Chad Michael Murray Just Joined The Weird Celeb Collab Trend

What do you think of when you look back on Y2K nostalgia? I think of fun in the summer sun, afternoons coming home from school, and re-watching High School Musical for the sixth, seventh, and probably 20th times―and, of course, all of the other classic movies that defined my youth. And when I think of the iconic actors that shaped those movies, it’s only a matter of time before you think back to the teenage heartthrob Chad Michael Murray. A Cinderella Story and Freaky Friday, anyone? I mean the people were head over heels for the guy (it’s us, we’re people). Now, reprising his role as a Y2K inspiration, Murray joins hands with bubly sparkling water in a new nostalgic campaign. 

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A Y2K Throwback

The campaign was developed in part with creator and podcaster Erin Miller, who specializes in 90s in 2000s nostalgia. The campaign revolves around Murray as a heartthrob once again. This time, he’s holding a can of the brand new bubly flavor inspired by a Y2K treat.

The new flavor of bubly is called Melted Ice Pop and is inspired by the red, white, and blue ice pops that you could snag from an ice cream truck in your hometown as a kid. The flavor itself has notes of cherry lime and raspberry. And in classic bubly fashion, it’s zero calories and made with zero sweeteners. The drink sets you up for nostalgic summertime success and hydration.

Available in a set from Walmart, for just $20 you’ll get the new drink, a signed teen magazine-styled poster of Chad Michael Murray, an anklet, an inflatable cooler, a beach towel, and a tote bag. It’s absolutely loaded with Y2K goodies, and it plays with the emotional heartstrings of crushes in youth. The set went on sale on June 25th and will be available while supplies last. The drink on its own will be available for a limited-time summer run and is available everywhere that bubly is sold. 

In their press release, bubly said that the new flavor was designed to take you back to popsicles, first crushes, and summertime daydreams. So, if you’ve been looking to tap into what made your childhood so whimsical this summer, then this drink may just set you in the right direction.

Another Celebrity Collab

We’re in the age of celeb collabs, whether they make sense or not. From John Cena and bread to Kevin Bacon and beans to Meg Stalter and Arby’s, celebrities are teaming up with food brands left and right. Most of the time, the collabs seem like straight gimmicks to get our money. So what does Chad Michael Murray have to do with bubly? Well, nothing. But at least there’s the Y2K nostalgic connection to―sort of―justify this collab.