posted 03-09-2016 11:51 AM               

If mankind is going to make contact with intelligent life, sending him is the least we can do.

Dos Equis is replacing the actor who plays the Most Interesting Man in the World:

Jonathan Goldsmith, who has played the character since the campaign launched in 2006, is making a final appearance in an ad that debuts Thursday evening. The 77-year-old actor is shown headed for a one-way trip to Mars, leaving the impression that the character will never come back. He delivers his classic line "Stay Thirsty My Friends" aboard a rocket ship, as the campaign's familiar voiceover states that "his only regret is not knowing what regret feels like." Before he takes off, he bids farewell to characters who have appeared with him in previous ads over the years.

But while Mr. Goldsmith might be heading into outer space, the campaign will remain. New ads slated for the fall will feature a new actor in the starring role, executives from Dos Equis parent Heineken USA said in interviews.