Chris Pratt re-teamed with his Marvel Cinematic Universe co-star Chris Hemsworth for a Super Bowl ad for Ray-Ban Meta glasses. The playful ad, directed by Matthew Vaughn (The Kingsman) places the two Chrises in a museum where they take advantage of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses’ real-time AI features. The ad (below) also features Kris Jenner, who pops in near the end.
The Ray-Ban Meta product is the latest attempt to take smart-glasses mainstream by making the wearable tech less intrusive-seeming and more stylish (it’s available in three different frames, including the iconic Wayfarer). In addition to recording video, like previous tech-glasses iterations, the Meta product adds AI functionality so the wearer can access real-time features — such as answering questions, identifying objects and translating text.
The Hollywood Reporter asked Pratt about the ad, the glasses, and being confused with other famous Chrises by fans. The actor will next be seen in the Netflix sci-fi action comedy The Electric State, from Avengers: Endgame directors The Russo Brothers.
Of all the Chrises, which Chris do you get most confused with?
People call me Chris Pine or Chris Evans all the time. It happens enough that I’ve stopped correcting them. I’ve never been mistaken for Hemsworth I don’t think. Which is weird because we both have the exact same sized biceps.
Whose idea was it to have two Chrises on this spot, and who said yes first?
Hemsworth and I have known each other for a long time and have loved working together in the Marvel universe. We’ve done a few projects together at this point, so I’m always down to take on a new, creative challenge with an old friend! This creative project with Meta has been a cool change of pace, especially for an epic moment like the Super Bowl. Plus, Kris Jenner is an icon, so it was a ton of fun riffing together and playing with the AI tech in the Ray-Ban Meta glasses.
Would you actually wear these glasses in real life and, if so, what would you most likely use them for?
Yes! I was given a pair to prep for the commercial. You know, an actor prepares. And I’m happy to report they’re so freaking awesome! What’s amazing about them is when you use the glasses to take a video and you play it back later, it has legitimately captured the exact memory of the moment you recorded. The sound, the POV. It’s perfect. It’s wild! Where as if you record a cool moment on your phone, it kind of takes you out for the moment, right? You’re not watching the concert, or the fireworks, or looking at your kids or whatever — you’re looking at your phone. With Ray-Ban Meta glasses you can capture the precious moments without ruining them by holding up your phone. Especially with young kids who don’t realize you’re filming them with the glasses. You watch the video back and they’re looking you right in the eyes and laughing or saying something cute or singing happy birthday or whatever. Not to mention it’s really fun to play with the AI features and ask Meta how tall certain mountains are or what the name of certain buildings are and all that. I really think these glasses are gonna change the game in a major way.
Landing a Super Bowl commercial is a coup for many actors. Do you have a favorite Super Bowl commercial of all time?
Oh! Talking baby. Or whatsuuuup!!! I mean, I also love a reunion. I think we’re seeing that in many ads because people love nostalgia and reminiscing about their favorite show or movie — it gives a different dynamic to a brand story. I love seeing nods to my favorite movies and shows — but I’m excited for people to watch what we were able to create. We had a great time bringing it to life, and I must say I really did learn a lot about art and also not to mess with Kris Jenner.
