Original Icons Only: adidas Honors the Legacy of the Superstar

By DaMarko Webster

Once created for the hardwood, now immortalized in the hearts of style disruptors, adidas Originals’ Superstar has never been just a sneaker—it’s always been a statement. First launched as athletic gear, then adopted by streetwear pioneers, the Superstar has transcended its function, becoming a cultural artifact worn by those who shape what’s next. With the launch of “The Original” campaign, adidas doubles down on that legacy—offering a bold homage to the sneaker’s place at the intersection of culture, identity, and iconography.

In this latest evolution, adidas presents “Superstar, The Original”—a global campaign that doesn’t just celebrate the past, but elevates the figures defining the now. Directed by acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Thibaut Grevet—whose cinematic, high-contrast style blurs the line between fantasy and reality—the campaign transforms a stripped-back black-and-white set into a stage for self-expression. It’s a living canvas, anchored by a simple but potent message: originality builds legacies.

And who better to voice that message than Samuel L. Jackson? With his unmistakable cadence, Jackson narrates two campaign chapters—“Pyramids” and “Clocks”—tying together past and present with wisdom and fire. Pyramids draws a direct line from ancient monuments to modern culture-makers, suggesting that truly original ideas, like the Superstar, stand the test of time. Clocks builds on that momentum, gathering a cross-generational ensemble of icons for a rallying cry in unison.

This isn’t just a who’s-who of modern culture—it’s a curated cast of true changemakers. From the ever-influential Missy Elliott to the rebellious grace of Gabbriette, from JENNIE’s global pop dominance to Anthony Edwards’ game-day grit, every name here holds weight. Skate legend Mark Gonzales, rap phenomenon GloRilla, and genre-defier Teezo Touchdown round out the lineup, each representing a different frontier of cultural disruption.

Of course, at the center of it all is the Superstar itself—returning in its classic colorways, but with elevated comfort and unmistakable swagger. Paired with the Firebird Tracksuit (which has kept pace with global culture since 1967), the silhouette embodies more than nostalgia. It represents a continuum: of style, of originality, and of resistance against the ordinary.

As Annie Barrett, VP of Marketing at adidas Originals, puts it: “This campaign isn’t about looking back—it’s about spotlighting a new generation of Originals who are building what’s next, unapologetically.”

And she’s right. Because the Superstar has never followed the crowd—it’s always built one. Before there can be a thousand, there has to be one.
And that one?
Is always an Original.