Gritty, one of the most monstrous mascots in professional sports, celebrated the Philadelphia Flyers’ “New Era of Orange” with a hockey take on Nicole Kidman’s iconic AMC commercial.
Wearing Kidman’s instantly recognizable pinstripe suit, which has become a popular Halloween costume in recent years, Gritty squeaked his oversized shoes through the hallowed hallways of Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center. “This is a place where Flyers hockey feels good,” the artist said in voiceover, imitating Kidman’s Australian accent. Footage of Flyers hockey — and, perhaps more importantly, hockey fights — played in the background of Gritty’s sentimental visit to the empty arena.
Debuting in 2018, the Orange Flyers mascot took the internet by storm with its chaotic personality and somewhat cursed face. Perhaps unsurprisingly, created by the same team behind the Philly Phanatic, Gritty shares DNA with a group of quirky members of the city, including the aforementioned Phillies lump and former Sixers mascot Hip-Hop Bunny. However, unlike other sports mascots, Gritty regularly taps into meme-worthy pop culture moments like Kidman’s AMC commercial.
Despite his tall and intimidating 7-foot height, Gritty has commissioned numerous custom cosplays for his signature figure. In addition to Kidman’s look, Gritty has shared recent posts dressed as Thanos and Margot Robbie’s Barbie, as well as historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin. In light of the NFL’s attention on Taylor Swift, Gritty also made sure to save a spot for the Philadelphia pop star at the Wells Fargo Center.
Gritty’s pop culture currency goes both ways, with the mascot appearing in episodes in the final seasons of both. Abbott Elementary School And It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Both Always sunny the cast and Gritty also appeared at Citizens Bank Park, located next door to the Wells Fargo Center, to support the Philly Phanatic and Philadelphia Phillies in their current playoff game. Gritty’s Kidman helped promote the 2023-24 NHL season, which began Oct. 10.
As seen in Gritty’s AMC-style commercial, the Philadelphia Flyers are promoting their upcoming hockey season as the “New Era of Orange.” In addition to routing the team at in-person games and in increasingly crazed social media posts, Gritty used his impressive costume skills to create a glamorous 2024 calendar for Flyers fans.