THE “PEGASUS” PROOF: Inside the Miracle Flight That Defined Super Bowl LX

SANTA CLARA, CA – It was the split second that stopped a nation’s breath. As the final, soaring guitar solo of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” echoed through Levi’s Stadium, 115 million viewers witnessed what many immediately dismissed as a high-budget digital illusion. In Budweiser’s “American Icons” ad, a majestic bald eagle didn’t just fly; he launched from the back of a leaping Clydesdale, creating a silhouette so perfect it resembled a mythical Pegasus.

The internet’s verdict was swift: “CGI.” “AI magic.” “Hollywood fakery.”

But as the dust settles on Super Bowl LX, the truth has emerged from a quiet ranch in California, and it is far more impressive than any digital render. There were no green screens, no pixels, and no shortcuts. The moment was 100% real—the result of a 28-year-old rescue eagle named Lincoln and a bond of trust that spanned months of preparation.

The Bird Who Couldn’t Hunt

Lincoln’s journey to the Super Bowl stage is a story of American resilience. Hatched in 1998, he was part of a breeding program at the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) during a time when bald eagles were still on the endangered species list.

Twice, conservationists tried to release him into the wild. Twice, he failed to thrive. Lacking the natural hunting instincts to survive, Lincoln was famously found scavenging for scraps in trash cans before being deemed “non-releasable” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Instead of a life in the wild, he found a calling as a “professional ambassador,” eventually becoming the iconic bird who free-flies over the crowd during the national anthem at Philadelphia Eagles home games.

“He’s a pro,” his handler noted with a grin after the shoot. “He doesn’t see the noise or the horses as a threat. He sees them as his coworkers.”

No Shortcuts, Just Trust

Director Henry-Alex Rubin, known for his visceral, authentic style, made a conscious choice to avoid AI for Budweiser’s 150th-anniversary spot. To capture the “unfiltered truth” of the animal bond, the production team spent weeks on a scenic farm ensuring the safety and comfort of both species.

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The “Pegasus” shot required the Clydesdale and the eagle to be perfectly synchronized. The training involved positive reinforcement, where Lincoln’s handlers encouraged him to perch on the horse’s back. During the climactic moment, the horse leaped over a log—a standard maneuver for the hitch—and Lincoln took flight at the exact moment of the jump.

“The pause you feel in your chest during that ad? That’s the weight of reality,” said one crew member. “Lincoln showed no hesitation, no panic. He rose smoothly and calmly, as if the thundering hooves below were nothing more than background hum.”

REUNITED: Eddie Murphy and Eva Longoria Target Comedy Gold

While Budweiser provided the tears, Eddie Murphy and Eva Longoria are looking to provide the laughs. Following their successful pairing in the heist comedy The Pickup, Amazon MGM Studios has officially greenlit their next collaboration: ATTACHMENT PARENTING.

The Premise: High-Stakes Therapy

Based on a short story by Julianna Baggott, the film sees Murphy and Longoria playing an elite couple of child psychologists. They are world-renowned experts on “attachment parenting”—a philosophy built on empathy, constant presence, and gentle discipline.

Their methods are put to the ultimate test when they are taken hostage at a luxury hotel. Their captor? A ruthless, dysfunctional crime boss who doesn’t want a ransom—he wants family counseling. The couple is forced to “parent” the mobster’s violent inner circle while under the threat of execution.

Production Buzz

The Chemistry: Despite The Pickup receiving mixed reviews, critics were unanimous that Murphy and Longoria had “real chemistry,” sparking this immediate reunion.

The Tone: Positioned as an R-rated, character-driven comedy, it leans into Murphy’s legendary timing and Longoria’s sharp comedic wit.

Whether it’s an eagle defying gravity or a comedy legend trying to “time-out” a hitman, 2026 is proving that the most unbelievable stories are the ones people can’t stop replaying.