Top 10 Hidden Cameos in Fantasy Movies

#10: Kenny Baker & Jack Purvis

“Willow” (1988)
Often hidden behind masks and makeup, Warwick Davis took center stage in “Willow.” Ron Howard’s 1988 cult classic featured a few other hidden figures. Kenny Baker is best known as the man behind (or we guess inside) R2-D2. Baker almost played Wicket in “Return of the Jedi” as well, but after he fell ill, Davis stepped up as the Ewok. While R2 turned him into an icon, Baker began as one half of a comedy duo with Jack Purvis. Baker would only accept the R2 role if Purvis also got a part. Purvis was thus cast as the Jawa who shoots R2. The duo reunites in “Willow” as members of the Nelwyn Band. It’s no surprise considering that George Lucas developed the film’s story.

#9: David Fincher

“Being John Malkovich” (1999)
In addition to John Malkovich, this modern-day fantasy includes a few other familiar faces. Winona Ryder, Andy Dick, Hanson, Sean Penn, and Brad Pitt all pop up in a documentary about Malkovich’s rise to the pinnacle of puppeteering. One name you probably don’t recognize is Christopher Bing. That’s because Christopher Bing isn’t an actual arts editor for the Los Angeles Times, but he’s played by a director whose work you’ve surely seen. It’s David Fincher, who brought us “Seven,” “Fight Club,” and “The Social Network,” among others. Two years before this film, Fincher also directed “The Game.” Perhaps not coincidentally, that 1997 thriller has a cameo from Spike Jonze, the director of “Being John Malkovich.” This is one way of returning the favor.

#8: Peter O’Toole

“Stardust” (2007)
In one of his last and most unrecognizable roles, Peter O’Toole played the dying King of Stormhold in “Stardust.” Although the King isn’t on screen for long, much of the film revolves around who will be his successor. Rather than simply name an heir, he leaves it up to the stars while the princes bump each other off on the road to the throne. In a way, this mirrors O’Toole’s role in “The Lion in Winter” where he played another king considering who will inherit his crown. His career-defining role as T. E. Lawrence is also referenced when his son Primus says his father rode a camel during his youth. Even though most people overlook O’Toole’s presence, clues are written in the stars.

#7: Stephenie Meyer

“Twilight” (2008)
“Twilight” almost got a much different adaptation with more swearing, shotguns, and jet ski chases, barely resembling Stephenie Meyer’s source material. Whether or not this would’ve made for a more entertaining movie, “Twilight” ultimately saw a faithful adaptation with Meyer’s approval. The author was close to the production, consulting on everything from the script, to the casting, to the soundtrack. Meyer can even be briefly spotted at a diner counter, presumably writing her next best-seller on a laptop. The fantasy romance franchise didn’t turn Meyer into its Stan Lee by working her into every movie. Meyer would return in the penultimate film, though, attending Bella and Edward’s wedding. This cameo was Meyer’s idea, who loved the experience, but hated her dress.

#6: Various Disney Legends

“Enchanted” (2007)
“Enchanted” is a Disney love letter done right with some callbacks that everyone will notice and others that might go over your head. The film’s cameos are especially crafty. Ariel herself, Jodi Benson, has a small role as Robert’s secretary Sam, who Giselle greets with a fish. Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle, flies by even quicker as a soap opera actress with a beastly screen partner. Judy Kuhn provided Pocahontas’ singing voice, resurfacing here as a mother disenchanted by Prince Edward. Cameos aren’t limited to Disney princesses. That’s Julie Andrews providing the narration, and speaking of Mary Poppins, some of the chimney sweeps brushed off their dancing shoes for “That’s How You Know.” All that’s missing is a Mickey Mouse walk-on role.

#5: Ian Brown

“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004)
Rewatching the “Harry Potter” films, you’ll notice numerous famous faces in minor roles. Of course, a lot of these stars had yet to gain mainstream recognition. So, they weren’t exactly intended to be cheeky cameos. The same can’t be about singer Ian Brown of the Stone Roses. An active voice in alternative rock since the 80s, Brown appears in “The Prisoner of Azkaban” as a Leaky Cauldron patron. If you missed Brown, that’s probably because you were more drawn to the book he’s reading: Stephen Hawking’s “A Brief History of Time.” A wizard reading a book grounded in science while casually performing magic is among the cleverest and subtlest gags in the franchise. Adding another layer, Brown’s reading choice foreshadows the story’s time travel twist.

#4: Keith Richards

“Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” (2007)
In addition to real-life English pirate Jack Ward, Johnny Depp drew inspiration from rock star Keith Richards and the Looney Tunes while creating Jack Sparrow. We’re still waiting for Bugs Bunny to board the Black Pearl, but Richards would drop by as Captain Teague. Richards joined the crew in “At World’s End,” appropriately playing Jack’s father. Although a cameo from the Rolling Stones guitarist had been rumored for years, it’s easy to miss Richards under that facial hair, dreadlocks, and eyeshadow. Supposedly, Richards almost missed the shoot due to injuries from falling out of a tree. Richards recovered in time for the War Against Piracy, however. He’s not the only music legend linked to Jack, who crosses paths with Paul McCartney in the fifth film.

#3: Stephen Colbert

“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (2013)
When we think of New Zealand, “The Lord of the Rings” and Flight of the Conchords come to mind. So, it makes sense that both would have Bret McKenzie in common. Stephen Colbert might not be a Kiwi, but you won’t find a bigger Tolkien fan on the late-night circuit than him. The comedian missed his window to appear in the “Rings” trilogy, but when Peter Jackson returned to Middle-earth with “The Hobbit” movies, Colbert came along for the ride. Not in a huge role, but to paraphrase Galadriel, “Even the smallest character can change the course of the movie.” Colbert plays his part as a Lake-town spy with his wife and sons also making cameos in the film.

#2: Glenn Close

“Hook” (1991)
“Hook” may hold the record for cinema’s most random collection of cameos, which we mean as a compliment. On your next watch, keep an eye out for Phil Collins as an inspector, as well as George Lucas and Carrie Fisher kissing on a bridge. Captain Hook’s crew includes singer Jimmy Buffett, folk rock musician David Crosby, and boxer-turned-actor Tony Burton. The most eyebrow-raising addition to the Jolly Roger is Glenn Close. Close was friends with Robin Williams, who allowed her to visit the set with her daughter. Steven Spielberg spontaneously asked Close if she’d like to play a pirate. The next thing she knew, Close was wearing a beard and getting thrown in the boo box with some crew members assuming she was a man.

#1: Billy Crystal

“The Princess Bride” (1987)
Miracle Max is only in one scene, but few “Princess Bride” characters have a larger presence. We have Max’s actor to thank for this. It’s hard to identify Billy Crystal beneath that elderly makeup, which the comedian suggested should look like “a combination of [his] grandmother and Casey Stengel.” Carol Kane is equally unrecognizable as Max’s wife Valerie. As over-the-top as they are, these characters feel surprisingly real. Part of that’s because Crystal improvised most of his dialogue, cracking up the cast. This made things especially difficult for Cary Elwes, who was supposed to be mostly dead and had to be substituted with a dummy for certain shots. Although this role was made for Crystal, we only see Max, which is the true miracle.

Did you catch any other hidden cameos in fantasy movies? Share them in the comments!