The 80^th Venice International Film Festival – La Biennale di Venezia – reached its climax on Saturday with the traditional presentation of awards, including the coveted Golden Lion for best picture. While the festival celebrated leading cinematic achievement from around the world, Lexus was proud to have completed its duties as Official Car provider for a seventh consecutive year – a role that allowed it to present its own new “star,” the LBX.

This brand-new electrified “breakthrough crossover” shared the red carpet spotlight with some of the best-known names in world cinema. The famous faces included directors Yorgos Lanthimos – this year’s Golden Lion winner – Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola and Liliana Cavani, and actors Adam Driver, Caterina Murino – the “godmother” of this year’s festival – Bar Refaeli, Patrick Dempsey, Charlotte Rampling and Carla Bruni.

The LBX luxury compact SUV will open an important new market for the brand: designed for the European market, it presents a casually elegant style that will resonate with a younger customer base.  It was joined in Vencie by a  fleet of Lexus electrified models, including the RX  turbocharged hybrid, NX plug-in hybrid and all-electric RZ, was on hand to carry VIP guests to and from screenings and events on the Venice Lido. These vehicles were joined by the all-new LM, Lexus’ new “luxury mover” people carrier that will be joining the European range later this year.

Paolo Moroni, Director of Lexus Italy, said: “We were honoured to have attended the festival for a seventh year. To make this unique occasion even more memorable, were able to contribute our own star, the new LBX, a car that’s designed for a new audience that values luxury, design and sustainability.”

Lexus shared the red carpet spotlight with famous figures from contemporary European cinema this week at the opening night of the 80^th edition of the Venice International Film Festival – La Biennale di Venezia.

As the Official Car of the festival for a seventh consecutive year, Lexus is providing a fleet of electrified models as luxury transport for film-makers, actors and VIP attendees to screenings and events, taking place on the Venice Lido until 9 September. The occasion is also providing a high-profile showcase for the all-new LBX, Lexus’ breakthrough new hybrid electric compact crossover that will be launched across Europe later this year.

The festival opened this week (30 August) with the world premiere of the film Comandante. Its director Edoardo De Angelis and leading actor Pierfrancesco Favino were brought to the red carpet by Lexus, together with actor Caterina Murino (Casino Royale) – the “godmother” of this year’s festival – and director Alice Diop (St Omer), the Luigi De Laurentiis Award Jury President.

Paolo Moroni, Director of Lexus Italy, said: “Every year we aim to show and tell something new and extraordinary in the wonderful setting of the festival. This year our undoubted ‘star’ is the new Lexus LBX. We are honoured to present this exceptional SUV that we believe will help make the red carpet even more special.”

In just over a month’s time, the spotlights while be shining again on the Venice Lido to launch the 80^th edition of Venice International Film Festival – La Biennale di Venezia 2023. Lexus is returning as the Official Car of the festival for a seventh consecutive year and giving a starring role to its all-new LBX compact crossover.

The association between Lexus and one of the world’s longest-established cinematic celebrations reinforces the values the brand shares with the world of cinema, aiming to give people unforgettable experiences and opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in new worlds.

Electrified Lexus vehicles will provide chauffeur-driven transport for film-makers, actors and celebrities throughout the festival, which runs from August 30^th to September 9^th.   Actors Zendaya (Spider Man: No Way Home), Mike Faist (West Side Story), Josh O’Connor (The Crown) and Caroline Murino (Casino Royale) will be among those appearing on the red carpet.

The all-new LBX, the smallest Lexus yet, is a landmark model which captures the pioneering spirit of innovation that has long defined the brand. It breaks with luxury car conventions to offer style, comfort and a driving experience that will take Lexus into a vibrant new market in Europe.

Paolo Moroni, Director of Lexus Italy, said: “This year we will again be adding to the magical atmosphere in Venice during the film festival, offering guests the chance to enjoy the ultimate Lexus Amazing Experience. We are particularly proud to be bringing the latest addition to our product range to this important stage, the LBX – an SUV that embraces contemporary ideas in design and technology while maintaining the qualities that distinguish the Lexus brand.”

