Weeks ahead of launch, Activision’s French-market trailer features celebrity chef Philippe Etchebest in a stern, cinematic cameo — a choice that instantly split local players and set social feeds on fire.

In the clip, Etchebest — suited up and no-nonsense — takes a call to “step in,” then strides into action. It’s a made-for-France beat designed to broaden reach beyond core fans and keep Black Ops 7 in the conversation before November 14.

Reaction was sharply divided across French gaming sites and socials. Many praised the “bold, big-league” casting and the tongue-in-cheek, movie-trailer tone; others called it a jarring celebrity cameo for a military shooter. Coverage repeatedly noted that fan comments ranged from amused approval to outright skepticism about the campaign’s tone.

The spot also nods to the franchise’s ad tradition of a no-nonsense “stand-in” figure — only this time localized with a French cultural icon. Supporters argue that this playful, cinematic wink fits a pre-launch hype cycle; detractors say it clashes with the series’ recent push toward a grittier presentation.

Radio and gaming hosts highlighted Etchebest’s “badass” screen presence, while community threads kept asking whether he’ll get any in-game treatment (like a cosmetic skin) or remain a marketing-only face. Activision hasn’t detailed anything beyond the teaser, which clearly aims for awareness and shareability around Paris-centric audiences.

Bottom line: the trailer achieved reach, debate, and repeated press pickup. Whether a polarizing celebrity cameo helps long-term brand perception in France will depend on what Activision rolls out next and how the community sentiment evolves around launch.

Source: RTL.fr, Xboxygen, La Crème du Gaming, Fun Radio