Mike Myers Reprises Dr Evil For Verizon Ad – Austin Powers Cast Reunites

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Mike Myers has reprised his role as Dr. Evil in a new Verizon advertisement, marking the first time the character has appeared in a commercial since the 2002 film Austin Powers in Goldmember. The ad, directed by Jay Roach—the original trilogy’s director—features Myers alongside Seth Green as Scott Evil, Rob Lowe as Number 2, and Mindy Sterling as Frau Farbissina, reuniting key members of the franchise’s original cast. The 30-second spot, released on June 16, 2026, depicts Dr. Evil devising a scheme to launch a phone company called Menace Mobile, only for his team to reveal they have already switched to Verizon’s Simplicity Plan, prompting Dr. Evil to “kill them all” with a button press.

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According to a statement from Myers shared with Variety, the ad allowed him to revisit the character he has “loved” portraying for decades. “Any time I get to be Dr. Evil is a fun time. Especially when I get to play with that incredibly talented cast,” he said. Verizon’s campaign, which highlights the Simplicity Plan, leverages the Austin Powers universe to emphasize its user-friendly service. The ad’s premise—Dr. Evil’s team abandoning his chaotic schemes for a straightforward phone plan—serves as a satirical contrast to the franchise’s signature over-the-top humor.

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The Austin Powers franchise, which began in 1997 with International Man of Mystery, became a cultural phenomenon by parodying James Bond tropes. The original trilogy, starring Myers in multiple roles, included Michael York, Elizabeth Hurley, and Will Ferrell, among others. The final film, Goldmember, was released 24 years ago, in 2002. Despite its success, the series has remained dormant since then, with Myers expressing interest in a sequel as recently as 2022. In a 2020 interview, director Jay Roach hinted at potential for a follow-up, though no official projects have materialized.

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The Verizon ad’s revival of Dr. Evil comes amid renewed fan interest in the franchise. In 2022, Myers told Entertainment Weekly that he “would love” to return to the role, though he acknowledged the challenges of reuniting the cast. The current ad, however, suggests a low-stakes, nostalgia-driven approach. By incorporating the original cast and director, Verizon taps into the franchise’s legacy while positioning its service as a solution to “complicated” phone plans—a nod to Dr. Evil’s signature absurdity.

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The ad’s release also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the first Austin Powers film, which premiered in 1997. While no official announcement about a new film has been made, the ad’s success could influence future decisions. Rob Lowe, who previously played a younger Number 2 in the trilogy, has not commented on the role’s return, though his participation in the ad implies a willingness to engage with the franchise. Similarly, Seth Green, who portrayed Scott Evil, has not addressed whether the role will extend beyond the commercial.

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Verizon’s campaign underscores the enduring appeal of the Austin Powers brand. The franchise’s mix of slapstick humor and pop culture references has maintained a dedicated fanbase, with its characters frequently referenced in media and internet culture. The ad’s inclusion of Dr. Evil’s signature catchphrases—such as “I am your father”—reinforces this connection, blending humor with marketing. Industry analysts note that such nostalgia-driven campaigns can drive engagement, particularly among older demographics who grew up with the films.

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For fans, the ad serves as a reminder of the franchise’s potential. While Goldmember remains the final official entry, the return of key cast members and the involvement of Roach suggest a possible rekindling of the series. Myers’ enthusiasm for the project, as expressed in his Variety statement, may signal a broader interest in exploring new stories. However, no concrete plans have been announced, leaving the future of Austin Powers in limbo.

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The ad’s release has sparked discussions about the feasibility of a new Austin Powers film. While some fans have called for a sequel, others argue that the franchise’s humor may not translate