Lewis Pullman Gushes Over Working with Kurt Russell: ‘I’ve Looked Up to Him Forever’ (Exclusive)

Michelob Ultra is returning to Super Bowl 2026 with a cinematic new spot that blends two of America’s biggest sports moments — the Super Bowl and the Olympic Winter Games — into one high-energy campaign celebrating competition, mentorship and moments worth playing for.

On Wednesday, Jan. 28, the spirits brand exclusively released its 60-second Super Bowl LX commercial with PEOPLE. Titled “The ULTRA Instructor.” The spot stars Kurt Russell as a legendary instructor guiding Lewis Pullman’s character named Greg through an intense training journey on the ski slopes, with a round of Michelob Ultra on the line.

Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim and Olympian and former NHL star T.J. Oshie also appear in the spot, which is set to Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” and directed by Top Gun: Maverick and Oscar-nominated F1 filmmaker Joseph Kosinski.

The campaign marks Pullman’s Super Bowl commercial debut — and a reunion with Kosinski — following their work together on Top Gun: Maverick. Pullman told PEOPLE exclusively that the project immediately checked every box for him.

“So many things. There was no downsides,” Pullman said, recalling when he was pitched the project. “First of all, I love Mich Ultras. They’re one of my favorite beers of all time. And then Joseph Kosinski is directing. I’ve worked with him on Top Gun. And then Kurt Russell is in it. I love him. I’ve looked up to him forever. And then it’s just a really great story. It encapsulates friendly competition in such a beautiful way and kind of playfully, and I’m all about that.”

Russell, who also makes his first-ever Super Bowl commercial appearance in the spot, said the role resonated with him on multiple levels.

“It was a real treat to make my first-ever Super Bowl commercial and doing it with Michelob Ultra was great,” Russell said in a statement. “My character showcases how a coach, or an instructor, can help motivate an athlete to unlock their competitive spirit and achieve victory – whether that’s impressing friends on the slopes to win Ultra’s or going for Olympic gold. I’m excited for fans to see this, especially as we head into the pinnacle of sporting competition with the Super Bowl and the Olympic Winter Games.”

Pullman also pointed to the mentorship theme as a core takeaway from the campaign. “I would say two things,” he began. “One, a reminder of how healthy, friendly competition is actually an energizer in this life, and it’s a gift. It’s something that propels us forward and makes us do better than we thought we could. And I think reminding ourselves of that and finding that in our daily lives can be an important reminder.”

He added, “And then also being vulnerable enough to seek a mentor. Sometimes people think they don’t need a mentor or they’re too embarrassed to seek a mentor. And I think that that’s one of the most beautiful relationships that you can find in this life.”

For Oshie, the campaign hits especially close to home as Team USA prepares for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, beginning Feb. 6, on NBC and Peacock.

“As an Olympian, it’s incredible to see Team USA and hockey represented in Michelob ULTRA’s Super Bowl commercial, especially as we head toward the Olympic Winter Games,” Oshie said. “The spot combines two iconic sports moments and showcases the same drive and competitive spirit I embodied on the ice for years. I can’t wait for fans to see it.”