When it comes down to it, promotional partnerships are a big part of blockbuster moviemaking. From retail toys to themed soda cans, opportunities to make money from superhero film franchises rarely end on the big screen. Some films lean into product placement more than others - as some promotional partners are easier to include in a movie or TV show than others. As a result, it came as somewhat of a surprise when, a few weeks back, a new sponsored trailer from Turkish Airlines revealed a new glimpse of Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman in flight… on an airplane.
Now, as part of Batman V Superman’s Super Bowl marketing offerings, Turkish Airlines is back with another intriguing set of TV spots that promote Dawn of Justice via fake travel advertisements for Metropolis and Gotham City - hosted by Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne respectively.
Check out the Turkish Airlines Super Bowl ads below:
It remains unclear whether Warner Bros. will be unveiling the final trailer for Batman V Superman during Super Bowl 50 (even if it is only released online); however, it is possible the studio is instead allowing Turkish Airlines to serve-up buzz-worthy and cheesy (in a fun way) ads that, unlike a straightforward trailer, might be able to compete alongside the likes of Coke, Pepsi, and Budweiser, as some of the more-talked about ads from the game. That is to say, knowing that Marvel and other studios were going to unleash new movie trailers for Captain America: Civil War (watch the Captain America 3 Super Bowl trailer), among others, Warner Bros. elected to do something a little different.
Whether or not fans get a new Batman V Superman trailer on game day, there’s still a lot for DC readers to enjoy in the Turkish Airlines ads. Cameo appearances from Ben Affleck and Bruce Wayne and Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor add a bit to the Dawn of Justice backstory - which asserts that both billionaires have donated to Metropolis and Gotham City recovery efforts. However, while the actors and their characters might seem like the most exciting aspect of the commercials, comic book fans are also treated to a number of iconic locales in each city - including Ace Chemicals, the Daily Planet, Gotham Opera House, the new Bowery, and Metropolis Museum of Modern Art.
At this time, it’s unclear whether the footage of each location that is shown will be included in Batman V Superman - as well as whether the locales each play a role in Dawn of Justice. Still, either way, the ads are a fun way to lay even more backstory down ahead of the film’s March release - all without spoiling major plot beats or moments (a major criticism of the most recent round of marketing).
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice will hit theaters on March 25th, 2016, followed by Suicide Squad on August 5th, 2016, Wonder Woman on June 23rd, 2017, Justice League on November 17th, 2017, The Flash on March 23rd, 2018, Aquaman on July 27th, 2018, Shazam on April 5th, 2019, Justice League 2 on June 14th, 2019, Cyborg on April 3rd, 2020, and Green Lantern Corps on June 19th, 2020.
