NBA superstars Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony humorously reveal their inner feelings as they feature in Disney and Pixar’s new “Inside Out 2” spots.
The two 30-second commercials started airing during the NBA Countdown and Eastern Conference Finals on May 21.
Created with the collaborative efforts of Disney and ESPN, the ads showcase Wade and Anthony's famous friendship, giving us a look inside their heads.
Using Friendship, Nostalgia, and Humor
The premise of the commercial is simple, the two Olympic athletes are watching a game when one is suddenly reminded of something, which then triggers specific emotions, bringing them into the animated film’s world.
In one version, the former Miami Heat shooting guard recalled a 2004 game, and Anthony was quick to point out that Wade missed a lot of three-point shots that time.
Going inside D-Wade's head, he is revealed to be angrily venting out his frustrations while Melo is embarrassed as he watches his friend’s antics.
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In the second spot, it's the former Los Angeles Lakers forward’s turn to feel anger after seeing Wade’s three championship rings as he is offered a plate of onion rings.
What makes the promotional spots entertaining, especially to NBA fans, is that they made effective use of the basketball stars’ chemistry to evoke nostalgia and laughter.
Promotions for “Inside Out 2” began in November with the release of a teaser trailer that introduces Anxiety, a new emotion and character.
The highly anticipated sequel to the 2015 blockbuster will hit theaters on June 14.
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