Villains! - Blocking Scammers

Steve Buscemi returns as the nefarious leader of Telstra’s cyber-criminal crew in a sequel to last year’s sci-fi-inspired “Villains” campaign. After their previous cyber attack ended in spectacular failure, the villains are back for another attempt, only to discover that Telstra has significantly strengthened its security.

Created by Bear Meets Eagle On Fire with partner agency +61 and directed by Randy Krallman through Smuggler, the campaign expands the tongue-in-cheek space-opera world across a series of films. A 90-second hero spot is joined by two 30-second films that give supporting characters more time to shine.

Rolling out across TV, digital, social, cinema and Telstra stores, the campaign uses the returning characters and exaggerated sci-fi storytelling to deliver a more serious message about online security. The humour and ongoing narrative make the importance of staying safer online part of the entertainment.

For the sequel, the creative team built on the elements that connected with audiences in the original while raising the stakes and expanding the campaign’s world. Buscemi’s villainous crew may be back, but Telstra is ready for them this time.