This is the scenario of ‘Stay Ahead’, the lead film supporting the launch of the all-new RX in Europe, to premiere in January 2023. Much like the RX, a pioneer in the luxury hybrid electric SUV segment, the film celebrates the similarities between a state-of-the-art car that is inherently forward-thinking and iconic, and an audience that embodies the ethos of “stay ahead” in all aspects of their life. From food and fashion to art and culture, the RX audience is on the search for products and experiences that complement their lifestyle and ambitions.

While the regular 30-second edit of ‘Stay Ahead’ will feature on various media across Europe as the main campaign asset, Lexus has also produced an extended 100-second directors’ cut, allowing viewers to immerse themselves even more in this cinematic experience, a homage to classic spy movies. The director’s cut will be visible on the Lexus Europe site and all national distributor sites.

The end of the film reveals nothing about the contents of the highly-prized briefcase – but Lexus enthusiasts will be able to join a competition to find out more and win exclusive prizes. More details will be released in April 2023, when the competition will be launched to the public.

As seen in the Stay Ahead film, the RX 500h Performance Hybrid combines elegance and power to maintain its position at the front of the pack. Other electrified powertrains offered in Europe include the RX 450h+, featuring Lexus’ benchmark plug-in hybrid electric technology, and the RX 350h, which introduces an efficient alternative to lower displacement diesel and petrol competitor models. The All-New RX also includes a driver-centred “Tazuna” cockpit, improving intuitive control of the car, which simultaneously enhances the driver experience. Thanks to a new Lexus Link Multimedia system, with the “Hey Lexus” onboard assistant as standard, the 14-inch touchscreen and remote functions can be operated on the Lexus Link smartphone app. Drivers will also experience improved handling and responsiveness thanks to the development of Lexus’ GA-K platform, delivering excellent body rigidity and a low centre of gravity.  Optimising the SUV’s fundamentals such as the inertia specifications, weight reduction and powertrain, Lexus have created a more natural dialogue between car and driver.

To find out more about the new RX, please visit Newsroom Lexus Europe.

Lexus today unveils a transformation of its all-new RX 500h F SPORT Performance, inspired by Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” This unique version of the large luxury SUV has been created in a collaboration between Lexus’ Calty North American design centre, adidas, adidas S.E.E.D. and 3D printing specialists Carbon, coinciding with the new movie’s worldwide release.

The project is in the spirit of Marvel “What Ifs” and helps celebrate the recent launch of adidas’ “Wakanda Forever” collection by bringing its Black Panther designs into the automotive space. Created for the world’s best athletes, adidas’ performance sportswear embodies the question “What If… Wakanda had a national athletics team?”.

The RX has been given a full body wrap that builds on the custom identity adidas has envisioned for the fictional African nation. It features a tribal print in the signature Wakandan purple used throughout the adidas sportswear collection. The bonnet is inlaid with a diamond pattern inspired by the Black Panther’s claw necklace. Characters from the fictional Wakandan alphabet are used for the F SPORT and Lexus badging, including the word “Vibe-Branium,” denoting the model’s full name: the Lexus RX 500h Vibe-Branium ( ) AWD DIRECT4. 

Michael Moore, Lexus International General Manager, commented: “The all-new RX 500h is part of our expanding Lexus Electrified portfolio with evolved, innovative technology that elevates the driver’s experience. There’s an athleticism in the RX’s performance that makes it a perfect fit for joining the “Wakanda Forever” team.”

Students from adidas S.E.E.D. (School for Experiential Education in Design) were challenged to reimagine the vehicle’s interior, again taking the new movie sequel as their inspiration.  They were guided through the creative process by Calty Design Research, Lexus’ North American design centre, with workshops on Lexus design principles, creative processes, colours, materials and the power of collaboration.

