George Clooney on keeping prized Nespresso coffee capsules safe

George Clooney takes on his toughest case yet, keeping prized Nespresso coffee capsules out of the hands of some sneaky would-be criminals. Bayleigh Guo keeps an eye on the investigation

Titled The Detective, the latest Nespresso commercial drew inspiration from Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novel Murder on the Orient Express, capturing in an entertaining vibe what made the story a timeless favourite. From the opulent train setting to the suspenseful plot twists, the ad pays homage to Christie’s iconic work while maintaining Nespresso’s signature blend of sophistication and humour, turning the Nespresso capsule into a coveted treasure more valuable than jewels.

George Clooney, who has been the face of Nespresso since 2006, takes on the titular role with ease, portraying a man in a classic trench coat and sporting a perfectly groomed moustache. “I had to grow this moustache for the job,” Clooney says with a laugh in a behind- the-scenes interview. “As you can imagine, it took me hours. I’m actually sleeping with it on now!” The actor’s commitment to his character is evident in his playful approach to the role, which he describes as “the typical guy in a trench coat vibe”.

The commercial, shot aboard an old-fashioned train in a style reminiscent of 1940s and ’50s film noir, exudes old-fashioned charm. The production team built the set in three weeks. The commercial opens in a lavish kitchen that could easily be mistaken for the setting of a Greek tragedy. Two chefs – a head chef and a sous chef – are plotting to steal a precious commodity: Nespresso coffee. Treated like a priceless piece of jewellery, the coffee becomes the centre of a high-stakes heist, setting the stage for Clooney’s detective to step in and crack the case.

Eva Longoria, who plays the head chef alongside Korean actress Kim Go Eun as sous chef, shares her admiration for Clooney’s long-standing partnership with Nespresso. “The Nespresso campaigns have always been iconic because of the amazing talent involved,” she says. Clooney appears to agree with Longoria’s comments, pointing to other memorable work he has done for the brand with French actor and comedian Jean Dujardin.

For Clooney, the challenge wasn’t playing his role – it was telling a complete story in a matter of seconds. “The hardest part of filming is doing everything in a 15- to 30-second spot,” he admits. “It’s hard to tell any kind of story in that short a period of time.” The actor, however, found pleasure in being part of something that was creatively challenging, stating all he did was “try to find the funniest things”.

What makes this campaign stand out is its clever blend of mystery and humour, delivered
with sophistication and joy — a perfect match with Nespresso’s brand image. By framing Nespresso coffee as a treasure worth stealing, The Detective reinforces the brand’s premium positioning while keeping viewers entertained. “At the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying the process,” Clooney concludes with a smile, his unmistakeable charm shining through once again.

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