Andy Richter Rules Rome: How Avocados From Mexico Conquered the Super Bowl with Caesar and Guac

The Super Bowl isn’t just America’s biggest sporting event; it’s a colossal stage for advertisers, where brands vie for attention with elaborate, star-studded, and often hilarious commercials. Among the perennial favorites, Avocados From Mexico has consistently delivered memorable spots, and their entry for Super Bowl LVI was no exception. This year, they brought history and humor together, casting the beloved comedian Andy Richter as none other than Julius Caesar, proving that even the most stoic figures can be won over by a little guacamole. Richter, with his signature comedic timing, delivered a line that resonated with viewers: “Even salads are delicious with a little bit of guac.” This simple declaration not only sealed the deal for his Roman subjects but also cemented Avocados From Mexico’s place in the pantheon of Super Bowl advertising legends.

The commercial opens on a scene designed to capture the essence of a modern-day tailgate, albeit set in ancient Rome. A Roman citizen laments, “This is officially the worst tailgate I’ve ever been to,” perfectly setting the tone for the impending comedic chaos. The setting is a coliseum, teeming with spectators awaiting a grand game—perhaps the Gladiators versus the Lions. The initial atmosphere is one of despondency, punctuated by a barbarian engaging in a rather un-Roman, yet utterly relatable, act: putting himself through a plastic folding table. This visual gag, reminiscent of viral clips featuring fervent sports fans, immediately grounds the historical parody in contemporary humor. However, the mood quickly shifts when the barbarians unveil their secret weapon: Avocados From Mexico. Suddenly, rivalries dissolve, and everyone finds common ground in the universal appeal of fresh guacamole. It’s at this pivotal moment that Andy Richter, in full imperial regalia as Julius Caesar, makes his grand entrance, changing the dynamic from despair to delight.

Caesar, played with delightful earnestness by Richter, surveys the scene and offers a surprisingly enthusiastic endorsement: “You know, they also taste great on salads.” This line elicits a collective groan from his subjects, who are clearly accustomed to their emperor’s culinary preferences. “Yeah, Caesar, we get it. You love—” one citizen begins, only to be cut off by a gleeful Caesar proclaiming, “I love salads!” This playful self-awareness and the unexpected passion for a seemingly mundane dish are what make Richter’s portrayal so endearing. The extended version of the commercial offers an extra layer of humor, with Andy Richter delivering one more self-deprecating line – “If that’s all I’m known for, I’ll be happy” – while also expanding on the comical rivalry between the barbarians and the Spartans. The commercial effectively highlights Avocados From Mexico’s ability to bring people together, transcending historical conflicts and uniting them over a shared love for delicious, fresh avocados.

Andy Richter was, without a doubt, a perfect fit for this particular Super Bowl spot. The teasers leading up to the main event showcased Richter’s comedic genius, as he convinced himself he was indeed the right man for the “role of a lifetime” – Julius Caesar. The full advertisement, strategically scheduled to play in the first quarter of the Super Bowl LVI, marked Avocados From Mexico’s seventh appearance in America’s biggest game, solidifying their reputation for innovative and memorable campaigns. In the brief, witty ad, Richter can be seen giving himself an on-set pep talk, all while enjoying a bowl of guacamole. This meta-commentary on the acting process, combined with his genuine enjoyment of the product, added another layer of authenticity and humor to the overall message. It’s a testament to Richter’s charm that he can make an ancient Roman emperor so relatable and passionate about a modern-day snack.

A specific clip, which Andy Richter himself shared on Twitter, further revealed the comedian’s delightful internal struggle. Despite being outfitted in impressive gold armor, a flowing red cape, and a regal crown, Richter’s Caesar expresses genuine self-doubt. “I’m not even Italian,” he frets, a humorous nod to the historical accuracy of his casting. However, his gaze falls upon the vibrant guacamole before him, and he finds renewed purpose and confidence. He then comically reflects on the support network that brought him to this moment, conjuring images of his agent, his therapist, and everyone else who championed his decision to embody Caesar. He concludes his internal monologue on a positive and typically Richter-esque note, albeit with a forward-thinking question: “I wonder if I can keep this breastplate?” This brief, behind-the-scenes glimpse into Caesar’s psyche adds depth to the character and showcases Richter’s ability to infuse even commercial roles with his unique brand of humor and self-awareness.

As Super Bowl Sunday approached on February 13th, the advertising industry was in full swing, releasing a vibrant array of teasers to generate buzz. The competition for eyeballs is fierce, with brands investing millions in these coveted 30-second slots. Avocados From Mexico’s campaign, anchored by Andy Richter, was part of a larger tapestry of creative and star-studded advertisements. We caught glimpses of some truly elaborate ads, each vying for a share of the cultural conversation. Guy Fieri, for instance, embraced his iconic “Mayor of Flavortown” persona for Bud Light Seltzer Hard Soda, promising a flavorful explosion that only he could deliver. The beloved comedic duo Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd reunited for Lay’s, reliving the “buddy comedy” of a lifetime with their undeniable chemistry. And for BMW, Arnold Schwarzenegger took on his own “role of a lifetime” as Zeus, alongside Salma Hayek as Hera, bringing mythological grandeur to the automotive brand. These diverse campaigns collectively highlighted the creativity and sheer star power that Super Bowl advertising commands.

While the main event saw the Los Angeles Rams face off against the Cincinnati Bengals, many would argue that the true spectacle unfolds during the half-time show. This year, an unprecedented lineup of musical titans was set to grace the stage: Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem. This “dream team” of hip-hop and R&B legends promised a performance for the ages. A dramatic half-time show teaser, expertly produced by Pepsi, amplified the anticipation to a fever pitch. The teaser depicted Eminem engaged in an intense rap battle with a younger version of himself, a powerful visual metaphor for his enduring legacy. Meanwhile, Mary J. Blige exuded elegance and power, looking “paid and pretty” in a luxurious sports car and a lavish fur coat. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg also made their impactful appearances, hinting at the epic collaboration to come. Whatever the full event on February 13th ultimately revealed, these teasers successfully elevated the excitement and solidified the Super Bowl as a premier platform not just for sports and advertising, but for world-class entertainment as well.

The Avocados From Mexico commercial featuring Andy Richter as Julius Caesar stands as a prime example of successful Super Bowl advertising. It blended historical parody with contemporary humor, utilized a beloved celebrity, and effectively communicated a simple, positive message about its product: Avocados From Mexico brings joy and unity, even in the most unlikely settings. Richter’s understated yet hilarious performance, combined with the brand’s consistent presence and clever storytelling, ensured that this ad was not just seen but remembered. It underscores the Super Bowl’s unique ability to transform a 30-second slot into a cultural moment, where brand narratives, celebrity endorsements, and pure entertainment converge to create an unforgettable experience for millions.