The custom build will feature future-focused designs, textures and materials, with adidas’s custom Wakandan tribal gold print featured on the seat upholstery, door panel inserts and purple sections of the steering wheel. The F SPORT door sill plate is translated in the Wakandan alphabet ( ) and the steering wheel is embroidered with “Wakanda Forever” ( ). Key tactile areas such as the steering wheel pad and front and rear headrests are covered in the Carbon 3D printed energy-returning athletic shoe mid-sole material used in the adidas 4D-FWD. The front head rests include the Lexus emblem and the rear centre head rest carries the iconic adidas’s logo. A laser-cut wood finish around the shift lever and gold trim accents help create a distinctively Wakandan environment. 

The collaborative project has been recorded in a documentary short film by multi-talented visual storyteller Cami Thomas. Set for release on digital platforms, this feature stands as another example of Lexus’ mission to inspire and nurture emerging creative talent.

Alex Shen, Chief Designer at Calty Design Research, said: “Lexus, adidas and Black Panther may seem like brands that come from totally different worlds but the thread that draws everything together is the pursuit and leadership in unique story-telling and innovative technology.”

Cheresse Thornhill-Goldson, Director, Design Education & Growth | S.E.E.D., adidas, added: “A critical aspect of our curriculum is “open-source” product creation where we partner with experts across various industries to educate and co-create with our S.E.E.D. designers to bring unique products to life. So, collaborating with Lexus, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, Carbon, Calty, and Annex to design the Lexus RX 500h Vibe-Branium Direct4 was such a transformative experience for our students. The end result is a powerful example of what can happen when we leverage the ‘collective genius’ across disciplines.”

Carbon, an adidas partner since 2017, has revolutionised athletic footwear by providing the technology platform for the production of adidas 4D midsoles. Carbon DLS™ (Digital Light Synthesis™) technology is pioneered by 3D printing specialists, aligning innovation and sustainability in collaboration with adidas to create a portfolio of athletic footwear that meets specific performance needs. In addition, Carbon’s footprint on the silver screen contributing to costumes, animatronics and other-worldly environments make them the perfect partner to help realise the S.E.E.D students’ vision.

The project also being celebrated with a limited-edition T-shirt designed by adidas S.E.E.D. students. This features an African proverb in Wakandan script, “ ” (“Educate a Woman, Educate a Nation”), rendered in the traditional Japanese Tategaki style. On the back of the shirt, the periodic table is transcribed in Wakandan, celebrating how the country’s vibranium resources helped it build its future-focused society.

For more information, visit https://www.lexus.com/WakandaForever

ABOUT MARVEL STUDIOS’ “BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER”

In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livinalli. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore, opens in Europe from November 9^th, 2022.

The striking design, produced by Reed and Lexus under licence from Warner Bros. Consumer Products, gives a contemporary twist to one of the movie’s themes: what if Dorothy had ignored the advice to “follow the yellow brick road” and taken the road less travelled instead? This echoes the RX’s reputation as a vehicle that captures the spirit of exploration and encourages journeys off the beaten track.

Harris Reed commented: “As a gender-fluid designer, I’ve always been fuelled and inspired by choosing the path less travelled. With the bold new design of the Lexus RX and the cinematic Hollywood classic “The Wizard of Oz,” I took inspiration from the literal interpretation of choosing your own path and pursuing a new journey down the red brick road, with a nod to the film’s iconic ruby slippers and my own designs.”

In creating the “Ruby Red Rims,” Reed took styling cues from two signature hat designs he produced for his recent Spring 2023 ready-to-wear collection. The backs of the rims are made of solid aluminium, finished with gloss-sealed glitter. The central Lexus logo sits in a polished ruby core that is brought to life by LED lights, while slim, radiating fins reveal the inner red colour from different angles. This creates a sense of magic as the wheels turn that celebrates the power of the ruby slippers. The dramatic change in colour signifies the transition between different worlds.

For more information about the all-new Lexus RX, please visit https://www.lexus.eu/car-models/the-all-new-rx/world-premiere/

This fall, the Marvel Studios’ Black Panther franchise and Lexus will once again join forces as the official automotive partner of the highly anticipated Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Ahead of the film’s global release beginning, November 9, 2022, the RZ 450e, driven by Dora Milaje warriors, will star in heart-pumping 60-, 30-, and 15-second spots called “An Electric Future”.

