holo messages to friends, loved ones ... and maybe even retired generals-turned-Jedi hermits!” reads the Star Wars website.

The Star Wars franchise is owned by The Walt Disney Company and the House of Mouse goes way back with The Coca‑Cola Company; 70 years to be precise. Ever since the first Disneyland opened its doors in California in 1955, Coca-Cola has been associated with the brand.

Star Wars was created by American filmmaker George Lucas in 1977. He owned it through Lucasfilm until Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion in 2012. Since then, the franchise's total revenue under Disney, including films, TV, merchandise, and theme parks, is estimated to be over $12 billion.

"For generations, Coca‑Cola and Disney have shared a commitment to creating moments of joy and human connection,” said Islam ElDessouky, Global Vice President, Creative Strategy & Content, The Coca‑Cola Company, at the launch event. “This collaboration is about more than just bringing together two iconic brands — it's about celebrating the power of Star Wars fandom, shared passions and the strength of community when we lift each other up”, he added.

Mindy Hamilton, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships, The Walt Disney Company, also commented on the collaboration saying, “A cornerstone of Disney's collaboration with Coca‑Cola continues to be creating campaigns in honour of fans”. "Star Wars is a powerful cultural force around the world, with millions of fans across generations who carry these stories off the screen and into their lives. This custom campaign is for them and inspired by them".

Coca-Cola and Disney have launched several innovative co-branded initiatives, notably, their Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge collaboration in 2019 introduced unique spherical "orb" bottles. Last year also saw the release of the Coca-Cola x Marvel: The Heroes collection, a similar and arguably more engaging campaign featuring over 30 Marvel characters on bottles and cans.