Macca’s Unites Iconic Characters for Summer 'Squad Down Under' Campaign

Some things are inevitable during summer: sunshine, beaches, time with family, and (at some stage or another!), getting in the car with mates for a cheeky Macca’s run. To celebrate this summer’s road trip season, Macca’s is bringing the feel-good vibes, with the launch of the new “Squad Down Under” campaign via DDB Sydney and bundle-for-four meal.

Building on the brand’s 24/25 summer platform, “Macca’s run?”, the ad features four iconic McDonaldland characters getting together one summer arvo for an epic Macca’s run.

The 60, 30, 15 and six-second spots will run across TV and online video, along with supporting social and in-restaurant communications, promoting a new limited time only ‘Squad Down Under Bundle for 4’ meal, which features two McOz burgers, two classic burgers, four medium Vegemite Shaker Fries, four medium drinks and a bonus bucket hat with every purchase.

Set to the iconic Run DMC track ‘It’s Like That’, the ads mirror the behaviour of a group of Aussie mates, who arrange a Macca’s run via a group chat thread and cruise on down to their local Macca’s restaurant. But unlike a regular group, it just so happens to be Birdie, Hamburglar, Office Big Mac and Grimace.

McDonald’s marketing director, Amanda Nakad says, “There’s so much love and nostalgia out there for the OG McDonaldland characters. This campaign taps into that love and includes an exciting meal that groups of friends can enjoy together this summer. Plus, it includes a bonus bucket hat – what’s not to love?”

DDB Sydney chief creative officer, Matt Chandler, said, “We had a lot of fun making this, with a pretty awesome squad of people who brought it all to life. And who knew Grimace could hoop?!”

The campaign will run until February 11, alongside the ‘Macca’s run?’ summer phase two campaign.