Fast food giant embraces anime culture with temporary WcDonald’s rebrand and immersive experience
In a surprising move, McDonald’s is shaking up its iconic branding by flipping its renowned golden arches upside down, transforming into WcDonald’s, in a playful nod to the world of anime.
The fast-food chain’s temporary makeover is inspired by the fictional WcDonald’s, a staple in anime lore since its inception in the 1980s. Fans of anime classics like Cat’s Eye, Sally the Witch, and Cowboy Bebop will recognize the reference to this beloved fictional fast-food chain.
The WcDonald’s rebrand will be rolled out globally across more than 30 markets, delighting anime enthusiasts and fast-food aficionados alike.
Alongside the new moniker, WcDonald’s restaurants will feature anime-inspired packaging designed by Acky Bright, adding a touch of whimsy to the dining experience.
Adding to the excitement, McDonald’s is collaborating with animation powerhouse Studio Pierrot to produce four official WcDonald’s anime shorts.
The first instalment, “The Race to WcDonald’s,” is already available, with subsequent episodes set for release on March 4, March 11, and March 18. Fans can access these shorts via WcDonalds.com or by scanning the code on the WcDonald’s packaging.
For those craving a fully immersive experience, WcDonald’s will host an exclusive “WcDonald’s Immersive Dining Experience” in Los Angeles from March 9 to March 10.
This multisensory event promises a fusion of entertainment and food, transporting guests into the WcDonald’s universe through 360 projection mapping and immersive tabletop projections inspired by the anime shorts. Reservations for this unique dining adventure can be made exclusively on OpenTable starting February 28.
McDonald’s USA Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Tariq Hassan, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, acknowledging anime’s significant influence on contemporary culture.
The WcDonald’s campaign, he remarked, celebrates the creativity and passion of anime fans while authentically bringing their vision to life in McDonald’s restaurants worldwide.
With its bold foray into anime-inspired branding and immersive dining experiences, McDonald’s is not only embracing anime culture but also inviting fans to indulge in a fantastical culinary adventure unlike any other.