Directed by Anthony Leonardi III, the visually thrilling spot finds General Okoye (played by Danai Gurira) in the RZ 450e as she prepares to fulfil her national duty in the unfamiliar roll of public speaker. General Okoye is joined by her fellow Dora Milaje as they embark on what becomes a car chase experience filled with spectacular jinks, explosions, and pin-point accurate vibranium spear throws.

The RZ 450e welcomes General Okoye’s adventure in stride, allowing the Dora Milaje to dodge their pursuers with its precise One Motion Grip steering, balanced handling thanks to DIRECT4 all- wheel drive, and a seamless on-demand application of power via front and rear e-Axle motors. And because of the RZ’s BEV-specific seating placement and versatile digital rear-view mirror, all- around visibility for General Okoye’s driver and front passenger is optimal.

“The power, elegance, and future-forward vision of the Lexus brand aligns perfectly with the Black Panther franchise. We couldn’t be happier to team-up with Lexus once again to bring an action-packed story and supporting 360 campaign to life,” said Mindy Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Global Partnership Marketing at The Walt Disney Company.

“We’re excited and honoured to continue our collaboration with the Marvel Studios’ Black Panther franchise,” said Michael Moore, Lexus International’s General Manager for Strategic Communication. “Our all-electric RZ 450e is a perfect fit in the Dora Milaje’s cutting-edge arsenal, bringing an elevated driving experience that intuitively connects with its users through advanced technology and compelling performance.

ABOUT MARVEL STUDIOS’ BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livinalli. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore, opens in Europe as from Nov. 9, 2022.

On August 31, Lexus joined leading figures from the world of cinema, celebrities and VIPs for the opening ceremony of the 79^th Venice International Festival – La Biennale di Venezia. Marking its sixth consecutive year as the Official Car of the festival, the luxury brand brought its latest models to the red carpet event, led by the all-new RX hybrid electric SUV.

The evening saw stars including Julianne Moore, Regé-Jean Page, Rocio Morales, Catherine Deneuve and Tessa Thompson, accompanied to the gala by a fleet of Lexus Electrified vehicles, including the UX, NX, RX and ES.

Lexus’ continued support for the festival reflects the values that are shared between the worlds of cinema and motoring. Both have long been inspired by the desire to widen people’s horizons through travel, time and new experiences. Just as cinema provides a unique medium for creating unforgettable moments, so Lexus also seeks to deliver excitement through its innovative and pioneering spirit.

Likewise, the setting of Venice provides another inspirational link. This unique, magical city creates unforgettable memories, while giving prominence to the issue of sustainability.

“We are excited and proud to return to Venice and have the honour of demonstrating the values that distinguish our brand,” said Maurizio Perinetti, Director of Lexus Italy. “This is a prestigious, high-profile stage for hosting the all-new RX, one of our most iconic models. We hope that the festival and its audiences will recognise and appreciate the design, quality, technology and environmental focus that we have invested in the new RX and the creation of another Lexus Amazing Experience.”

The new RX will feature together with other models from the Lexus Electrified range, including the all-electric UX 300e crossover, in a fleet of 40 vehicles that will be used to chauffeur guests and officials to and from red carpet events, through to the festival’s conclusion on September 10. In keeping with the glamour of the event, the line-up will include the LC 500, Lexus’ multi-award-winning flagship convertible.

In Moonfall, a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it.  The all-new Lexus NX plays a pivotal role in the heroic effort to restore order to the Moon’s orbit on a mission to save the world.

The Lexus x Moonfall marketing campaign features a co-branded 30-second advert, “Enjoy the Ride”, featuring the NX in high-action footage from the film. The campaign can be viewed here.

The NX’s bold styling, intuitive technology and connected driving feel make it the perfect partner for this epic adventure. The second generation of Lexus’ luxury SUV, which is currently launched across Europe, opens the next chapter for the Lexus brand. It heralds new directions in exterior and cabin design, new powertrains, including Lexus’ first plug-in hybrid electric, new connected and safety technologies, and a leap forward in dynamic performance that delivers a greater and more rewarding connection between driver and machine.

