Samuel L. Jackson narrates, while Missy Elliott, Jennie, Anthony Edwards, and others
demonstrate what it means to be an Original.
Created for basketball, adopted by streetwear leaders, and embraced time and time again by every generation, adidas Superstar is an original symbol that has made the transition from sport to culture. After launching the “The Original” campaign earlier this year, adidas returns with a new chapter that highlights the innovative influence of the Superstar model.
Drawing inspiration from the legacy of the iconic silhouette that transcended cultural boundaries, the “Superstar, The Original” campaign pays homage both to the original Superstar and its simplicity, captured in a dramatic black-and-white contrast.
Directed by visionary photographer and filmmaker Thibaut Grevet, whose dreamlike aesthetic has revolutionized imagery in fashion and music, the campaign brings together an unprecedented lineup of cultural leaders who embody what it means to be Originals icons, defining their presence in their fields through innovation and authenticity.
Legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson narrates the film, using his distinctive voice to carry forward the story shaped over time through generations of cultural innovation. The campaign features a multigenerational cast of authentic voices: multi-award-winning composer and producer Missy Elliott, skateboarding legend Mark Gonzales, NBA sensation Anthony Edwards, multi-platinum group GloRilla from Memphis, American singer Teezo Touchdown, global music phenomenon JENNIE, and innovative model and actress Gabbriette.
“Superstar has always been more than just a sneaker – it’s a symbol of originality and a spark for cultural change,” said Annie Barrett, Vice President of Marketing at adidas Originals. “From the street corner to the international stage, it has been worn by those who don’t wait for permission to lead. This campaign is not about looking back – it’s about spotlighting a new generation of Originals who are building what comes next, without hesitation.”
In Romania, “Superstar, The Original” gained a new dimension through the collaboration with Delia, one of the most iconic voices of the local pop culture, who reinterpreted the Originals spirit with authenticity and expressiveness. The artist’s appearance on the cover of ELLE magazine, along with a dedicated photoshoot, marked the beginning of a campaign that went beyond traditional visibility, turning into a platform of inspiration.
Expanded through a strong visual presence in OOH spaces and through co-branded materials in adidas stores, the campaign brings closer to the public the magnetism and symbolic power of Superstar.
“I’m honored to team up with adidas and ELLE Romania. I love mixing fashion with the energy I have on stage and in everyday life, and adidas is exactly about that – freedom, movement, authenticity. The collaboration came naturally because I already have many adidas pieces in my wardrobe, which I wear both on stage and when I work out. I’m excited to be part of this story and can’t wait to share what’s next with you.” – said Delia.
The campaign unfolds in two chapters. The first chapter is “The Pyramids,” a powerful teaser in which Samuel L. Jackson reflects on the enduring monuments of human achievement that stand the test of time – drawing a parallel between these ancient structures and the lasting cultural impact of the Superstar model.
The second chapter: “The Clocks,” a film that brings together the complete cast of the seven cultural personalities featured in the campaign, in a singular and powerful style statement.
At the center of attention is the adidas Superstar silhouette, returning in two classic colorways, alongside the legendary Firebird jacket. Superstar, with its enhanced tongue and inner lining, defined an influential era of creative expression in the late ’90s, becoming the footwear of choice for artists, musicians, and skaters who crossed cultural boundaries. Complementing this silhouette, the Firebird jacket has remained at the heart of cultural attention since 1967, continuously embraced by style creators and musical innovators worldwide.
It only takes one.
Before there can be a thousand.
Superstars are the ones who draw crowds, rather than join them.
