KFC has survived plenty of kitchen disasters, but its latest campaign imagines something on a much bigger scale: the end of the world. Now, in a new global collaboration with Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, the fast-food chain has made an unlikely ally of Doctor Doom. Naturally, there’s chicken involved.
Created by Mother, the campaign opens on a devastated city after an epic battle between Doom and the Avengers. One familiar sight remains untouched: a KFC restaurant. Apparently, not even a superhero showdown can take down the Colonel.
A menu worthy of a supervillain
Instead of spotlighting one of Marvel’s heroes, KFC has gone straight to the film’s biggest bad guy. As part of the partnership, KFC is introducing a limited-time Doctor Doom-inspired menu, special packaging with an iron-riveted look and Doom’s mask, plus a collection of Colonel Sanders figurines dressed as characters from the film.
The menu adds a few dramatic flavours to the mix: Doom Cola sauce, a sticky caramelized cola glaze with smoky barbecue notes; Smoky Green Mayo; and Doom Dust, a green seasoning with charred lime and chilli. What’s more, customers buying from the Doom menu in selected markets can get one of five collectible Colonel Sanders figures, while supplies last.
A global team-up
KFC calls this its biggest collaboration to date, with activity planned across more than 100 countries. It will appear in video, outdoor advertising, social media, restaurants and packaging. The rollout begins in the UK and Ireland on November 9, then continues across participating markets through December, wrapping up by January 31, 2027.
However, the collaboration won’t be available in the United States, India or China. Menu items, packaging and collectibles will also vary by market.
With Avengers: Doomsday arriving in December, KFC is getting in early, turning a movie partnership into a full-blown menu takeover. Choosing Doctor Doom over the usual superhero favourites gives the campaign a welcome twist. After all, when the world is falling apart, it helps to know where the last surviving KFC is.
Turns out, the Colonel really does have a taste for world domination. – Julian Vega
