• by Fern Siegel , January 23, 2024

Popeyes fast-food restaurant is launching its first Super Bowl ad during the first quarter of the game.

The 15-second Super Bowl teaser ad — "The Wait Is Over" — is a riff on "2001: A Space Odyssey" and stars actor Ken Jeong.

Popeyes' creative AOR, McKinney, specifically, the Durham, N.C., office is responsible for the spot. Popeyes worked with filmmaker and Grammy winner Calmatic, who has directed movies such as "House Party" and "White Men Can’t Jump."

The ad will continue to air two weeks after the game on cable, streaming and online video.

Popeyes is celebrating the permanent launch of Wings with five flavors: Ghost Pepper, Sweet ‘N Spicy, Honey BBQ, Roasted Garlic Parmesan and Signature Hot.

“The best combo in the world is football, wings and a little wager,” said Jeff Klein, Chief Marketing Officer for Popeyes, which was founded in New Orleans in 1972.