The Lexus brand is featured prominently throughout the film. The all-new NX is driven by Charlie Plummer’s character, Sonny Harper, in a three-minute, high-action scene. The Lexus GX luxury SUV makes an appearance as the government vehicle used to transport Halle Berry’s character, Jo Fowler. Additionally, Michael Peña’s character, Tom Lopez, is a Lexus dealer, and the film includes a scene at his dealership.

The Lexus x Moonfall campaign will be promoted across video, digital and social channels.

ABOUT MOONFALL

In “Moonfall,” a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler (Academy Award^® winner Halle Berry) is convinced she has the key to saving us all – but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper (Patrick Wilson, “Midway”) and a conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman (John Bradley, “Game of Thrones”) believes her. These unlikely heroes will mount an impossible last-ditch mission into space, leaving behind everyone they love, only to find out that our Moon is not what we think it is.

Directed by Roland Emmerich (“Independence Day”, “The Day After Tomorrow” and “2012”), and written by Roland Emmerich & Harald Kloser & Spenser Cohen, and produced by Harald Kloser, p.g.a. and Roland Emmerich, p.g.a., the film also stars Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, Kelly Yu, Eme Ikwuakor, Carolina Bartczak, and Donald Sutherland.

UK Moonfall LLP and Centropolis Entertainment present, in association with Huayi Brothers International and Huayi Tencent Entertainment International, and AGC Studios, a Street Entertainment production.

Each otherworldly custom-wrapped “Eternals” automobile is inspired by the unique individual armor design, iconography and super power of each Eternal. In addition, a golden glow emanates from the vehicles’ grilles and underbodies, reflecting the characters’ shared energy signature as seen in the film. The vehicles will be featured in various events and media extensions, including the red carpet premiere.

“We’re excited to bring the ‘Eternals’ partnership to life through these custom-wrapped Lexus vehicles,” said Vinay Shahani, Lexus USA vice president of marketing. “Just as each Eternals character has a distinct style and set of capabilities, so does each character-themed Lexus.”

The lineup of custom-wrapped “Eternals” vehicles includes:

• Ajak x Lexus GX: Ajak, played by Salma Hayek, isa powerful, commanding woman. She is paired with one of the most capable SUVs in the land, the GX.
• Druig x Lexus GX: Druig, played by Barry Keoghan, is a bit of a rebel in the movie, with super strength and stamina, making the GX a fitting reflection of his character.
• Gilgamesh x Lexus LX: As the strongest Eternal, Gilgamesh, played by Don Lee, is a kindred spirit to the biggest, most powerful Lexus SUV, the LX.
• Ikaris x Lexus LS: The LS, Lexus’ flagship luxury sedan, is a match with Ikaris, played by Richard Madden, considered the tactical leader of the Eternals.
• Kingo x Lexus IS: Kingo, played by Kumail Nanjiani, is paired with the bold, powerful Lexus IS.
• Makkari x Lexus RC F Track Edition: The fastest Eternal, Makkari, played by Lauren Ridloff, is the perfect match for the quickest car in the Lexus lineup, the RC F Track Edition.
• Phastos x Lexus LX: The LX is technologically advanced, making it an ideal fit for Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry, the technological guru of the team.
• Sersi x Lexus RC F: One of Lexus’ most powerful cars, the RC F, is paired with one of the film’s most powerful characters, Sersi, played by Gemma Chan.
• Sprite x Lexus NX: The NX, a crossover that can do anything, is a perfect complement to the illusion-casting ability of Sprite, played by Lia McHugh.
• Thena x Lexus LC 500: Thena, played by Angelina Jolie, is a natural fit with the sleek and stylish Lexus LC 500.

“After so successfully telling a co-branded story on the original Black Panther film, we’re thrilled to be teaming up with Lexus once again. Combined with our custom spot directed by the Russo Brothers and starring Kumail Nanjiani in-character as Kingo, these Eternals-inspired vehicles show that exciting collaborative storytelling can extend even beyond traditional media,” said Mindy Hamilton, SVP, Global Partnership Marketing at Marvel Studios.

