Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) and Ocean Spray Cranberries have teamed up for a new holiday campaign: Just Add Cran, Beware of Cranpus. At the heart of it is Cranpus, Ocean Spray’s take on Krampus, the horned holiday figure from European folklore.
Unlike Krampus, who steals naughty children during the holiday season, Cranpus is a larger-than-life figure who steals cranberries from holiday tables and celebrations everywhere. From festive gatherings to late-night celebrations, nothing is safe from his cranberry obsession. The result is a playful, cinematic reminder that cranberries are the essential staple of the holiday season. The story of Cranpus is revealed today with a 60-second spot that depicts the antics of the cranberry-thieving character.
“We’re going bigger and bolder than ever to remind everyone that cranberry is the heartbeat of the holidays,” said Trinh Le, Vice President, USA Branded at Ocean Spray. “By creating Cranpus, we dramatize just how bland the season would be without it. And who better than Bryan Cranston, with his humor, range, and yes, his ‘cran’ name, to bring it to life?”
For Cranston, the partnership was personal. “All my life, I had the nickname, ‘Cranny’ or ‘Cranman.’ And on occasion, a friend will shout, ‘Hey, Cranberry!'” said Bryan Cranston, of working on Ocean Spray’s holiday campaign. “I was really excited to jump in and play with the Cranpus character for Ocean Spray. It was funny, festive, and honestly, delicious.”
Ocean Spray is launching Just Add Cran, Beware of Cranpus across streaming TV and social media. But Cranpus won’t stop there. Fans can expect mischievous moments to spill into digital channels, interactive social content, and even future surprises. “Ocean Spray has always been a brand that has prided itself on going against the norm, and this creative endeavor shows what happens when we bring that spirit into culture,” said Eliza Sadler, Head of Brand Elevation for Ocean Spray. “By leaning into entertainment-style content and co-creating a story with Bryan Cranston, we’re celebrating the essential role cranberry plays in a bold, unforgettable way that goes beyond a traditional approach to advertising.”
Just Add Cran, Beware of Cranpus, developed in partnership with creative agency Piggyback, marks the continued evolution of Ocean Spray’s “Just Add Cran” platform, designed to showcase cranberries’ versatility and cultural relevance.
