The Internet has been buzzing about McDonald's Szechuan sauce since April 1st. That day was the debut of the third season of Adult Swim's "Rick and Morty." In the episode McDonald's Szechuan sauce is obsessed over by one of the show's main characters, mad scientist Rick Sanchez. Fans of the show have since begun petitioning the fast food giant to bring the dipping sauce back, with several petitions gaining thousands of signatures on Change.org.
McDonald's Szechuan sauce has not been offered since 1998 when it debuted as part of a promotional campaign for Disney's "Mulan." USA Today reports that McDonald's is indeed considering bringing it back thanks to all the buzz on social media. A live-action "Mulan" is scheduled to be released in 2018, but McDonald's may move faster in an effort to ride the "Rick and Morty" wave.
Cartoon-Fueled Fastfood Comebacks
McDonald's Szechuan Sauce May Be Revived by 'Rick and Morty'
Trend Themes
1. Cartoon-fueled Fastfood Comebacks - The resurgence of interest in McDonald's Szechuan sauce due to the popular show 'Rick and Morty' presents an opportunity for fast food chains to revive nostalgic menu items.
2. Petition-driven Marketing Campaigns - The success of the petitions to bring back McDonald's Szechuan sauce showcases the power of social media and consumer influence in shaping marketing strategies.
3. Cross-brand Collaborations - The collaboration between McDonald's and Disney's 'Mulan' demonstrates the potential for synergistic promotions that leverage the popularity of cultural icons.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - Fast food chains can capitalize on nostalgic food items to drive customer engagement and boost sales.
2. Social Media Marketing - The viral petitions for McDonald's Szechuan sauce highlight the importance of leveraging social media platforms for marketing campaigns and engaging with consumers.
3. Film and Entertainment - The tie-in between McDonald's Szechuan sauce and the upcoming 'Mulan' film indicates the potential for collaboration between food brands and movie franchises to create unique marketing opportunities.