Nerf’s new mascot was officially unveiled last Friday, and while it’s unlike any other branded mascot people have encountered before, it’s something most fans weren’t expecting.
Who is Nerf’s new mascot?
Nerf’s new mascot is called Murph, an anthropomorphic character who uses the non-binary pronouns “they” and “them”. Made up of head-to-toe Nerf darts, Murph is the brand’s first-ever mascot and is described as “the most fun, playful and social member of the NERF team”.
According to a press release announcing the mascot’s debut, Murph is the personification of the playful spirit. He’s a natural athlete, excellent at NERFoop, and an expert at NERF Super Soaker surprise ambushes. They can also launch a Nerf Vortex Football like no other and are a fantastic shooter with any Nerf blaster.
“The launch of Murph is a testament to the success of Hasbro’s Brand Blueprint strategy and the transformation of Nerf into the social and active gaming brand it is regarded today,” said Adam Kleinman, SVP & GM, Nerf, Hasbro, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to introduce fans to Murph, a mascot that represents the playful spirit that lives in us all and is unleashed through Nerf.”
Created in partnership with advertising agency The Martin Agency, Murph is at the center of the brand’s new multi-year marketing campaign Unleash the game within you, which encourages families to step away from their screens and get up and get active with Nerf to create memories that will last a lifetime. As part of the campaign, Murph is expected to appear in Nerf ads, POS and social media later this month.
What do people think of Murph, Nerf’s new mascot?
Many fans couldn’t tell exactly what Nerf’s new mascot was after seeing Murph for the first time. Some people have made fun of Murph’s look, with a number comparing the mascot to similar-looking pop culture characters and inanimate objects.
How do you describe “Murph”?
Uh… A multicolored humanoid creature covered in koosh wearing an orange jersey + sneakers emblazoned with “NERF”??
Please let me know if you can… https://t.co/QJHQvUfwRE
– ❌🧈😼🦋 (@LilJortsX) June 17, 2022
murph is p bad at the nerve, the goal is not to get hit https://t.co/Td2OpTyZKH
— 🐸🐸ₓxˣHis Majesty Myoriko ˣxₓ🐸🐸 (@LumpiaLiker) June 17, 2022
Covid evolved and took on human form….#Hasbro #Murph #Nerve pic.twitter.com/svUjhPgm86
— Edward Goldstein (@Bagelfather) June 18, 2022
Yooooo, it’s so crazy to see Murph become the official mascot of NERF. I still remember when we both worked at the car wash in high school. Proud of you man. 👏 pic.twitter.com/j2HTEJPzAz
– Christian Boi, very good, who hates himself =UwU= (@JigSawsLandlord) June 18, 2022
Hasbro introduced the new NERF mascot, Murph. Pictured here with his cousin The Tooth Child of Candle Cove pic.twitter.com/5ygGZmQdaV
—HardReturn (@ian_reid) June 18, 2022
This Nerf Murph made me think of other creatures/animals with a similar vibe. It’s cool, it’s good. pic.twitter.com/BkHqEdqSzD
—Josh Raby (@JoshRaby) June 18, 2022
Others, meanwhile, are less concerned with Murph’s appearance and are more interested in learning more about the mascot’s anatomy.
*being escorted out of the hasbro meeting by security*
ok just one more question, so can Murph reload using the darts on his own body and then push back more so he has an endless supply of amo?– boss don biggaveli (@rwxoxo) June 17, 2022
So… is Murph, the nerf mascot, a guy in a Nerf darts ghillie suit, or a MADE guy or nerf darts? And if so, do they have a nerve dart which is a reproductive organ? Or are they ALL dicks… pic.twitter.com/kwlr3wppDY
— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) June 18, 2022
Look at the different lengths…
Does it make NERF darts grow like hair?So… are the NERF darts we’ve always used cut from these creatures like wool?
Is Murph the NERF here, unshorn, to save his brethren from the NERF shepherds? pic.twitter.com/eJvQ8gaYDR— Kevin M Mangan (@kevinmmangan) June 17, 2022
A nerf man named Murph shoots a nerf gun. Are the bullets flesh? Or is it made of bullets? He screams because he doesn’t know. pic.twitter.com/jDzGYM3UcN
— MorbJ Smith (@MJSmith891) June 18, 2022
Despite Murph’s unusual look and the many mysteries surrounding their structure, a few fans love Nerf’s new mascot for who they are.
In fact, I love Murph the Nerf Monster with all my heart.
— Jerome Blech (@Bruisey) June 17, 2022
NERF introduced its new mascot, “Murph,” a creepy, weird, and terrifying bigfoot made of foam darts that yearns to “unleash the game in you.” Murph is a fucking nightmare and I love him, thank you NERF Brand for this floppy affront to God. https://t.co/CehbV4lZry pic.twitter.com/XYjOKykkNu
— Rob Sheridan (@rob_sheridan) June 17, 2022
nerf revealed murph today. I love them. (nerf said they use them) pic.twitter.com/I49BJuSgA6
— Spooky Crab (@Spookythespooky) June 18, 2022
Source: ComicBook.com