Earlier this month, Lexus and Marvel Studios debuted a long-form video called “Parking Spot,” starring Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo. It was directed by the Russo brothers, who helmed four Marvel Studios’ films including “Avengers: Endgame,” one of the highest grossing films of all time. In the two-minute piece, Kingo has to solve a very human problem before he can join the epic Super Hero battle happening downtown — finding a safe parking spot for his new Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance, the most powerful IS ever, with a 472-horsepower naturally aspirated V8 engine.

For more information on Lexus and Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” collaboration, visit https://www.lexus.eu/discover-lexus/lexus-news/marvel-studios-eternals/.

In the imaginative two-minute piece, Kingo has to solve a very human problem before he can join the epic superhero battle happening downtown—finding a safe parking spot for his new Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicle, the all-new luxury crossover that embodies powerful design, intuitive innovation and boundless utility. It is within the realm of the “imaginative” where the luxury automaker and filmmaking powerhouse find their alignment.

Marvel Studios' “Eternals” features an exciting new team of Superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ancient aliens who have been living on Earth in secret for thousands of years. Following the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” an unexpected tragedy forces them out of the shadows to reunite against mankind's most ancient enemy, the Deviants.

The film is directed by Chloé Zhao, who made Oscar history as the first woman of colour to win the Academy Award for best director. In addition to Kumail Nanjiani, it stars Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Brian Tyree Henry, Salma Hayek, Lia McHugh, Don Lee and Kit Harington. Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” hits European cinemas on November 3 to 5, 2021.

“At Lexus we are embracing a new era of electrification, intuitive technology, performance and design, a vision worthy of the advanced Eternals and their quest to protect our future,” said Brian Bolain, Lexus’ global head of marketing. “We’re incredibly excited to team up with Marvel Studios’ ‘Eternals’ to showcase our own superhero NX 450h+, which represents the first milestone on our journey toward a reimagined Lexus.”

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Lexus to give viewers an early look at one of our new heroes, Kumail Nanjiani’s Kingo, in action. Lexus’ creative campaign is appropriately epic, delivering the same combination of action, spectacle, and humour our fans will see in the film,” said Mindy Hamilton, SVP, Global Partnership Marketing at Marvel Studios.

“Parking Spot” was helmed by directing duo Anthony and Joe Russo. The brothers have directed four Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, including one of the highest-grossing films of all time, “Avengers: Endgame.” Viewers who pay close attention to “Parking Spot” will notice a few Marvel Cinematic Universe Easter eggs. In order to achieve the level of VFX viewers expect from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Lexus enlisted the Oscar-winning visual effects company Framestore.

“Parking Spot” will headline the high-profile marketing campaign, set to appear in a wide range of media placements, from special events to Lexus dealerships. The all-new NX luxury crossover and the Lexus LS 500 flagship sedan will make appearances in the film.

For more information, visit https://www.lexus.eu/discover-lexus/lexus-news/marvel-studios-eternals/.

ABOUT MARVEL STUDIOS’ “ETERNALS”

Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” follows a group of heroes from beyond the stars who had protected the Earth since the dawn of man. When monstrous creatures called the Deviants, long thought lost to history, mysteriously return, the Eternals are forced to reunite in order to defend humanity once again.

The outstanding ensemble cast includes Gemma Chan as humankind-loving Sersi, Richard Madden as the all-powerful Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as cosmic-powered Kingo, Lia McHugh as the eternally young, old-soul Sprite, Brian Tyree Henry as the intelligent inventor Phastos, Lauren Ridloff as the super-fast Makkari, Barry Keoghan as aloof loner Druig, Don Lee as the powerful Gilgamesh, with Kit Harington as Dane Whitman, with Salma Hayek as the wise and spiritual leader Ajak, and Angelina Jolie as the fierce warrior Thena.

Chloé Zhao directs the film, and Kevin Feige and Nate Moore are the producers, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and Kevin de la Noy serving as executive producers. The screen story is by Ryan Firpo & Kaz Firpo, and the screenplay is by Chloé Zhao and Chloé Zhao & Patrick Burleigh and Ryan Firpo & Kaz Firpo. Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” opens in European cinemas in early November 2021 (Nov 3, 4 or 5 depending on countries).

