Spike Jonze and Idris Elba team up for a series of unexpected ads for Squarespace

Did you know that Idris Elba has his own streetwear brand? No, we didn’t either. Well, not until we sat back and watched a pair of adverts starring the man who’ll always be Stringer Bell to us promoting creative-friendly web hosting service Squarespace. And, if having Idris star in the adverts isn’t enough to pique your interest, both shorts have been directed by none other than Spike Jonze.

The first of the two sees a lipsyncing DCI Luther acting out various career aspirations, trying his hand at boxing, sliding into the cockpit of a fighter jet, whipping a perfectly baked cake out of the oven, and even returning from a mission to the moon. The message is simple: Squarespace allows its users to live out their long-held website-focused dreams.

Spike’s second advert focuses on the big man’s real-life streetwear outfit, 2hr Set, and features a fantastic turn by rising UK comedy star Lolly Adefope playing Idris’ snarky and sarcy assistant. It is that rarest of things: a genuinely funny advert that you’ll likely watch at least three times. Fun fact: the 2hr Set website is hosted on…Squarespace. Now that is what we call marketing synergy!

Interestingly, the spots won’t be shown during this weekend’s sport and advertising extravaganza Superbowl. Yep, that’s right: Squarespace has decided to sack off the biggest day in the advertising calendar, despite having popped up on telly screens from Amityville, New York to Zionsville, Indiana for the past five years.