Sydney Sweeney’s name has been all over headlines lately following the heated debate sparked by her American Eagle Ad.
If industry chatter is anything to go by, the 27-year-old actress could land a blockbuster endorsement deal worth up to $10 million.
If the deal comes through, she will be helping Bud Light recover from one of the biggest marketing misfires in recent years.
Bud Light Suffers Setback After Dylan Mulvaney Backlash
Following the infamous April 2023 partnership with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney, Bud Light’s reputation took a historic hit.
The ad, which showed Mulvaney dressed as Audrey Hepburn’s "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" character to mark “day 365 of womanhood,” triggered a nationwide boycott, a $1.4 billion sales loss, and a 15.3% revenue drop.
Attempts to repair the brand with celebrity cameos from Peyton Manning, Emmitt Smith, and Post Malone yielded only modest results, recovering just 1.2% of lost market share between May 2023 and February 2024.
Brand executives have acknowledged the slow rebound, with Anheuser-Busch CEO Michel Doukeris admitting, “It’s not at the fast pace that we were expecting,” though he insisted “progress is in place.”
Why Sydney Sweeney Is A Compelling Candidate
Marketing strategist Christopher Chatham of Manatt says Sweeney’s recent track record makes her an obvious choice to help
“Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign delivered undeniable commercial impact—denim sales surged and the brand’s stock climbed,” Chatham explained in a chat with the Daily Mail.
He stressed that her influence "makes her a compelling candidate for Bud Light, especially as the brand considers options in responding to past criticism."
Chatam noted that beer brands look for “reach, resilience, and relevance,” all of which Sweeney provides, adding that a Bud Light deal could “approach or potentially reach the seven-figure range.”
Fox News contributor Jimmy Failla even wrote an op-ed urging Bud Light to hire Sweeney “immediately,” calling her “everything your brand needs to get back on its feet.”
Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Moment Sparked Political And Viral Buzz
Sweeney's American Eagle campaign, cheekily titled "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," coincided with a 23% spike in the retailer’s stock.
However, the ad also stirred controversy, with critics alleging that the pun on “great genes” was racially coded and hinted at eugenics, a claim both Sweeney and the brand dismissed.
American Eagle clarified on social media, “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story.”
They added, "We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone."
Sweeney herself defended the shoot, saying the brand made her feel "confident and comfortable" in her own skin.
The political undertones didn’t end there.
Former President Donald Trump publicly defended her, praising her as a “registered Republican” with the “HOTTEST ad out there.”
The PR Power Of Sydney Sweeney For Bud Light
For Bud Light, still haunted by the Mulvaney backlash, Sweeney represents more than a celebrity endorsement.
She is also a chance to reposition the brand with a cultural figure who connects with conservative and mainstream audiences alike.
As Chatham pointed out, beer companies pay for someone who can “deliver relevance” after public criticism, and Sweeney’s American Eagle results prove her influence extends beyond Hollywood.
Her potential involvement would also fit into a growing trend of celebrity-driven reputational recoveries, such as Gwyneth Paltrow’s surprising campaign with tech company Astronomer.
That brand faced its own viral scandal when its now former CEO Andy Byron and Head of People Kristin Cabot were caught in a romantic moment during a Coldplay concert.
Chatham called the Paltrow partnership “a masterclass in reputational recovery—clever, unexpected, and culturally resonant.”
What’s Next For Sweeney And Bud Light?
So far, no official deal has been confirmed, but the buzz is undeniable.
If negotiations move forward, Sydney Sweeney could secure one of the most lucrative endorsement contracts of her career, potentially pocketing up to $10 million.
For Bud Light, signing Sweeney would be more than a sales tactic. It would be a symbolic reset after a year of turbulent public relations.
Whether she’s toasting with a frosty pint in a nationwide ad or simply lending her image to the brand, the move could help reverse years of declining consumer trust.
As of now, both Sweeney and Anheuser-Busch remain silent on the speculation, though one must note that in the world of celebrity branding, silence often speaks volumes.
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