In December 2014, Honda faked a hack of its own Twitter account, handing the @Honda handle to Skeletor of ‘He-Man’ fame, even taking potshots at other brands, including Toyota and Burger King, with a number of humorous tweets.The stunt marks a growing trend for guerrilla marketing practices. In 2014, a simple commercial featuring retro action figures is unlikely to stand out from the crowd- hence why social media stunts are a better way to reach a younger demographic.The fact that the campaign also coincided with 'Cyber Monday' also helped boost visibility on a popular online shopping day.
Twittersphere: It is I, Skeletor! Now that I have control of Honda’s account, no one is safe! Muaha! #Skeletakeover pic.twitter.com/7DCH2aw9lh
— Honda (@Honda) December 1, 2014In an apparent break from fighting He-Man in Eternia, the Mattel character’s new evil plan involved using the official Honda Twitter account to post using the hashtag #Skeletakeover.
As a result, the Japanese car maker's Twitter account featured a Skeletor avatar and background photo.
Taking time out from his lair in Snake Mountain, ‘Skeletor’ also changed the account's description to read: "It is I, Skeletor! Master of the Universe, Internet, and now Honda's Twitter Account! Prepare to experience my evil in 140 characters or less!! Muahaha!!!"
The nostalgic campaign coincided with a video campaign featuring the iconic 80s villain, which references the joy of receiving one of the toys for Christmas.
The ‘hack’ even fooled websites like CarThrottle, who after being duped declared it "the best publicity stunt ever" and said Honda "wins at the Internet."
The Twitter take over even extended to Skeletor ribbing other brands on the social network, resulting in rival Toyota sending back a playful tweet.
.@ToyotaGB You call that a video? Watch & learn. #Skeletakeover http://t.co/2z382veGG2
— Honda (@Honda) December 2, 2014View some of the best tweets below:
.@BurgerKing Who knew King Randor is now king of burgers? #Doppelganger #WhoWoreItBetter #Skeletakeover pic.twitter.com/76GY9HDTyn
— Honda (@Honda) December 1, 2014.@PeopleMag I demand a recount for #SexiestManAlive #BoneStructure #Skeletakeover pic.twitter.com/qFMFYZTfiG
— Honda (@Honda) December 1, 2014
.@Charmin I didn't realize your comfy bed linens could also be used as currency. I have much to learn. #Skeletakeover pic.twitter.com/WjHVV9GVyl
— Honda (@Honda) December 1, 2014I wonder what He-Man is getting for #CyberMonday. Probably a bedazzled loincloth. #SMH #Skeletakeover pic.twitter.com/XTtWirIInp
— Honda (@Honda) December 1, 2014Can anyone tell me how to contact “internet trolls”? They sound like my kinda people. #Skeletakeover
— Honda (@Honda) December 1, 2014