Snack company Planters has been making headlines for killing off its long-time mascot, Mr Peanut, and replacing him with a new baby version. Baby Nut is the newest Baby character to go viral on the internet, and he was 'born' in an advert revealed at yesterday's Super Bowl (see below). When the Kool-Aid man sheds a tear at Mr Peanut's funeral, that tear lands on a mound of dirt that sprouts into a plant, and Baby Nut is born.
There's already plenty of talk online about whether Baby Nut is cuter than Baby Yoda (he isn't), but as far the rest of the campaign goes, we've got more questions than we have answers. Seeing as we've already had Baby Yoda, Baby Thanos and Baby Sonic, will consumers become wise to this Baby craze? Or is an association between cuteness and a brand a clever marketing move that will keep paying off? Should we be adding a section on Baby characters to our character design tips piece? And will there ever be a female Baby character, or is this trope reserved for male characters only?
So far, it's been a mixed bag of reactions online. There have been plenty of nut jokes, naturally, with people not surprisingly talking about nut allergies.
At least people ain’t allergic to baby Yoda #babynut pic.twitter.com/aXixA3jZsoFebruary 3, 2020
There's already a Baby Nut live stream, should you find yourself with some time on your hands.
been watching the #babynut livestream for twenty minutes but it was worth it to see the woah pic.twitter.com/zyG8GMFzkVFebruary 3, 2020
Some people are absolutely not having the Baby Yoda vs Baby Nut comparisons.
#BabyNut trying to be the next Baby Yoda pic.twitter.com/PLCVf2JQduFebruary 3, 2020
And there's already Baby Nut merchandise available to buy. This whole campaign seems like it was well planned by Planters.
Looks like you're missing something, but we've got you covered! Baby's First #BlingCup💎🥤 https://t.co/qr67KL5u4P pic.twitter.com/uehkXWwyaaFebruary 3, 2020
Perhaps our favourite reaction is a request for Baby Jabba, who's been having his own viral moment of late, after the render below was created by 3D artist Leonardo Viti.
Baby Jabba! #BabyNut pic.twitter.com/UEWfwervHNFebruary 3, 2020
It seems that for now at least, the Baby trend is here to stay. Who will be the next brand to jump on the Baby bandwagon? We're half expecting to see Baby Joker popping up soon. Now that's a slightly terrifying thought.
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