An ‘Alien’ Concept

Pepsi-Cola is betting that the Force will add marketing weight to its “Joy of Cola” advertising campaign. The soft drink company will introduce a TV commercial this week that features a soft drink “spokes-alien” named Marfalump and a cameo appearance by actor Jake Lloyd, who plays Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.” The Marfalump character was created by Industrial Light & Magic and Pepsi ad agency BBDO-New York. Pepsi’s “Star Wars” promotion includes the distribution of 8 billion cans bearing “Star Wars” designs.