Dos Equis' "Most Interesting Man in the World" is no longer of this world.
The character played by 77-year-old Jonathan Goldsmith has taken a one-way journey to Mars in the actor's final star-turn for the brand, which Dos Equis posted online Wednesday. Goldsmith will be replaced by another actor in a similar campaign, Advertising Age reported.
The spot, above, shows Goldsmith bidding adieu to characters that have graced his commercials since he began as a Dos Equis spokesman in 2006. He then boards the rocket with a sexy astronaut and the narrator says: "His only regret is not knowing what regret feels like. He is the Most Interesting Man in the World."
As the rocket blasts off, Goldsmith utters his signature line: "Stay thirsty, my friends."
A talent agency is suing Goldsmith over alleged unpaid commissions from the campaign, and Goldsmith is suing back for what he says are violations of a confidentiality agreement, according to the Hollywood Reporter. But a Dos Equis spokesman told Ad Age the legal tangle has nothing to do with its decision. "We are incredibly grateful to [Mr. Goldsmith] for his contributions to the brand, and that appreciation absolutely remains undiminished by any personal legal matters that he has," the spokesman said to the trade publication.
Godspeed, Mr. Goldsmith.