If you’ve just watched the new Malibu ad and did a double take thinking, “Wait, is that Brian Cox in a hot pink suit… on roller skates?”—yep, it really is.
The legendary Scottish actor, best known as the terrifying Logan Roy in Succession, has swapped boardrooms and brutal one-liners for beaches and sunshine. And honestly? It works.
Brian Cox… But Make It Summer
The ad opens in a dull, grey office. Cox looks like he’s about to launch into one of his famous rants—but instead, he rips off his tie, throws on some sunglasses, and heads to the beach in full hot pink, complete with skates. The soundtrack? Steal My Sunshine by Len. Iconic.
The whole thing is weirdly perfect. It’s like if Logan Roy finally took a holiday and discovered cocktails.
What’s the Point of It?
Malibu (yes, the coconut rum brand) is running this as part of a campaign around work-life balance. According to a survey they did, nearly 80% of people in the UK, US, and Europe say they regularly work overtime—on average, an extra two days’ worth of hours every week. That’s a lot.
So instead of going all doom and gloom, they decided to have a bit of fun with it. The message? Clock off. Seriously. Shut the laptop, grab a drink, and enjoy your life.
Why Brian Cox?
Cox is obviously known for being the ultimate boss-from-hell on Succession, so using him in this way is clever. It’s like he’s playing the same character… if that character suddenly cared about mental health and tan lines.
In the ad, he’s seen yelling “Clock off!” to stressed workers ignoring beach life. It’s over-the-top and brilliant. And seeing him coast along the boardwalk in rollerblades? Honestly, that’s an image that sticks.
Where Can You See It?
The ad is everywhere: YouTube, social media, streaming platforms, digital billboards, and radio. Some of the placements are even timed to show up at 5pm—right when people are finishing work (or should be).
It’s part of a bigger push by Malibu to actually mean something beyond just drinks and parties. And hey, if Brian Cox tells you to shut your laptop and pour a cocktail… maybe you should.
What He Said About It
Cox has spoken out about the campaign, and honestly, it sounds like he relates:
“Contrary to the characters I play, I’m all about celebrating the enjoyment of life and taking time off for the people and things that matter.”
That’s a solid vibe for the summer.
A Few Questions People Are Probably Googling Right Now:
- Who’s the actor in the Malibu ad?
- Is that Logan Roy in the pink suit?
- What song plays in the new Malibu commercial?
- Why is Brian Cox on roller skates?