Fueled by bold flavors and fearless energy, the MIKE AND IKE® and HOT TAMALES® brands are joining forces with Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts*”, in theaters May 2, bringing a burst of excitement to the big screen alongside the most unconventional heroes. To bring the partnership to life, MIKE AND IKE® and HOT TAMALES® have created a fully integrated marketing campaign that includes a co-branded digital media spot, an experiential tour, co-branded candy samples handed out on tour, a fan-focused sweepstakes, college influencers and more.
“As Marvel Studios’ ‘Thunderbolts*’ hits the big screen, only our candy brands bring the flavor and firepower to match,” said Deb Turoczy, Senior Manager of Consumer Engagement at Just Born Quality Confections. “We’re so excited that our iconic delicious candies are teaming up with this highly anticipated film to deliver an experience that’s fun, immersive and packed with the same fearless energy our fans have come to expect.”
Digital media started on March 15 and will run through May 2. Fans can experience the excitement firsthand through the MIKE AND IKE® and HOT TAMALES® Movie Concession Tour—a larger-than-life activation bringing the popular movie theater concession to almost 100 major college campuses across the U.S. At each stop, fans can enjoy co-branded sample packs of MIKE AND IKE® Original Fruits and “Thunderbolts*”, watch our co-branded media spot and the “Thunderbolts*” trailer on interactive video screens, and score Fandango movie tickets and other fun giveaways—all while soaking in the high energy of the film and their favorite candy brands. The tour will culminate in epic fashion at the “Thunderbolts*” red carpet world premiere, where the MIKE AND IKE® and HOT TAMALES® truck will roll up for one final stop.
With a team of unpredictable antiheroes on a high-stakes mission, “Thunderbolts*” brings a bold new edge to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whether you’re Team Sweet, Team Spicy, or just in it for the action, MIKE AND IKE® and HOT TAMALES® are here to bring the flavor, the fun, and the fearless energy from the theater to your tastebuds.
For more information about MIKE AND IKE®, visit www.MIKEANDIKE.com and follow on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat. To learn more about HOT TAMALES® visit www.HOTTAMALES.com and follow on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
About Just Born Quality Confections:
Just Born Quality Confections is a third-generation family-owned candy manufacturer with its purpose to bring sweetness to people’s lives. Just Born is the maker of some of America’s most beloved and iconic brands – PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®. Just Born has been a part of family traditions and memories for more than 100 years. In 1923, the founder, Sam Born, opened a small candy shop in Brooklyn, New York, where he marketed the freshness of his daily-made candy with a sign that declared, “Just Born.” Together with Born’s brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, the company thrived and, in 1932, moved its operations to Bethlehem, PA where it has grown to become one of the largest candy companies in the US by giving back to the community, being good environmental stewards and creating a culture where people want to work.
For more information, please visit www.justborn.com. Follow @JustBornInc on Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
About Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts*”:
In “Thunderbolts*” Marvel Studios assembles an unconventional team of antiheroes—Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster and John Walker. After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, these disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. Will this dysfunctional group tear themselves apart, or find redemption and unite as something much more before it’s too late?
The film stars Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Chris Bauer, Wendell Pierce, with David Harbour, with Hannah John-Kamen, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Jake Schreier directs “Thunderbolts*” and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Brian Chapek and Jason Tamez serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, and the story is by Eric Pearson.
Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts*” releases May 2, 2025, in U.S. theaters.
