Lauer’s Appearance in Super Bowl Movie Ad Questioned

NBC Universal is saying the surprise appearance of “Today” host Matt Lauer in a Super Bowl ad promoting a new movie is an outgrowth of Mr. Lauer’s cameo in the film. Mr. Lauer who interviewed President Barack Obama as part of NBC’s pre-game coverage, popped up again during the game Sunday, not in news coverage, but in an ad for Universal Pictures’ upcoming Will Ferrell film “Land of the Lost.” In the beginning of the ad, Mr. Lauer is seen on a “Today”-like set interviewing paleontologist Rick Marshall, played by Ferrell. “We are back now with Dr. Rick Marshall, whose new book arrives in stores tomorrow,” says Mr. Lauer, who is so skeptical about the doctor’s “time warps” theory that he refuses to shake the doctor’s hand. Later in the ad, Mr. Ferrell’s character is seen in an alternate universe fighting off dinosaurs and other monsters. “Do you know what this means?” screams a woman in the film, realizing the controversial “time warps” theory has been proved true. “Yes,” responds Mr. ... (link)