Johnnie Walker steps into its cinematic era with Sabrina Carpenter

Johnnie Walker has teamed up with global pop star Sabrina Carpenter for a new campaign film directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Damien Chazelle, bringing a cinematic twist to the whisky brand's longstanding "Keep walking" platform.

Created as part of the brand's ongoing global partnership with Carpenter, the film traces the singer's evolution as an artist, celebrating her individuality, creative freedom and personal progress. It also marks the latest chapter in Johnnie Walker's efforts to connect with music and popular culture through its global music platform.

Drawing inspiration from French New Wave cinema, the film combines cinematic storytelling with spontaneity, playful rule-breaking and unexpected moments. It follows Carpenter as the world shifts around her, with celebrations and festivities unfolding against a backdrop of movement and self-expression.

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The creative approach aims to reinterpret Johnnie Walker's "Keep walking" message through Carpenter's signature style and personality, positioning progress as a journey shaped by individuality and the confidence to challenge conventions.

Directed by Chazelle, whose previous works include La La Land, Whiplash, First Man and Babylon, the film was produced by Superprime Films. His involvement brings a cinematic dimension to the campaign, drawing on his experience in musical storytelling and narratives centred on ambition and creativity.

The latest film builds on Johnnie Walker's multi-year partnership with Carpenter, which previously introduced the singer's signature "Go go Highball" and a limited-edition Johnnie Walker Black Label bottle inspired by her personal style.

The collaboration also forms part of Johnnie Walker's broader global music platform, which seeks to spotlight artists who challenge creative boundaries and bring new perspectives to culture.

Speaking about the film, Carpenter said, "Working with Johnnie Walker and Chazelle was such a creative adventure. We wanted to create a true cinematic experience that was playful, unexpected, and full of personality."

"I'm a long-time fan of Chazelle's work - so it was exciting to bring this visual world to life alongside him. This film felt like the perfect way to tell the 'Keep walking' story and capture the energy of this next chapter," she added.

The latest campaign follows Johnnie Walker's previous efforts to tap into popular culture through entertainment-led collaborations. Closer to home, the Scotch whisky brand partnered with Philippine-based advertising agency Gigil to launch a Squid Game 2 collaboration in Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila. The activation featured a giant Player 456-themed limited-edition bottle, which served as the centrepiece of an interactive experience inspired by the Netflix series.

The oversized bottle doubled as a larger-than-life game of Spin the Bottle, challenging participants to avoid being selected by the spinning bottle to win. Those who were chosen faced a playful "social death", receiving makeovers inspired by Young-hee, the iconic doll from Squid Game.

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