Toyota's All-New 4Runner Campaign Ventures 'Into the Wild
This article originally appeared in Roast Brief, April 7, 2025.
Created by Saatchi & Saatchi, the campaign features a 30-second and 15-second CTV spot “Into the Wild,” as well as a variety of 6-second and 15-second NLV spots including “Full Screen,” “Jam Session” and “Unsteady Ground,” directed by Peter Thwaites. Each spot captures the spirit of the 4Runner, showcasing its ability to inspire confidence and find adventure at every turn.
In “Into the Wild,” a father and daughter explore the mountains in their all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner set to the tune of Lord Huron’s La Belle Fleur Sauvage. Noticing his daughter glued to her tablet, the father decides to change direction, igniting her sense of awe-filled adventure. As the 4Runner conquers rugged terrain, playful forest creatures mirror its spirit of exploration. The daughter is captivated with wide-eyes and engaged with the world around her. The spot closes with them setting up camp under the open sky, fully present and immersed in the wild.
“Into the Wild” is a delightful combo of whimsy and magical realism brought to life with Visual Effects by Preymaker. Internal wire amatures were used for the movement and posing of the mud creatures in the same vein as The Muppets are brought to life. Preymaker created a 150 page “Look Book” for the client, and used a production workflow where animation tests, cycles and VFX were completed before picture locked, giving ample time for the spot’s nuanced lighting.