Man of Steel to Feature Major Tie-In With McDonald's

It's a huge day on the set of Man of Steel. Henry Cavill looks over his script in his dazzling Superman costume. Cameramen and lighting grips are in the process of setting everything up for the next scene that will shortly be filmed. But director Zack Snyder is looking around nervously as if something is out of place. As if on cue, a young stagehand rushes in carrying a bag brandished with a familiar yellow pair of golden arches. He pauses to catch his breath as Cavill takes the bag and pulls out a Chipotle BBQ Snack Wrap. Snyder heaves a sigh of relief and resumes his professionalism. He calls “ACTION!” and sets forth the wheels for what will be one of the most ambitious uses of product placement in Hollywood.

“This is something we've really been excited about.” says Charles Roven, one of the producers on the film, wearing a grin not unlike that of a child who's just been given the keys to the biggest toy store. “I think it all began not too long ago when I was watching Iron Man. I noticed a scene in which Tony Stark returns home from the Middle East and demands an American cheeseburger. Sure enough, in the very next scene you see a Burger King bag in his hand as he chows down on the familiar chain's cheeseburgers. Suddenly I found myself hungry for one and was already looking for my car keys!” At this point Roven laughs, as if finally being a part of a joke that's been circulating for years.”It turns out they were closed by the time I got there” he admits with a shrug “but the impact had still been left upon me. And you know what? There was a McDonald's right down the road and they're open 24 hours a day! So as I sat there in the parking lot eating my very affordable and satisfying McDouble, I thought “Hey, why can't we use this in Man of Steel but on a much larger scale?”

“I admit I was a bit skeptical towards the idea of implementing McDonald's into my film” Director Zack Snyder admits while dunking a McNugget into a packet of tangy barbecue sauce. “Then I thought it through a bit. People like Mcdonald's. And people like Superman. When you get down to it, they're actually a natural match.”

“I just like it 'cause I get to eat a lot.” Cavill testifies through a mouth full of french fries.

“But the story really is key, not the product.” Snyder emphasizes while waving the script for Man of Steel. “So once I realized how well McDonald's could actually fit into the origin story of Superman, I felt like we had the potential to add a whole new spin onto an already great story. Oh, and it'll be in 3D.”

Some of the changes in which Snyder refers to include a scene in which a young Clark Kent wakes up later than usual at 10:28 in the morning. We at Culture Shocked got to watch a visually stirring display as Clark races against the clock using his high speed flight ability to make it McDonald's before they remove their breakfast menu at 10:30. Hanz Zimmer's grand thematic music plays as Clark glances at his watch turning to 10:29, pushing himself to go as fast as he can.

“It's a great scene because it works on a lot of levels.” says Christopher Nolan, producer and head of story. “On one hand, it deals with the typical qualities of all origin stories in which we see the main character coming to grips with his powers in relation to their everyday tasks. On the other, it's a great way for audiences to learn about McDonald's amazing breakfast menu. Particularly the delicious Bacon, Egg, and Cheese McGriddle.”

Another scene that DC Entertainment was kind enough to show us was a heart-pounding moment during the climax in which Superman must fly away to square off against General Zod and save Metropolis. Unfortunately Clark had been staying up late the night before and just can't find the energy now to utilize his powers and save the day. It's a moment for the Oscars as Clark doubles over on the ground, exhausted and on the verge of tears at not being able to be the hero his father would have wanted. We at Culture Shocked were on the edges of our seats until Lois Lane runs in prominently brandishing a McCafe Frappe Mocha that McDonald's serves at any time of the day. Upon taking that first sip, Clark immediately finds the energy he needs, and wiping a bit of whipped cream off his upper lip, blasts off towards the climactic final battle; coffee in hand.

“It's a major moment for the film.” Snyder says to us from the side while the scene plays out. “I'm planning a lot of slow motion. More than usual.”

“And we've already got wheels in motion for a potential sequel” Nolan later told us. “We'd like to have Aquaman make an appearance. He could bring Clark a Filet 'O Fish. Or something”

But the film won't be the only one putting their all into getting their partner's name out there. McDonald's fully intends to return the favor this summer with a slew of new menu items based off of Man of Steel. Including a new Big Mac, the Big Mac of Steel; which will feature an extra patty and a red cape of ketchup covering the top bun. (Originally titled Buns of Steel until changed for obvious reasons.) For desserts, plans exist for a new vanilla shake smothered in strawberries at the top, a dessert to resemble Amy Adams' portrayal of Lois Lane. Unfortunately, major plans for Man of Steel Happy Meal toys fell through as it would've coincided with the ever-popular re-release of the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic figurines.

“It's like directing with an all new take on what a film can truly be” Snyder tells us with a triumphant grin as we make our way out of the studio, each with a carton of Chicken McPoppers in hand. “It's like, if I'd known what it could do for the picture I would've done it in the past. Hell, I wish I could've done it with Watchmen. Think about it. A blueberry Dr. Manhatten milkshake. Damn. Talk about a missed opportunity.”

We also got a quick word with screenwriter Dave Goyer, who we asked if the film would feature any of the healthier items from the McDonald's menu as a response to the ongoing concerns about childhood obsesity.

He shook his head and told us “Nobody goes to McDonald's for that sh*t”



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