Sasquatch Sighting in Central Park Revealed as Guerrilla Marketing Stunt for New Film
If you were near the Ramble in Central Park on Thursday afternoon, you might have thought you were in a “Planet of the Apes”-themed episode of “What Would You Do?” as a 6-foot-7 longhaired sasquatch roamed the area, grunting at the sky and causing a stir among onlookers.
But fear not, it wasn’t Bigfoot on the loose – it was actually a guerrilla publicity effort for the upcoming film “Sasquatch Sunset,” directed by the Zellner brothers. The film, set to open in New York on April 12, follows a group of kind-eyed sasquatches navigating life and death in the wilderness, starring Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg.
Nathan Zellner, who plays the male alpha sasquatch in the film, donned the hairy suit for the promotional stunt in Central Park. Onlookers were both amused and intrigued by the sight of the sasquatch roaming the park, with some mistaking it for the real deal.
The promotional stunt is in line with the irreverent sensibility of the film, which blends elements of bro comedy, National Geographic documentary, and emotional family drama. Despite the suit weighing about 40 pounds, Zellner embraced the role with gusto, entertaining passersby and garnering attention for the film.
While the stunt was more about building viral hype than selling tickets, it certainly left an impression on those who witnessed it. Fans of the film appreciated the interactive nature of the promotion, with one spectator noting the resemblance between Zellner’s costume and the one in the film’s trailer.
As the sasquatch took a break for water and rest, it was clear that the event was more about fun than anything else. And while “Sasquatch Sunset” may not be a family film, it certainly captured the imagination of young and old alike, with one 8-year-old visitor from Croatia describing the experience as “excited scary.”
Overall, the guerrilla marketing stunt in Central Park succeeded in generating buzz for the upcoming film and engaging audiences in a unique and entertaining way.
