You know that feeling when you hear the distant rattle of a metal bucket and five massive, 2,000-pound horses suddenly snap their heads in unison? That's exactly how Budweiser just kicked off the 2026 Super Bowl ad season.
Honestly, it’s a vibe.
The brand just dropped a 15-second teaser called "Stable," and it’s already sparking more theories than a Netflix cliffhanger. We aren't just looking at another beer ad here. We’re looking at the start of Budweiser’s 150th anniversary, and they are leaning hard into the "Made of America" theme. But while everyone is talking about the Clydesdales, there's a tiny detail moving under an overturned bucket that has the internet losing its collective mind.
🔗 Read more: Miki Naftali Net Worth: What Most People Get Wrong About the Real Estate Titan
The Mystery Under the Bucket
In the new Budweiser beer commercial teaser, we see five Clydesdales standing shoulder-to-shoulder. It’s classic Budweiser—warm lighting, hay on the floor, and horses that look more majestic than most people’s wedding photos. Then, the sound hits: a metal bucket sliding across the floor.
The horses turn. The screen fades to black with the words "Heads Will Turn."
Basically, Budweiser is teasing a new character. Most of the early speculation points to a Dalmatian puppy, given the brand’s history, but there’s a twist. Some eagle-eyed fans on X (formerly Twitter) are arguing that the way the bucket moves suggests something... different. Not a horse. Not a foal. Something small and energetic. Whether it’s a new animal sidekick or a clever nod to their 150-year heritage, the mystery is doing exactly what it was designed to do: get people talking before the big reveal on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium.
Why 2026 is Different for Budweiser
This isn't just another Super Bowl spot. This is the 48th time the Clydesdales have appeared in a national Super Bowl commercial. That’s a lot of tradition. But 2026 is a massive year for Anheuser-Busch for a few specific reasons:
💡 You might also like: 8601 Research Blvd Austin TX 78758: Why This North Austin Hub Keeps Growing
- The 150th Anniversary: Budweiser was founded in 1876. They are using this year to celebrate a century and a half of brewing.
- America’s 250th Birthday: The "Made of America" campaign is designed to sync up with the upcoming Sestercentennial.
- The Heritage Can Series: They’ve already launched a limited-edition 12-pack featuring designs from the 1950s, 1980s, 1990s, and a special 2026 edition.
Kinda cool, right? While other brands like Bud Light are going for "irreverent humor" (they’ve got a commercial about a keg coming up), Budweiser is taking the emotional, serious high ground. They want you to feel something.
The Strategy Behind the Tease
Marketing experts like Kyle Norrington, the Chief Commercial Officer at Anheuser-Busch, have been pretty vocal about why they’re doubling down on these "flagship" brands. Last year, they ran five different brand ads. This year? They’ve narrowed it down to the big three: Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob ULTRA.
It’s a smart play.
By focusing on the Clydesdales, they’re playing to their strengths. Remember the "First Delivery" ad from 2025? It featured a foal that was "too little" to help but ended up saving the day to the tune of "Let Your Love Flow." It was a massive hit. People love the underdog—or in this case, the under-horse. The 2026 ad seems to be following that same emotional playbook, using the mystery character to build a bridge between the old-school heritage and a new era of fans.
What to Watch For Next
If you're trying to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on Budweiser's social channels. They’ve already confirmed that the "Heads Will Turn" reveal is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a 150th Sweepstakes happening right now where you can actually win a trip to the official birthday celebration at the St. Louis Brewery.
You’ve also got the Heritage Cans hitting shelves. They aren't just for show; they’re a direct response to fans who have been asking for vintage designs to come back. It’s a bit of nostalgia-bait, sure, but it works.
Practical steps to take right now:
- Check the cans: If you’re a collector, look for the 1950s and 1980s designs first, as those are usually the most popular.
- Scan the QR code: If you see a 150th-anniversary display in-store, scan the code before April 1, 2026, to enter the brewery trip sweepstakes.
- Watch the "Stable" teaser: It’s only 15 seconds on YouTube, but look closely at the bucket’s movement—it might give away more than the brand intended.
The full new Budweiser beer commercial will air during Super Bowl LX on NBC. Until then, we’re all just staring at that bucket, waiting to see who’s about to join the most famous horse team in the world.