In a delightful new advertisement for Dunkin’, comedian and former ‘Saturday Night Live’ star Rachel Dratch takes on a whimsical role as a fictional member of the Spice Girls, dubbed Pumpkin Spice. The advert, which debuted on 8 September, features pop icons Emma Bunton, known as Baby Spice, and Geri Halliwell-Horner, Ginger Spice. Together, they reflect on the peculiar contributions of their offbeat bandmate, presenting a light-hearted twist to the iconic 90s girl group.
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Dratch portrays Pumpkin Spice, who introduces herself as a sixth member, and reveals a cheeky backstory that includes a song titled “Bumpin’ Pumpkins.” Throughout the ad, Dratch’s character is depicted as an exuberant performer showcasing quirky choreography, yet ultimately admits that her love for pumpkin lattes took precedence over her music career.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Dratch expressed her enthusiasm at being involved in the project. She remarked, “Everyone just gets the joke immediately. I mean, it almost sounds like an SNL sketch in the best way.” The blend of nostalgia with a contemporary twist has been praised as a clever nod to both Dunkin’s autumn offerings and the enduring legacy of the Spice Girls.
To prepare for the role, Dratch aimed to master the British accent, a challenging endeavour as she discovered while interacting with British colleagues. She said, “You think you have a British accent in your pocket and then you’re actually around British people and you’re like, ‘Oh, I’m literally all over the map right now.’” However, she noted that given the comedic nature of the advertisement, dialect precision was not her primary concern.
The costume designed for Dratch, described as vibrant and pumpkin-inspired by stylist Michael Fusco, received her enthusiastic praise. “I love the kind of costume where you just step into it and it does 80% of the work for you,” she noted. The comical nature of the character, combined with a pop star essence, helped encapsulate the spirit of the advertisement.
Dratch’s experience of filming alongside Bunton and Halliwell-Horner was equally enjoyable. She described the duo as “super fun” and down-to-earth, contrasting their true personalities with the diva-like exaggeration of her character Pumpkin Spice. Their camaraderie included light-hearted chats about family, making the filming environment both relaxed and entertaining.
When reflecting on her famous SNL character, Debbie Downer, Dratch pondered which member of the Spice Girls she might resonate with. “Do I just say Scary Spice because the name has a negative connotation?” she joked. “Although Posh Spice could possibly be a Debbie Downer favourite. It’s a tough decision.” This playful reflection highlights the fun Dratch has had in merging her comedic persona with the iconic girl group.
As a Massachusetts native, Dratch has a fondness for pumpkin spice seasonal drinks, which she associates with the arrival of autumn. “As soon as you taste a pumpkin latte, it’s like everyone goes crazy,” she explained, emphasising the nostalgia of fall in New England and how certain scents evoke happy memories.
Dunkin’ has been popularising its fall menu, relaunched on 19 August, featuring fan favourites like the Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte, which has garnered significant acclaim. In celebration of the new campaign featuring Dratch and the Spice Girls, Dunkin’ is offering customers a complimentary medium Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte with any qualifying purchase from 2 to 6 p.m. on 8 September, enticing coffee lovers to experience the seasonal delight.
The advertisement not only revitalises the Spice Girls’ nostalgia but also taps into the cultural phenomenon surrounding the beloved pumpkin spice flavour, ensuring that fans of both the pop group and Dunkin’ can enjoy this comprehensive marketing collaboration. As Dunkin’ continues to usher in the fall season, the whimsical portrayal of Pumpkin Spice is sure to bring a smile to viewers and comfort to coffee enthusiasts alike.