As the official automotive partner of the 78^th Venice International Film Festival, Lexus had the honour of accompanying on the red carpet many prestigious guests with its complete electrified range of SUVs – the NX, UX and RX models – together with the ES sedan and LC flagship coupe. These were joined by the UX 300e, Lexus’s first full-electric model, and the multi-award-winning LC Convertible.

Attending the closing ceremony of the 2021 festival, Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Dakota Johnson, Kristen Stewart, Matt Damon, Tim Roth, Jane Campion, Silvio Orlando, Toni Servillo and Paolo Sorrentino were among the celebrities arriving at the Lido on-board Lexus vehicles.

This year, Lexus also supported the presentation of “Poltrone Rosse” by brand ambassador, actor, director and screenwriter Edoardo Leo together with UNITA, the National Union of Theatre and Audiovisual Interpreters. “Poltrone Rosse” is a crowdfunding initiative to support performers in a sector that has been particularly affected by the pandemic. In particular, it provides support to women who are absent from work through pregnancy. A row of red armchairs – like those found in cinemas – was installed in a Venice square on Sunday, September 5. Just like going to the movies, cinema-lovers had the opportunity to buy a ticket to sit in one of the red armchairs and listen to famous film people talk about their passion for the big screen, share anecdotes and reveal curiosities that illustrate the role and importance of cinema in their life and personal growth.

“The Lexus jet reflects the future of the Lexus brand – the far, far distant future,” said Lisa Materazzo, vice president of Lexus marketing. “With the most advanced alien-fighting technology, performance and sophisticated styling, it’s in a class of its own.”

In a top-secret exchange of knowledge with an alien partner, brokered by “the agency,” Lexus was able to secure Quasar Power Source² Technology (QPST) that uses the power of the nearest Active Galactic Nucleus³ (AGN) to travel anywhere in the universe in seconds. Quasi-Stellar Objects⁴ (QSOs) are found in every galaxy that has a supermassive central black hole. So, all QPST-powered Lexus vehicles are named after black holes.⁵

Key jet features include:

Technology

• IGPS (Inter-Galactic Positioning System)
• Amazon Alexa* understands all seven trillion alien languages
• Gamma ray headlamps
• Infinite scaling technology 

Performance

• Lexus’ very latest Quasar Power Source Technology (QPST)
• Propulsion system named after Black Hole TON 618
• 122 MPG (Millennia Per Gallon)
• Three driving modes: EcoDrive, SportDrive, QuantumDrive
• 0-60 in 0.0000000000001 nanoseconds
• Light-speed-matching capability

 Comfort & Design

• Intergalactically sourced, ethically spawned Adorian leather 

Safety

• Lexus’ latest transforming seats with a 31-point harnesses to accommodate every body type in the universe
• Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) with available force field technology 

Styles & Packages

• Enforcer Package
• Everything you need to protect the earth from the scum of the universe
• Also available in six other colors, but naturally, Lexus recommends UmbraBlack

Lexus vehicles are the official fleet of Men in Black agents globally in the film. The 2020 Lexus RC F stars as the Men in Black agents’ vehicle of choice for their high velocity pursuits. The luxury sport coupe recently underwent an exciting change, making it faster, lighter and even more ready to transport the Men in Black as they save the universe.“The Lexus RC F sports coupe and QZ 618 Galactic Enforcer jet provide the perfect vehicles for our team of Men in Black agents as they protect the galaxy,” said Jeffrey Godsick, EVP, Brand Management and Global Partnerships, Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group.

To learn more about the film, visit MeninBlack.com. 

Notes: Specifications and features listed here represent science fiction speculation of what a powerful scum-fighting Lexus jet might be like. The actual vehicle in the film was computer generated—the futuristic vehicle does not exist in reality.

*Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

1 UmbraBlack - The very darkest part of a shadow is the umbra. It's where an object completely blocks of the light source of an entity behind it. In astrophysics, it is the cone-shaped part of the shadow of a cosmic body that excludes all light from the original source.

