JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, the leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky brand, today launches the second installment of its Gentleman’s Wager film series. Oscar-nominated actors Jude Law and Giancarlo Giannini lead the cast, which also includes acclaimed Chinese actress Zhao Wei, in the story of a man who proves a little gratitude goes a long way.
Globally premiered at an event hosted by Jude and Giancarlo at a stunning villa just outside Rome, where the movie itself was shot, The Gentleman’s Wager II – directed by British director Jake Scott of Ridley Scott Associates, who also shot the first film – tells the story of two men who enter a wager over a priceless vintage car: the stunning Delahaye 135S classic racing car that is not only the “trophy” for the wager but also a Walker heirloom, having been owned by the family since the late 1930s.
As we follow Law’s efforts to win, we see it is only through the gratitude he shows people along the way who help him, and the joy this brings, that he is able to progress and succeed.
The Gentleman’s Wager II follows the 2014 launch of the internationally successful first Gentleman’s Wager film from the JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL brand. The film also features cameos from Formula 1 heroes, Mika Häkkinen and McLaren Honda F1 Driver Jenson Button.
As Law journeys through the beautiful landscapes of Italy and Monaco in pursuit of a win, we watch as he encounters a number of challenges and distractions – including one in the form of damsel in distress Wei – that might potentially scupper his chances of progress and victory. But with the kind acts of those he meets along the way and the gratitude he shows them in return, he makes it to the finish line on time and ultimately succeeds.
Commenting on the film, Law says: “I’m thrilled to be in the driving seat for the second Gentleman’s Wager film. Being back on set with Giancarlo and also having the opportunity to work with the talented Zhao, was an absolute joy. That coupled with being behind the wheel of the Delahaye 135S racing car, driving through the rolling hills of Italy and out to Monaco, well… I consider myself a lucky man!”
JOHNNIE WALKER Global Brand Director Guy Escolme says: “We are delighted to be launching The Gentleman’s Wager II today from the JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL brand. This second film, with Jude, Giancarlo and Zhao, is the perfect continuation of the original story. Reflecting the spirit of personal progress that Johnnie Walker has always stood for, we’re excited to have made this film with such a great cast that celebrates our belief that gratitude is the ultimate expression of joy that leads to success!
The launch of The Gentleman’s Wager II film from the JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL brand comes just over a month post the new JOHNNIE WALKER Joy Will Take You Further global campaign, which challenges the idea that hard grind is the only way to succeed and instead shows that joy fuels progress. And that gratitude is the highest expression of joy. The Gentleman’s Wager II short film is available to view online now at: http://bit.ly/1GXQqX9
The launch of The Gentleman’s Wager II film from JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL comes just over a month post the new JOHNNIE WALKER Joy Will Take You Further global campaign. Launched simultaneously in more than 50 countries, the new Keep Walking campaign reached in excess of 350 million consumers in its first weeks and represents the biggest campaign launch in the brand’s history. About The Gentleman’s Wager I (2014)
The first Gentleman’s Wager film was shot in both the British Virgin Islands and London, directed by Jake Scott, and is the story of a man on a quest for a rare experience. Jude Law plays the role of someone who, despite having it all, uses a wager against Giancarlo Gianni’s character to win a rare and classic hand-made yacht from the Baglietto yard. The only way Jude can win, is by challenging himself to create an original performance. This internationally successful short film received over 45m digital views post its launch in July 2014.
