Samuel L. Jackson Narrates as Missy Elliott, JENNIE, Anthony Edwards and More Define What Makes an Original
Created for basketball, adopted by the pioneers of streetwear, championed again and again by each generation, the Superstar is the original icon that made a journey from sports to culture. Having launched "The Original" campaign earlier this year, the brand with the Three Stripes returns to present the next iteration of its new global platform: shining a light on the trailblazing influence of the Superstar.
Drawing on the iconic silhouette’s legacy of transcending cultural spaces, “Superstar, The Original” campaign adopts a living stage as its backdrop. Offering a striking ode to both the original Superstar colorway and its stripped back iconicity, the scene is captured in dramatic high contrast black and white as a cast of heroes show off the magnetism of being an Original Icon.
Directed by visionary photographer and filmmaker Thibaut Grevet, whose dreamlike aesthetic has revolutionized fashion and music imagery, the campaign brings together an unprecedented roster of cultural trailblazers who exemplify what it means to be an Original Icon - individuals who have defined their respective fields through innovation and authenticity.
Legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson narrates the film, lending his distinctive voice to a narrative that spans generations of cultural innovation. The campaign stars a multi-generational cast of original voices: cross-generational cast of original voices: multi-award winning songwriter and producer Missy Elliott, skateboarding legend Mark Gonzales, NBA sensation Anthony Edwards, Memphis multi-platinum powerhouse GloRilla, American Singer Songwriter Teezo Touchdown, global music icon JENNIE, and boundary-pushing model and actress Gabbriette.
“The 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 street corners to global stages, it’s been worn by those who don’t wait for permission to lead. This campaign isn’t about looking back—it’s about spotlighting a new generation of Originals who are building what’s next, unapologetically.”
The campaign unfolds in two chapters. First up, "Pyramids," a powerful teaser seeing Samuel L. Jackson reflect on enduring monuments to human achievement that withstand the test of time - drawing a parallel between these ancient structures and the lasting cultural impact of the Superstar.
The second chapter: "Clocks," a hero film that brings together the complete cast of seven cultural icons together in a singular powerful statement.
At the heart of it all stands the Superstar, returning in two classic colorways alongside the iconic Firebird Tracksuit. The Superstar, with its enhanced padding in the tongue and collar—defined an influential era of creative expression in the late 90s, becoming the footwear of choice for artists, musicians, and skaters who pushed cultural boundaries. Complementing this silhouette, the Firebird Tracksuit has remained in the cultural spotlight since 1967, continuously embraced by style pioneers and musical innovators worldwide.
It just takes one.
Before there can be a thousand.
Superstars are the ones who build crowds, instead of joining them.
The Originals Hub
Explore fresh takes on the legendary Superstar and see how the adidas family reinterprets it with bold, individual style. Dive into the legacy of this cultural icon through our archive stories and get exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the campaign filming. Join the Originals community and stay tuned for global events, streamed at the below link.
adidas.com/go/campaign/originals
About adidas Originals
Inspired by the rich sporting heritage of adidas - one of the world’s leading sports brands and a global designer and developer of athletic footwear and apparel - adidas Originals is a lifestyle brand founded in 2001. With the adidas archive at its foundation, adidas Originals continues to evolve the brand’s legacy through its commitment to product innovation and its ability to filter the creativity and courage found on the courts and sporting arenas through the lens of contemporary youth culture. Marked by the iconic Trefoil logo that was first used in 1972 and championed by those that continue to shape and define creative culture, adidas Originals continues to lead the way as the pioneering sportswear brand for the street.
