Kevin Costner's recent collaboration with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has generated significant buzz, particularly due to its playful jab at Meghan Markle.
The new blend, dubbed the Mountainside Mocha Latte, is a classic chocolatey ready-to-drink mocha inspired by Costner's favorite way to enjoy his coffee. Costner was deeply involved in creating the flavor profile, insisting on just the right amount of chocolate to perfect the blend. "I said I want some chocolate in this thing," he shared, emphasizing his hands-on approach in deciding the exact taste.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters' latest campaign features Costner subtly trolling Meghan Markle by emphasizing themes of authenticity and down-to-earth charm—qualities critics often argue Markle lacks. The campaign's slogans highlight genuine connections and a grounded lifestyle, cleverly leveraging Costner's rugged Everyman image. This contrast with Markle's often criticized pursuit of fame makes the campaign a masterstroke in both marketing and celebrity commentary. Notably, Costner manages to maintain his cool, avoiding any embarrassing promotional videos, unlike some of Markle's recent endeavors.
In stark contrast, Meghan Markle recently faced criticism for starring in a cringeworthy coffee advert. Last year, she appeared in an Instagram advertisement for the instant coffee brand Clever Blends, marking her first on-screen appearance since stepping away from acting to become a royal after her engagement to Prince Harry. In the advert, Markle portrayed an intern working for the brand's CEO, Hannah Mendoza, navigating through the company's office environment.
The ad features Markle typing on a computer while Mendoza describes a nerdy digital team, humorously noting that they lovingly make lattes while listening to Britney Spears. As Mendoza walks through the office, Markle hands her a cup of the brand's coffee, with Mendoza praising the team's resilience and contribution to the company's success. In the 2023 ad, Markle is seen attempting a fist bump with a colleague, holding a phone to her ear, and laughing before disappearing off-screen, underscoring the low-budget production of the ad.
Social media users were quick to mock Markle's latest attempt at a cash grab following her departure from royal duties three years ago. Comments ranged from "Guess this is her doing her own hour a week of work" and "From representing the late Queen to a PR hack" to "How the mighty have fallen, love it." Another user added, "The Duchess of Instagram, what a fall from grace."
Critics shamed Markle for lowering herself, with remarks like, "That's utter embarrassment from royal to soil" and "How the mighty have fallen." Adding to the irony, Markle is not just a face in the ad; she’s also an investor in Clever Blends. Back in 2020, she expressed pride in her investment, stating, "I’m proud to invest in Hannah’s commitment to sourcing ethical ingredients and creating a product that I personally love and has a holistic approach to wellness. I believe in her and I believe in the company."
Costner's campaign with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters stands in sharp contrast to Markle's efforts, highlighting a stark difference in public perception and media reception. While Costner's involvement with the coffee brand emphasizes authenticity and a grounded lifestyle, Markle's advert faced backlash and mockery, showcasing the divergent paths their public personas have taken. Costner's collaboration cleverly plays on these public perceptions, reinforcing his rugged, relatable image while subtly trolling the highly scrutinized Markle, adding a layer of intrigue and wit to the marketing campaign.
