The “Michael” biopic may have been out for weeks now, but brands around the world are still jumping on the bandwagon and doing it without any official partnership with the movie.
After IKEA France cleverly referenced Michael Jackson last month in a viral campaign, more major companies are now joining the fun with tributes inspired by the King of Pop.
First up, McDonald’s Malaysia posted an ad featuring fries recreating Michael Jackson’s iconic toe stand pose. The caption read: “Smooth je bila dapat layan Fries Mekdi”, which roughly translates to: “Everything feels smooth when enjoying McD fries.” The post exploded online, earning more than 57,000 likes and plenty of amused reactions from fans.
Then came IHOP Mexico with a brilliantly designed pancake tower leaning like Michael Jackson in Smooth Criminal, complete with a fedora sitting on top. Their caption said: “Nada tan Smoooooth como el syrup cayendo sobre nuestra Pancake Tower”, translated in English as: “Nothing is as smooth as syrup pouring over our Pancake Tower.”
BIC Brazil also joined the trend with a clever, minimalist tribute. The pen brand posted an illustration of Michael Jackson’s iconic toe pose drawn with a BIC pen placed beside it, alongside the caption: “Time passes, trends change, but some classics keep writing history. BIC Cristal is like that too. Which song never leaves your playlist?”
Meanwhile, JSV Hyundai in India added its own cinematic spin by posting a video of a performer dressed as Michael Jackson moonwalking toward a car. The caption read: “Some legacies begin with a moment. The rest is how you keep them alive. For 30 years, Hyundai has kept that legacy in motion.”
Masafi Water in Dubai also joined the wave with a striking visual tribute featuring Michael Jackson performing his iconic toe stand while reaching for a bottle of Masafi water, wearing his signature glove. The caption read: “Iconic then. Iconic now. Michael Jackson. Masafi. Some things never change.”
Even Vaseline in the United States joined the trend with a clever nod to Michael Jackson’s legendary style. The brand posted an image of a sparkling Michael Jackson-style glove holding a tube of Vaseline Healing Jelly alongside the caption: “Dry skin? Beat it. Real icons evolve, glow and keep the world talking. Try our Vaseline Healing Jelly, now in a TUBE.” It was another smart mix of pop culture and product marketing, proving once again how instantly recognizable Michael Jackson’s imagery remains around the world.
Kyochon Chicken, the first international Korean fried chicken chain, also joined in with a playful tribute. The brand posted an image of fried chicken topped with a white fedora inspired by the Smooth Criminal look, posed in the iconic lean position. The caption read: “Some moves never go out of style.”
POS Malaysia, the country’s postal service, also joined the growing list of brands referencing Michael Jackson. The company shared a post inspired by his signature style alongside the caption: “Smooth moves all the way, so your day keeps going without missing a beat.” Another example of how brands continue to associate Michael Jackson’s iconic image with timeless coolness and universal recognition.
IKEA Kuwait also joined the tribute trend with a subtle but instantly recognizable Michael Jackson reference. The brand posted a picture of a coat stand holding a Billie Jean-style jacket and a black fedora, with the text: “This one is for the fans” displayed on the image. The caption added: “You’ve been hit by… a smooth coat stand.” A clever play on Smooth Criminal that once again proves how deeply Michael Jackson’s imagery and lyrics remain embedded in global pop culture.
What makes all of this particularly interesting is that none of these brands are officially connected to the “Michael” movie. They are not promotional partners, and these posts are entirely independent tributes created by social media teams who clearly understand one thing: Michael Jackson still sells.
And honestly, this should not surprise anyone. Michael Jackson remains one of the most recognisable and beloved entertainers on the planet. Even decades after his peak, brands know that referencing him instantly connects with audiences across generations and cultures.
It also makes you wonder whether some companies that refused or were too nervous to officially partner with the “Michael” biopic are now regretting that decision. The public excitement is obviously there, and brands are tapping into it anyway. (Check our article on this matter: “Michael” Deserved a Merch Moment! So Where Was It?)
Nevertheless, these ads are fun, harmless tributes that once again prove how deeply Michael Jackson remains embedded in popular culture. From fries doing the toe stand to pancakes pulling a Smooth Criminal lean, the King of Pop continues to inspire creativity everywhere.
Now excuse me while I go get pancakes instead of paying ridiculous prices for smashed avocado at one of those Dan Reed-approved white middle-class “we-know-better” restaurants.
GOD BLESS
He will b missed a child of GOD….with love