Ben Stiller Joins Benson Boone for Fun Music Moments in New Super Bowl Ad for ‘Bananas’
Instacart’s ‘Bananas’ Super Bowl Ad Features Ben Stiller and Benson Boone
In a vibrant return to the Super Bowl, Instacart will unveil a musical advertisement titled "Bananas," featuring actors Ben Stiller and Benson Boone as competing disco performers. The 30-second commercial, set to air during the first quarter in the U.S. and the second quarter in Canada on February 8, showcases Instacart’s new Preference Picker feature, which allows users to choose their preferred level of banana ripeness.
Directed by Spike Jonze, this marks his first Super Bowl commercial in over 20 years. Stiller and Boone portray a retro European disco duo whose friendship devolves amid a theatrical performance. The ad unfolds on a stunning 60-foot stage adorned with dazzling orange and green LED lights, with the pair initially harmonizing about selecting the ideal bananas.
As the performance escalates, the playful rivalry intensifies, showcasing soaring vocals and intricate choreography. Boone executes a daring backflip, provoking Stiller to respond with comedic chaos, culminating in him belly-flopping onto a drum kit.
The commercial concludes with the tagline, “Bananas just how you like,” a clever reference to Instacart’s new tool, allowing customers to specify banana ripeness from "Not Ripe" to "Ripe." Stiller shared his initial reaction to the concept, saying, “Honestly, the banana part made me laugh right away. Choosing bananas seemed funny to me. And a song about it seemed ridiculous.”
The chemistry between Stiller and Boone adds to the comedic effect, with Stiller noting the imbalance created by Boone’s youth and talent. Their dynamic was further enhanced by Jonze’s direction, which encouraged a serious approach to their rivalry. "Once we committed to the characters, it was fun to go with that," Stiller explained, highlighting how improvisation shaped the comedic tension throughout the ad.
Boone’s performance also impressed Stiller, who praised his dedication to both the musical and comedic aspects of their routine. Stiller remarked, “He was incredibly open and generous. That made it all so fun.”
The physical comedy in the advertisement was meticulously crafted, with careful choreography to ensure the chaos felt authentic while remaining safe. Stiller noted Jonze’s understanding of physical comedy, emphasizing the importance of making the stunts appear real.
Shot using vintage tube cameras from the 1980s, the ad captures a tactile, analog feel, heightening its retro disco vibe. Stiller appreciated Jonze’s commitment to authenticity, contrasting it with modern digital shooting techniques.
Instacart plans to release a longer director’s cut later, expanding on the characters’ backstory and escalating their rivalry in a more narrative-driven format, while enriching the spectacle.
Fundamentally, "Bananas" reflects Instacart’s attention to detail in catering to consumer preferences. With bananas being the most purchased item on the platform—over 1.8 billion delivered to date and the subject of numerous customer notes—the ad underscores how personal grocery selections can enhance the shopping experience. Stiller expressed his enthusiasm for the Preference Picker feature, sharing his personal view of the ideal banana as “a perfect yellow,” and remarking that treating such specific details seriously often generates comedic gold.
As Instacart prepares to debut its playful storytelling during the Super Bowl, the ad promises a blend of humor and spectacle that aims to resonate with viewers.
