Capital One’s play on consumer’s nostalgia makes the reunion of Pulp Fiction stars John Travolta and Samuel Jackson all the more memorable.

If you have a keen eye for detail and film references, you may have noticed that there are many, many references to the 1994 cult classic “Pulp Fiction” in Capital One’s newest holiday commercial.

“Pulp Fiction” stars John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson reunited for a fun holiday conversation talking about how Santa (Travolta) can help Capital One spokesperson (Jackson) to help him save money with virtual coupons. 

Travolta, 66, and Jackson, 71, who starred together in the cult classic pointed to several in-commercial easter eggs that brings nostalgia to “Pulp Fiction” fans everywhere, including the bolo tie in Santa’s online shopping basket (similar to the one Travolta wore in the movie), as well as Santa’s hair slicked back in a similar style to that of Vincent’s character. 

Another easy-to-miss moment was Santa sipping on a milkshake through a straw, likely referencing the “$5 milkshake” scene from the film. And if you didn’t catch Jackson’s t-shirt which reads “Happy Holidays ‘With Cheese’,” think back to the film’s famous “Royale with Cheese” scene. 

All of this goes to show the everlasting power of product placement in the form of notable films and scenes that viewers have embedded in their memories. 

Valued at over $23.3 billion as of June of this year, product placement continues to be the oldest form of marketing that arguably began with the 1982 blockbuster E.T., and continued onto films such as Home Alone and Cast Away.

Since 2020, the industry has seen a 14% increase in global spending, while simultaneously, marketers are slowly decreasing their spending on traditional advertising in the form of TV and print ads – making today’s streaming technologies all the more valuable. 

With Capital One’s newest holiday commercial, the financial institution capitalizes off nostalgia and consumers’ love for stars like Travolta and Jackson, persuading viewers not to turn that channel, hoping they will pick out film references such as those mentioned above. 

As you spend time with your loved ones this holiday season, take a closer look at the commercials you watch to see how entertainment continues to be intertwined with nostalgic, throwback product references. 

You can watch Travolta and Jackson’s reunion below: