See, now we need a sequel!
The holidays are here, and Walmart has rolled out a new ad that has us all in our feels. The new holiday campaign kicked off, featuring Nia Long and Larenz Tate, who reprised their Love Jones roles in the nostalgic commercial, Essence reports. Tate and Long starred as Darius Lovehall and Nina Mosley in the ’90s film that became a cult classic. Now, 20 years later, the two are back, making us feel all warm and fuzzy.
The commercial is set to Dionne Farris’ timeless “Hopeless” single, which became a hit on the film’s soundtrack. Long can be seen opening her front door, revealing a Walmart package. When she opens the package, a record player is revealed. Tate walks in right on cue as Long gasps with glee.
“Is this an early present?,” Long asks Tate.
“You know I don’t like to wait. Merry Christmas, babe,” Tate responds before kissing her on the cheek.
It’s the quintessential chemistry revived that Long and Tate shared on screen so many years ago, and we can’t get enough. In true Darius Lovehall fashion, he requests to “play something for her” before starting up “Groove With You” by The Isley Brothers. As the two began to dance in the living room, decked out with Christmas decor, the ad gives us a glimpse into the future of what could’ve been for Lovehall and Mosley. Just as they settle into the dance, a daughter appears to snap a picture of her parents. Surprisingly, the daughter is about as old as the film, fulfilling the fans’ fantasies about Lovehall and Mosley’s whirlwind romance.
@saarsayyid777 #nialong #larenztate #secret #blacktiktok #blacktiktokcommunity ♬ original sound – Saar Sayyid
Long and Tate recently discussed the holiday campaign during an interview, saying they were equally joyous to reprise their roles and give the fans what we’ve been missing.
“I think fans have been waiting for this for a very long time, and they’ll be thrilled to see our characters back together this holiday season,” said Tate.
Long chimed in, saying they had no idea how resonant the film would be with fans, and they’re just happy it still has a place in the culture two decades later.
“It’s relatable because everyone wants to fall in love, and this movie encapsulates what it feels like to fall in love. I don’t know that we knew it would be such an enduring story while we were filming. Still, I think the reason it’s stood the test of time is because depicting Black love at that time in the 90s was relatively novel – Love Jones delivered in that void, and it resonated deeply with our audience,” added Long.
The new Love Jones Walmart holiday ad is the first in the campaign series. In total, there will be 15 ads featuring more of our favorite beloved characters from other shows and films, from Crazy Rich Asians to Spongebob.
Check out the heartwarming ad starring Long and Tate below!
Cover photo: Nia Long & Larenz Tate Reprise ‘Love Jones’ Roles in Nostalgic Walmart Holiday Commercial/Photo credit: Walmart