Wayne Rooney recites Shakespeare in Palace Skateboards x Nike’s ‘England’ campaign
Palace Skateboards x Nike’s ‘England’ campaign with Rooney blends Shakespeare with the terraces in an unexpected vision of modern England.
The in-house collaboration between Nike and Palace Skateboards is directed by Burnermunde through Stink Films.
Running in time for England’s World Cup 2026 efforts, this in-house collaboration between Nike and Palace Skateboards is directed by Burnermunde through Stink Films.
The film features who else but Wayne Rooney, reciting Shakespeare’s “This sceptred isle” speech from Richard II while holding a St. George’s flag-painted skull, and wearing an Elizabethan ruff over a collab jacket.
The ad also features English former professional footballer Jill Scott as a mythical figure, crowds of fans, multicultural scenes, and imagery from Stonehenge.
Palace’s previous Nike collabs have been cult streetwear drops firmly based in skateboarding imagery, so this is something of a departure and a unique cultural statement.
Our Take
Thematically, Nike is no stranger to ‘national identity’ campaigns that reposition countries in the modern era.
This particular reclaiming of national pride and the St. George’s flag is smartly played. It's inclusive, passionate, grounded in history, and not devoid of a bit of banter.
We see Rooney reciting Shakespeare, which, although off-kilter and amusing, also works surprisingly well, given his quite proficient and earnest delivery.
World Cup campaigns continue to move the goalposts, and we’re here for it.
Credits
Concept & creative direction: Stuart Hammond
Production company: Stink UK
Director: Burnermunde
Director of Photography: Jack Hamilton
Editor: Anders Mills
VFX artist: Finn Rabbitt Dove
Post production: Rascal
Music: Amil Raja
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