Explaining the Cameos of Two and a Half Men in Due Date

The end of Due Date, a comedy featuring Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis, features a delightful surprise: cameos from the beloved cast of Two and a Half Men. This film is a modern take on the classic Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, with Downey stepping into the shoes of Steve Martin’s character and Galifianakis assuming the role made famous by John Candy. The plot revolves around Ethan, played by Galifianakis, who inadvertently disrupts Peter’s (Downey) travel plans en route to welcome his first child. In a twist of fate, Ethan must drive Peter cross-country to ensure he reaches his wife in time for the birth.

Recently added to Netflix, Due Date has garnered significant attention despite mixed reviews. The film boasts a range of cameos, from Jamie Foxx portraying Peter’s friend to RZA as an airline screener and Danny McBride as a Western Union employee. However, the film saves its biggest surprise for the finale, featuring a recreation of a fake episode from Two and a Half Men with its original cast.

Reuniting the Cast of Two and a Half Men

Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer, and Angus T. Jones Reprise Their Characters

In the heartwarming conclusion of Due Date, Ethan successfully helps Peter arrive at the hospital just in time for the birth of his daughter. In the closing scene, Peter and Sarah are seen relaxing with their newborn while enjoying a lumbering performance by Ethan, who guest stars on a fictional episode of Two and a Half Men. In this imagined episode, Ethan takes on the role of a stoner hired by Alan (Cryer) to tutor Jake (Jones).

The Humor Behind Ethan’s Cameo

A Nod to Ethan’s Favorite Sitcom

Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis in Due Date

Ethan’s appearance on Two and a Half Men is far from arbitrary; it cleverly ties into a recurring joke throughout the film. As the story unfolds during their road trip, Ethan confesses that the sitcom has significantly influenced his dream to become an actor. While many aspire to emulate legends like Marlon Brando or Meryl Streep, Ethan’s aspirations stem from a love for this iconic show.

His passion for Two and a Half Men is so profound that he even runs a fan website titled “It’s Raining Two and a Half Men.” The film effortlessly captures the essence of the original show’s writing and filming style, and the episode premise—a stoned tutor for Jake—is humorously fitting. This grand finale delivers a fantastic punchline that leaves audiences in laughter.

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