Apple ditches 'Mac Guy' in new ads

By AppleInsider Staff

Apple Computer is preparing to film a series of new spots for its extremely successful "Get a Mac" national television campaign, but will do so without the help of 'Mac guy' Justin Long.

According to a report on RadarOnline, a representative for Long confirmed that the actor's days as an Apple pitchman are over.

"Every ad you see Justin in is for that previous time period only. There's no long-term deal with him," the rep said. "Justin's a movie star, not a commercial guy."

Over the years, Long has played roles in flicks such as "Dodgeball" and "Waiting..." He's currently filming "Live Free or Die Hard," where he trades in his squeaky-clean image in starring alongside Bruce Willis as a computer hacker trying to save the world from Internet-based terrorist.

Meanwhile, Radar reports that Apple's "Get a Mac" television campaign with push forth with other principals, director Phil Morrison and journo-humorist John Hodgman, both returning for another round of spots.

As for the reasons behind Long's dismissal, it's not exactly clear. But as the report points out, most people who've watched the "Get a Mac" ads come away "liking the 'PC guy' while wanting to push the 'Mac guy' under a bus."