2 Quasar Power Source Technology (QPST) - Quasars are considered to be the brightest objects in the universe—emitting exceptionally large amounts of energy. There are very few sources that produce enough energy to power a quasar. Astronomers theorize that the sources of quasar energy are supermassive black holes within them.

3 Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) - A small region at the center of a galaxy so bright that the nucleus can be more luminous than the remaining galaxy light. The most powerful, steady sources of luminosity in the universe, they have too much energy in their nuclei to be due to stars or starbursts.

4 Quasi-stellar Objects (QSOs) - A class of astronomical bodies with a star-like visual appearance, but which have long wavelengths or redshifts.

5 Black Hole TON 618 - One of the most massive black holes in the universe, found in an extremely luminous quasar located 10.37 billion light years from the earth near the north galactic pole. It is 66 billion times the mass of the sun.

The heart of the brand’s presence at the Venice Festival will be the Lexus Lounge set up on the Biennale Terrace, where the two flagship models, the LC coupe and the LS sedan, will be displayed. Furthermore, an all-hybrid fleet of 40 vehicles will be provided for VIP and guests transfers during the festival.

The President of the Jury, the actress Annette Bening, will arrive at the festival on board of the brand new LS 500h hybrid.

“We are proud to take part in such a prestigious event, capturing the attention of the world during eleven days”, said Luigi Lucà, Director Lexus Italy. “We share many values with the movie world. Just like actors and directors, we want to improve and refine our art every day, mixing style, elegance and attention to detail to convey unique emotions and create amazing experiences.”

The SKYJET was created by the Valerian team with the ambition of featuring a vehicle grounded in reality but befitting of the Valerian world, set 700 years in the future. The film’s creatives collaborated with designers at Lexus to incorporate contemporary design cues taking adaptions of current iconic models to create the final SKYJET.

The final design incorporates an adapted interpretation of Lexus’ signature “spindle” grille, and a similar headlight design to that of the hotly anticipated 2018 Lexus LC coupe, defined by an athletic and aerodynamic shape. What’s more, when designing the interior of the concept model, the Valerian creative team were inspired by the brand’s latest developments in AI and advanced HMI technologies. The narrative is also set to incorporate an imagined energy capsule of the future, inspired by Lexus’ work on innovative hydrogen fuel cell technology. First images of the craft were unveiled in November on the same day as the film’s teaser trailer debut.

Commenting on the unveiling Dane said: “I have always wanted to work with Luc Besson because he really hones in on every single detail in his films, bringing the narrative to life in the most imaginative way possible. The collaboration with Lexus on the SKYJET is a great example of this, Valerian's epic chase scenes with the Skyjet are sure to be one of the most exhilarating moments in the film.”

The unveiling of the replica was choreographed to a dramatic lightshow before Dane took to the stage to talk about filming with the SKYJET and working on set with his co-star Cara Delevingne and director Luc Besson.

Commenting on the partnership Spiros Fotinos, Head of Global Brand Marketing at Lexus, added: “When Luc first spoke to us about his vision for Valerian, it was clear that he shared our ambition to go beyond the ordinary and create amazing experiences. It was an exciting challenge to help imagine the design and technologies for the SKYJET from a Lexus point of view. In addition to having our brand be part of an incredible story, we got to enjoy the look of our designers and engineers when we told them they get to work on a spaceship!”

Lexus is set to provide a host of amazing experiences over the next seven months designed to bring film fans around the world closer to the Valerian action in the buildup to the film’s release in July 2017.

Learn more about VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerianMovie
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ValerianMovie
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/valerianmovie/

#ValerianSKYJET

ABOUT VALERIAN

Rooted in the classic graphic novel series, Valerian and Laureline - visionary writer/director Luc Besson advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga.

Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Under directive from their Commander (Clive Owen), Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprised of thousands of different species from all four corners of the universe. Alpha’s seventeen million inhabitants have converged over time- uniting their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; in fact, unseen forces are at work, placing our race in great danger.