• Creative marketing initiative aligns 2016 Ford Explorer with the hit show ‘Gotham: Wrath of Villains’; original narrative content launches during the series’ winter premiere tonight, Feb. 29, and continues through March 14, with expanded content available on FOX.com
• Content features actor Cory Michael Smith behind the wheel of a Ford Explorer as he decodes riddles while preparing for his role of Riddler/Edward Nygma in upcoming episodes of ‘Gotham’
• Original custom content will showcase features of 2016 Explorer Platinum, including text-to-voice capabilities of SYNC^® 3 driver-connectivity system*, hands-free liftgate, 180-degree front camera and active park assist

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 29, 2016 – A unique marketing collaboration between Ford Motor Co., FOX and producers of the TV show “Gotham: Wrath of the Villains” puts the Explorer SUV in the prime-time spotlight.

The engaging content initiative features actor Cory Michael Smith as he prepares for his role on the hit show “Gotham.” The original narrative content will air tonight, Monday, Feb. 29 (8-9 p.m. ET/PT), on FOX, during the winter premiere of the series. The narrative will play out weekly through March 14 in 60-second content pieces during the Monday night broadcasts on FOX. Extended content will be available each week on FOX.com.

In the narrative, Smith – who plays the split-personality role of Edward Nygma and the future villain known as the Riddler on “Gotham: Wrath of the Villains” – takes viewers through the streets of New York City as he solves a series of mysterious riddles. For help he contacts various people involved in the show’s production, including key “Gotham” cast members, writers and members of the production team.

Along the way, viewers will see teasers and hear inside information about other villains in “Gotham.”

“It’s a fun and very creative way to showcase some of what makes Explorer Platinum such a great vehicle,” said Ginger Kasanic, Ford experiential marketing manager. “A lot of people – from the show’s writers to Cory himself – really got involved in the story-telling process.”

With Smith behind the wheel, various features of an Explorer Platinum are highlighted, including the voice-to-text capabilities of Explorer’s SYNC^® 3 driver-connectivity system*, 180-degree front camera, hands-free liftgate and active park assist.

The original custom content was filmed on location in New York City in late January. The collaboration marks the second straight year Ford has worked with FOX to create custom content to air alongside “Gotham.” In 2015, the Ford Fusion was the focus of a similar integration. Those TV spots – as well as the online content – engaged with viewers during commercial breaks and highlighted vehicle features while aligning the Ford brand with “Gotham.”

* Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving.