"Defeat the Darkside" Narrative | The Phantom Menace KFC / Taco Bell / Pizza Hut Campaign

The "Defeat the Dark Side" campaign was a joint advertising effort encompassing three restaurants under Tricon Global-KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell-timed with the release of the 1999 Star Wars prequel, "Episode I: The Phantom Menace." It featured mascots from these brands intertwined in the narrative of the Battle of Naboo. Regrettably, both Tricon Global and Lucasfilm Ltd. deemed the campaign unsuccessful, leading to the end of their partnership for future prequel films.
In 32 BBY, the Battle of Naboo erupted on the planet of Naboo. KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell united to support the fight against the dark side.
Colonel Harland Sanders, a human male who wears spectacles, was born around 97 BBY. Known for his skills with a lightsaber, Sanders is a resilient and determined figure opposed to the dark side. He founded KFC, known for its secret recipe chicken, and fought in the Battle of Naboo alongside Pizza Hut Girl and the Chihuahua.
Alexis, also known as Pizza Hut Girl, is a Human female skilled in slicing, martial arts, and blaster pistols. Before joining Pizza Hut, she worked in various roles, including at Micro-Tech, Inc. and 2-Rock Concert Promotions. At twenty-three, she combined her love for pizza and martial arts, joining Pizza Hut's cause against the dark side alongside Sanders and the Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua, a male chihuahua dog, fought against the dark side during the Battle of Naboo, driven by his love for tacos and a desire for galactic freedom. He also aimed to master the Jedi mind trick, particularly for Taco Bell's tacos.
The "Defeat the Dark Side" campaign featured seven television spots, restaurant toys, a website, and a limited-time sweepstakes game. The sweepstakes involved visiting all three restaurants for a chance to win prizes like a Lincoln Navigator vehicle, one million dollars, or a Star Wars hovercraft speeder, each aligned with different planets as part of the campaign's theme.
The campaign's impact was disappointing, failing to drive significant sales for the three restaurant chains according to Tricon Global's chairman, Andrall Pearson. Lucasfilm Ltd. also considered it unsuccessful, leading to the end of their partnership for future prequel films.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

I think the lightsaber blade of 'Colonel Sanders' would've been golden brown. 🍗

[@finchborat]

Today's the 25th anniversary of Phantom Menace! I remember some of the commercials as a kid.
However, this is the 1st time I've seen the cup commercial.

[@DJPreK]

I like how KFC & Taco bell have their iconic mascots and then Pizza Hut just has some lady

[@SB992REBORN]

PHANTOM MENACE AND STAR WARS IS BACK BABY IN THEATERS!!!!!!!

[@ammosophobia]

I always thought KFC came in a bucket so that you had something to throw up into.

[@R.P.Pyotrsovich]

Yum foods vs. The Trade Federation? I should eat more Pizza hut!

[@CC-dw9ch]

Everything about the promotional stuff was fantastic, pity the movie wasn't.