McDonald’s has cooked up a new pop culture-inspired meal menu that’s going to leave a lot of adults very happy. We’re talking Happy Meal-levels happy, depending on how big of a pop culture geek you are. On August 14, the new McDonald’s ‘As Featured In Meal’ will launch in 100 countries, including the UAE.
This limited-edition menu will be packed with McD dishes that have appeared on screen as a celebration of the Golden Arches’ contribution to movies, anime series, sitcoms, music videos and even a book by Stephen Hawking! Starting from AED 35, the As Featured in Meal is available at participating dine-in outlets, drive-thrus and McDonald’s app across UAE.
What items are in the McDonald’s As Featured In Meal?
You can choose between a Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Fillet-O-Fish Sandwich, or a 9-piece Chicken McNugget for the mains. A large World Famous Fries, a McFlurry Oreo and a large soft drink accompany as sides. While that sounds like a run-of-the-mill McDonald’s order, it’s special because these foods have been part of iconic pop culture moments.
As you chow down, relive all your favourite fictional characters relishing your go-to junk food binges on a random Tuesday. From Shahrukh Khan casually munching a burger as his women’s hockey team beats up eve-teasers in the Bollywood film Chak De India!, to Michael Scott’s love for Fillet-O-Fish in The Office. Even how a shared love for McFlurries ridiculously saves Jack Donaghy’s romance in 30 Rock. At least that’s the idea behind the campaign.
The menu is inspired by a total of 23 pop culture moments
However, it’s the list of art and culture inspirations printed on special brown paper bags, cups and fries boxes that really drives home the concept. That and a special Loki Season 2 Sweet ‘N Sour Sauce thrown into the bags as a nod to the fast food chain’s appearance in the upcoming Marvel TV series. Maybe the Norse God of Mischief too needs his fill of chicky nuggies?
But the campaign pays homage beyond mainstream hits, including Neo-noir Hong Kong film Fallen Angels and Anime series The Devil is a Part-timer. Plus, the futuristic floating McDonald’s drive-thru for flying cars in the sci-fi flick The Fifth Element. Even our imagined high-tech worlds are hard to imagine without Mickey D’s. Fries before WiFi and all that.
The As Featured In Meal unlocks special merch and Loki teasers
It’s no flying cars (or a Happy Meal toy) but the As Featured In Meal deal features some cool tech. Marvel Universe fans will get a sneak peek of the soon-to-release Loki Season 2 via AR experiences on Snapchat. Just scan the Sweet N’ Sour Sauce lid and animated videos inspired by the series will pop up.
Additionally, scanning the QR code on the paper bag links you to exclusive merch McDonald’s has created with London-based streetwear brand PALACE. Your takeaway from that? Binning your food containers right away is a large McSteak, err mistake.