As anticipation built for the release of Gladiator II, The Realest partnered with Regal Cinemas and Fandango to create a unique fan activation that extended the movie experience beyond the screen.
To support the initiative, Bender Group PR developed a strategic campaign centered on experiential marketing, authentic movie memorabilia, and fan engagement—positioning the activation as a first-of-its-kind opportunity for audiences to immerse themselves in the world of Gladiator II while owning a piece of cinematic history.
Client Overview
The Realest is a digital marketplace specializing in authenticated collectibles, memorabilia, and unique ownership experiences.
For Gladiator II, The Realest collaborated with Regal Cinemas and Fandango to launch an exclusive auction featuring authentic props and costumes used in the film. Alongside the auction, the partners developed immersive theater exhibits designed to bring fans closer to ancient Rome and to the filmmaking process behind one of the year’s most anticipated releases.
The initiative sought to:
- Generate awareness for The Realest marketplace
- Increase engagement around the Gladiator II release
- Create memorable fan experiences
- Drive participation in the memorabilia auction
- Support charitable fundraising efforts through auction proceeds
Strategic Approach
Bender Group PR developed a campaign focused on experiential storytelling, fan engagement, and entertainment media visibility.
The strategy centered on:
- Positioning the activation as more than a movie promotion
- Highlighting the opportunity to own authentic film props and costumes
- Leveraging fan enthusiasm around a major Hollywood release
- Aligning the campaign with charitable giving through Team Rubicon’s Response Fund
- Using strategic public relations planning to amplify awareness across entertainment, lifestyle, and media industry outlets
This approach transformed traditional movie promotion into a broader, culturally resonant, and fan-focused experience.
Campaign Execution
To bring the initiative to life, Bender Group PR executed a campaign combining media outreach, experiential marketing, and partnership-driven storytelling.
Immersive Coliseum Experience
At Regal Cinemas Times Square, fans and media were invited to an exclusive pre-screening event featuring a Roman Coliseum-inspired environment designed to immerse attendees in the world of Gladiator II.
The experience included:
- Movie-set props and costumes
- Interactive exhibits
- Behind-the-scenes displays
- Exclusive access prior to the film screening
This transformed the theater lobby into a museum-style destination, extending the story beyond the screen.
Authentic Movie Memorabilia Auction
A centerpiece of the campaign was The Realest’s digital auction marketplace, where fans could bid on authentic props and costumes used during production.
The auction offered:
- Screen-used props
- Costume pieces
- Collectible memorabilia
- Verified authenticity
This created a unique opportunity for fans to take home a tangible piece of cinematic history.
National Media Outreach Strategy
Bender Group PR executed a targeted earned media strategy designed to maximize visibility across entertainment, lifestyle, and industry media.
The outreach focused on:
- The exclusivity of the fan experience
- The authenticity of the memorabilia
- The partnership between leading entertainment brands
- The charitable impact of the auction
This multifaceted story provided journalists with several compelling angles while reinforcing The Realest’s position as an innovator in authenticated collectibles.
Featured Media Coverage
The campaign generated national visibility across entertainment, lifestyle, and industry-focused media outlets.
Notable placements included:
- USA Today
- Life & Style
- Hollywood Life
- OK! Magazine
- MediaPost
This coverage helped introduce both the fan activation and The Realest marketplace to a broad audience while increasing anticipation for the auction and film release.
Campaign Highlights
- Exclusive Gladiator II pre-screening event
- Roman Coliseum-inspired fan experience
- Museum-style exhibits featuring authentic film props
- Digital auction marketplace for movie memorabilia
- Strategic partnership with Regal Cinemas and Fandango
- Charitable fundraising component supporting Team Rubicon
- National entertainment and lifestyle media coverage
Pro Tip: Create Experiences Fans Can Participate In—Not Just Watch
Today’s audiences want more than passive entertainment. The most successful promotional campaigns invite people to become part of the story.
By combining immersive exhibits, exclusive access, and authentic collectibles, the Gladiator II activation transformed moviegoers from spectators into participants.
Takeaway:
When brands create opportunities for audiences to engage, collect, and share experiences, media coverage becomes more compelling, and consumer engagement becomes more meaningful.
Results and Impact
The campaign successfully elevated awareness of both the Gladiator II activation and The Realest’s authenticated collectibles marketplace.
Key outcomes included:
- Five major media placements
- Nearly 90 million audience impressions
- National coverage across entertainment, lifestyle, and industry outlets
- Increased visibility for the memorabilia auction
- Expanded awareness of The Realest among collectors and movie fans
- Enhanced engagement surrounding the theatrical release of Gladiator II
The campaign demonstrates how strategic PR campaigns can transform a traditional movie promotion into an immersive fan experience that drives engagement, media interest, and brand visibility.
Related Public Relations Services
This campaign combined experiential marketing, partnership activation, entertainment publicity, and media relations strategy to create a highly visible consumer engagement campaign.
It demonstrates how strategic public relations can:
- Elevate brand partnerships
- Generate earned media coverage
- Create memorable audience experiences
- Drive engagement through storytelling and exclusivity
Explore More Case Studies
Great campaigns don’t just attract attention—they create experiences people want to talk about. See how strategic public relations can transform partnerships, events, and brand stories into moments that generate media coverage and audience engagement.
Take Control of Your Brand Narrative
The most effective campaigns don’t simply promote products—they create experiences that audiences want to talk about, share, and remember.
Bender Group PR helps brands develop strategic campaigns that combine storytelling, media visibility, and audience engagement to create lasting impact.
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