In today’s entertainment landscape, cameos have become an enduring hallmark. While they are a prevalent feature across numerous films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) excels in this realm, especially highlighted by the late Stan Lee’s famous appearances. Over his career, Lee made 38 memorable cameos in Marvel films and an astonishing 1,000 additional appearances in other projects. These delightful surprises became a signature element within the MCU, particularly poignant in light of his passing. With the much-anticipated release of Captain America: Brave New World, audiences will undoubtedly feel the absence of this beloved icon.
The concept of a surprise cameo is quite simple yet captivating: a familiar face makes a brief onscreen appearance, their unexpected role leaving a lasting impression. However, the dynamics of such inclusions can vary widely. Do they play a version of themselves, or are they just an anonymous background figure? Generally speaking, these fleeting moments do little to advance the plot and can sometimes be easy to overlook.
10 Matt Damon – Deadpool 2 (2018)
Damon Plays A Redneck
Matt Damon has firmly established himself as one of the finest actors of his generation, featuring in a plethora of iconic films throughout his career. Interestingly, he has a knack for showing up in cameos across a variety of projects. In fact, Damon has made surprise appearances in over a dozen films.
In Deadpool 2, directed by David Leitch, he plays the character known as “Redneck #2,”also referred to as “Dickie Greenleaf,”an homage to Jude Law’s role in The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999). Damon’s transformation into a bearded, beer-drinking character is so extensive that he is virtually unrecognizable.
His brief dialogue—centered around the inadequacies of toilet paper—adds to the humor, even if he is quickly subdued by Cable (Josh Brolin). While this isn’t Damon’s most iconic cameo, it is certainly one of his most unobtrusive.
9 Steve Buscemi – Pulp Fiction (1994)
Buscemi Plays A Waiter
Quentin Tarantino expertly weaves cameos into his filmography. Notably, the legendary director’s influence has led to recurring appearances of fictional eateries, such as the infamous Big Kahuna Burger, featured in multiple films—even those outside his oeuvre. Tarantino’s 1994 classic, Pulp Fiction, is no exception to this trend.
In a memorable scene set at Jack Rabbit Slim’s restaurant, audiences are treated to a brief appearance by Steve Buscemi. Although he was just 37 at the time, his disguise makes him appear significantly younger, with only his distinctive voice hinting at his identity.
8 Carrie Fisher – Hook (1991)
Fisher Appears On A Bridge
The world of cameos is vast, offering varying degrees of visibility and recognition. One particularly playful inclusion is Carrie Fisher’s appearance in Hook, which serves more as a fun fact than a traditional cameo. Fisher is seen alongside George Lucas as a couple kissing on a bridge while Tinker Bell (Julia Roberts) soars above.
Although her presence is easy to miss, it is a nod to Fisher’s role as a script consultant on the film, highlighting her connection to director Steven Spielberg, who was a friend of both Lucas and Fisher.
7 Jim Carrey – Liar Liar (1997)
Carrey Plays A Firefighter
Renowned comedian Jim Carrey has captivated audiences worldwide with his distinctive humor and facial expressions. While he doesn’t frequently make cameos, one notable instance occurs in his movie Liar Liar.
In a brief moment, Carrey appears as Fire Marshall Bill—a character many fans adore—when his character, Fletcher Reede (Carrey), is wheeled away by paramedics. This playful self-reference is a delightful surprise for viewers who catch it.
6 Cate Blanchett – Hot Fuzz (2007)
Blanchett Plays Janine
Edgar Wright’s Hot Fuzz from 2007 is an underrated gem in the buddy cop genre. Cate Blanchett’s cameo is just one of several surprising appearances, including Peter Jackson as a knife-wielding Santa.
Blanchett portrays Janine, a forensics analyst and the girlfriend of Nicholas (Simon Pegg). Her moment is so brief and she is clad in full hazmat gear that even the keenest observer might not recognize her. The humor is amplified by the subtext of their breakup during the scene, adding a layer of irony to her concealed face.
5 Brad Pitt – Deadpool 2 (2018)
Pitt Plays Vanisher
Among Hollywood’s standout cameos, Brad Pitt’s performance in Deadpool 2 is arguably one of the most hilarious. In this comedic sequel, Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) recruits a team of superheroes, including the notably invisible Vanisher, played by Pitt.
Pitt’s identity as the Vanisher remains a secret until a pivotal scene where he parachutes into electric wires and meets his end. This clever twist on invisibility combined with the collaboration between Pitt and director David Leitch (formerly Pitt’s stunt double in Fight Club) is a delightful touch.
4 Robert Downey Jr. – The Nice Guys (2016)
Downey Plays A Corpse
Some cameos are so unexpected that they spark curiosity about their inclusion. In Shane Black’s 2016 film The Nice Guys, Robert Downey Jr. plays a corpse, which raises questions about recognition and visibility in cameos.
His appearance is fleeting, shrouded in shadows and only visible in profile, making it nearly impossible to identify him. This disguising of Downey’s character serves as a tribute to their prior collaborations on films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man 3.
3 Stephen Colbert – The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (2013)
Colbert Plays A Laketown Spy
A well-known fan of Tolkien, Stephen Colbert has shared his love for the Lord of the Rings franchise extensively on The Late Show. His dedication to the series led to him appearing in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug as a Laketown spy.
Colbert’s role lasts merely seconds, as he is hardly recognizable under a wig and costume. This cameo aligns with director Peter Jackson’s tradition of including surprise appearances in his Middle-Earth films, which has become a beloved aspect of his cinematic style.
2 John Wayne – Wagon Train (1957)
Wayne Plays General William T. Sherman
For those who missed Wagon Train, they neglected a classic period of Hollywood westerns. This series, celebrated for its storytelling and picturesque landscapes, also features a cameo by the legendary John Wayne.
Wayne appears in season 4, episode 9, titled “The Colter Craven Story,”portraying General William T. Sherman while using the alias Michael Morris. Although the legendary actor’s face is not directly visible, his recognizable voice gives him away. His appearance was particularly impactful, considering Wayne was already a prominent star at the time.
1 Daniel Craig – Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Craig Plays A Stormtrooper
The humor of a Stormtrooper cameo is undeniable. Cloaked completely in armor, audiences are oblivious to the star behind the mask. This is exemplified in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, where James Bond actor Daniel Craig is cast as a stormtrooper.
Craig’s cameo operates more as trivia than a direct character role, as viewers can’t recognize him. He portrays a stormtrooper who ultimately helps free Rey while being manipulated by the Force. His voice was re-recorded in post-production, ensuring his identity remains hidden—a delightful twist for fans of both the Star Wars franchise and Craig’s extensive filmography.
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