Coca-Cola Christmas advert viewers left fuming as Santa is replaced in huge change to iconic 90s film
Watch the controversial advert here
COCA-COLA has left viewers fuming after releasing a new advert for Christmas.
The drinks giant has finally released the highly anticipated film, but those who have seen it are agog after spotting that Santa has been replaced.
In fact, all humans have been ditched as the 15-second clip has been made entirely with AI.
“They appear to have eliminated Santa from the adverts” said one person on X.
The advert, which is soundtracked by the recognisable “Holidays are Coming” jingle, shows a convoy of beloved Coca-Cola trucks going through a small town.
Polar bears and people watch its arrival – none of them real.
The truck stops and a door opens – a hand reaches out with a bottle of Coke Zero, thought to be Santa, though AI-generated.
Computer-generated people raise there bottles of Coke Zero to the Coca-Cola trucks as they ride by.
A birds-eye view of a festive town decorated with a giant Christmas tree ends the advert and the Coca Cola logo flashes on screen.
It is the first time Coca-Cola – which is widely credited for popularising the image of Santa we know today – has used AI in its Christmas advert,
It’s a stark contrast to the original advert we’ve become familiar with over the years and which first aired in 1995.
Real 40ft trucks were used in the original film, weighing two tonnes each and covered with 30,000 light bulbs, according to the drinks giant.
Watch the Cola-Cola advert featuring real actors below.
Viewers have taken to social media to share their anger and disappointment at the decision to use AI in this year’s campaign.
An angry customer said: “The new Coke Christmas advert being made entirely by AI isn’t very Christmassy.”
Another added: “Anyone noticed the new holidays are coming cokeacola [sic] advert is made with AI…. I’m fuming!?
“And it looks utter s*** not even like… good AI?? surely it’s a hoax or a prank or they’re tryna prove something. If not I am outraged!”
A third cried: “Every year we always wait to see “Holidays Are Coming” Coca‑Cola Christmas advert that’s been playing since 1995.
“It’s a classic and so nostalgic! I read on their website, they’ve given it an AI reinterpretation. Why must AI ruin all media?”
While a fourth added: “Coca Cola remade its most iconic line of holiday commercials into AI.
“I used to love seeing these ads every year I’m sorry , Grinch, take it away.”
A Coca-Cola spokesman told : “Coca-Cola’s exciting venture into AI-generated storytelling demonstrates Coca-Cola’s commitment to embracing innovation, leveraging our collaborations with top creative and technology partners, while staying true to its core values: spreading happiness and creating real magic!”
Past Coca-Cola adverts
The firm’s iconic red truck first appeared on screens in 1995, with the catchy “Holidays are Coming” song soon becoming associated with the run-up to Christmas.
Variations of the same advert, which end with Santa on the back of a truck taking a swig from a Coca-Cola bottle, have been aired ever-since.
But in 2020, it decided to mix things up and the ad left viewers in tears and was named best festive ad of the year.
The TV spot showed one dad’s epic journey to deliver a Christmas letter to his daughter.
It was made by Oscar nominated director Taika Waititi, who is behind films like Marvel’s Thor Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit.
The heartfelt ad aired as the country was affected by on again, off again coronavirus lockdowns which kept many families separated for long periods of time.
Is the Coca-Cola Christmas truck touring in 2024?
The broadcast of the classic truck advert coincides with the launch of Coca Cola’s annual Christmas truck tour which sees the HGV visit cities across the country.
The Christmas truck has been popular with families since it launched and is free to attend.
The 2024 tour promises to be “bigger and better than ever” and will be set in a magical winter wonderland.
Visitors will be able to take part in festive games and a lucky dip which will give them the chance to win exclusive Coca-Cola merchandise.
A food truck will serve up seasonal food and ice-cold Coca-Cola Zero Sugar drinks.
Meanwhile, a canopy of twinkling lights will help you to capture the perfect winter selfie in front of the iconic red truck.
The exact schedule for the tour has not yet been published but announcements will be made on the @CocaColaGBI Instagram account and @CocaCola_GB X page.
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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