It's About To Get Freakier!
Something strange is happening in the world of brand marketing - and it’s delicious, sparkly, and a little bit freaky. Ahead of Disney’s upcoming Freakier Friday reboot, some of the world’s biggest brands are embracing body-swap energy in totally unexpected ways.
In this article, Hollywood Branded explores the Freakier Friday brand partnerships that are transforming food, fashion, and fandom before the movie even hits theaters.
A New Kind of Movie Marketing Magic
Disney’s upcoming Freakier Friday sequel doesn’t just bring back the beloved body-swap comedy - it’s flipped the script on how studios build buzz. Set to premiere this Friday, August 9, the film has already kicked off a wave of creatively aligned brand partnerships that stretch far beyond your typical toy merch or TV spot.
These collaborations are immersive, bold, and transformation-themed - just like the movie itself. From color-changing cocktails to cake with a surprise twist, brands are using the Freakier Friday narrative as a launchpad for sensory storytelling. Let’s dive into the most buzz-worthy brand tie-ins that are making marketing feel a whole lot freakier - in the best way.
Photo Credit: Megaplex Theaters
Crumbl's Colorful Cake Swap: A Dessert With A Plot Twist
Leading the charge in film-inspired food is Crumbl Cookies, whose limited-time Freakier Friday Key Lime Blackberry Cake is as theatrical as it is tasty. Available from August 4–9, the dessert features layers of key lime cheesecake filling, blackberry glaze, and mousse - visually playful and full of vibrant flavor contrast. But Crumbl didn’t stop there.
In true Freakier Friday fashion, Crumbl teased a “flavor swap” surprise on the film’s premiere day. This unexpected twist brought fans deeper into the movie’s spirit of transformation, all through dessert. TikTok creators and food bloggers have already jumped on the trend, generating countdowns, unboxing videos, and flavor reactions ahead of the full reveal.
This isn't just a movie tie-in - it's a dessert experience with plot development.
Photo Credit: Houston Chronicle
P.F. Chang's "Freakier Flavors" Turn Dinner Into Drama
P.F. Chang’s has cooked up more than just limited-time menu items - it’s serving a delicious dose of nostalgia for longtime Freaky Friday fans. In the iconic 2003 version of the film, Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis’ characters swap bodies at a Chinese restaurant after receiving a cryptic fortune cookie. So what better way to honor the spirit of the sequel than with a modern Chinese-American restaurant joining the promo?
From July 30 to September 2, P.F. Chang’s is offering a “Freakier Flavors” menu, featuring standout dishes like Spicy Chicken, Mongolian Beef, and a dazzling “Switcheroo Refresher” - a color-changing mocktail that captures the essence of unexpected transformation. Rounding out the menu is a glitter-dusted ube cheesecake named “The Pink Slip,” a clever nod to the original film’s high school drama.
This campaign doesn’t just spotlight flavorful innovation - it revives a core plot detail from the franchise, bridging generations through food. With a branded sweepstakes, themed packaging, and TikTok-ready presentation, P.F. Chang’s gives fans a taste of cinematic history - served with a modern twist.
Photo Credit: Pirates & Princesses
Invisalign's Real-Life Confidence Story
In an unexpected but powerful move, Invisalign partnered with Disney to spotlight teen confidence and self-expression - themes central to Freakier Friday. Actress Julia Butters, who plays the daughter in the sequel, is both a central character and a real-life Invisalign user. She’s featured in social media promos and behind-the-scenes content that bridges the fictional story with her personal journey.
Invisalign’s campaign includes Snapchat AR filters, a smile-themed sweepstakes, and short-form videos where teens share their own “before and after” stories. It’s a campaign designed not just to sell aligners, but to align with the emotional arc of the film.
In a movie about learning to walk in someone else’s shoes, this partnership reminds audiences that self-confidence starts with walking in your own.
Photo Credit: Investors | Align Technology
Why It's Working (Even Before Opening Weekend)
What makes these Freakier Friday brand partnerships stand out isn’t just the creativity - it’s the alignment. Each collaboration ties directly into the movie’s themes of identity, surprise, and swapping perspectives, giving audiences a playful preview of what’s to come on screen.
Crumbl’s cake mimics the film’s twisty plot with its own edible transformation. P.F. Chang’s offers a meaningful homage to the original 2003 movie, recreating the body-swap spark through fortune cookie–inspired fare. And Invisalign connects the emotional core of the film to real-life teen stories of self-confidence and expression.
These aren’t just brand tie-ins. They’re extensions of the Freakier Friday universe - crafted to get fans talking, tasting, and stepping into the story before the opening credits even roll. As the film hits theaters this Friday, the buzz is already in full swing.
Eager To Learn More?
Want to learn about how other movies are promoting through brand partnerships? Check out our other blogs below!
- Dive into Barbiecore: The Coolest Brand Partnerships for the Barbie Movie Release
- How Wicked’s Brand Partnerships are Shaping Movie Marketing
- How Strategic Brand Partnerships Can Help Fix the Film Industry
- Brand Partnerships With Film Franchises
- From Script to Screen: Hollywood Branded’s Role in F1’s Brand Revolution
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