- – Mr. Peanut has underwent a significant evolution over the years. In days of yore, he would basically be shown wearing a top hat, monocle, and spats. He might perhaps tip his top hat at you, but was certainly no action hero; heck, he even carried a cane! Mr. Peanut rather came across as kind of a legume Mr. Monopoly whose image suggested Richie Rich rather than Secret Agent Man. That all has changed, however, in a recent re-imaging that suggests more of The A-Team than the idle rich.
In a recent very manly commercial that plays like an action movie, Mr. Peanut teamed with (-what else?) an almond and a pistachio is shown performing spectacular stunts. Now every good guy combats arch-villains, so we are shown the nutty trio in a near parody of a James Bond pursuit skiing just ahead of an avalanche, hotly pursued by a squirrel! Not to worry, however…the pistachio wheels around and brings weaponry to bear on the squirrel. We are shown a startled look on the squirrel’s face as he realizes that he’s taken on more than he can chew…
Other scenes in the same commercial show the nuts performing a Rocky-style exercise regimen, and Mr. Peanut getting cozy with a female bee…is he going to pollinate? Yes, this is one tough and funky snack mix, merchandised with men in mind…
