Cuba Gooding Jr films a series of online videos for Optus to promote the new iPhone 8

AFTER flying Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, to Sydney earlier this month for a lavish party, Optus has another big star on their books, bucking the trend for local talent in favour of imported US stars.

• Cuba Gooding Sr dead at age 72

AFTER flying Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, to Sydney earlier this month for a lavish party, Optus has another big star on their books, bucking the trend for local talent in favour of imported US stars.

Cuba Gooding Jr is the latest big name to be attached to the telco brand, filming a series of online videos in which he overperforms his excitement for the new iPhone 8.

Gooding Jr said “yes” to the campaign, the first Australian brand he has worked with in years, but despite his role he won’t be heading out to Australia to promote it.

Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. has filmed a series of online videos for Optus to promote the new iPhone 8. Picture: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images

“If I wasn’t here doing my directorial debut, I’ve just directed my first film called Louisiana Caviar, I’d be out there,” Gooding Jr exclusively told Confidential.

“I have all these people who came to work for nothing on this film and we have to get it done and deliver it in two weeks.

“I can’t wait to personally travel to Australia. When I finish, I promise I will come out there if for no other reason than to shake hands, have a beer and laugh because we had a ball making this ad.”

Usain Bolt was flown to Sydney for an Optus event earlier this month. Picture: Supplied

Louisiana Caviar starring Gooding Jr, Famke Janssen,Katharine McPheeand Richard Dreyfuss, follows several people who turn to doing bad things in moments of desperation. The 49-year-old said he was chosen for the role because of his famous Oscars acceptance speech two decades ago where he gave an insanely enthusiastic performance.

“After I won the Academy Award, people looked at me as the crazy guy so I said ‘that’s it, I’m not going to do that anymore’. It took nine months for me to even get an offer for a studio picture,” he added, “but when Optus came to me, I was like ‘that’s what I’m about’.”

Despite working with overseas stars, Optus have also worked with Aussies such as Ian Thorpe. Picture: AAP IMAGE / Damian Shaw

As well as Samantha Wills. Picture: Britta Campion

Optus head of brand and communications Corin Dimopoulos said the majority of the teleco’s campaigns use Aussie talent to promote their partnerships. “We have also worked with Ian Thorpe and Samantha Wills,” he said.

“Optus partnered with Cuba Gooding Jr because he is a renowned actor who is passionate, exciting to watch and could create engaging content.”