Movies

10 Unforgettable Celebrity Cameos in The Studio Season 1

BBG News

For several decades, Seth Rogen has honed his comedic skills, leaving behind a rich and impressive body of work. His charming characters often draw in viewers, keeping them entertained with laughter and antics. Together with his creative partner, Evan Goldberg, they have conceived numerous tales and ventures that have been cherished by fans and critics for years. The latest creation, “The Studio“, is one of their finest pieces yet.

This series features Seth Rogen in the lead role as the boss of a fictitious film studio, grappling with the challenges of taking charge, delving into the inner workings of Hollywood, experiencing initial fame, and managing a movie studio for the first time. True to form with Rogen, his character is prone to errors, battling insecurity, and finding himself in hilarious predicaments. The series also stars Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, Catherine O’Hara, and Chase Sui Wonders as they join Seth Rogen’s Matt Remick on his journey to bring movies to the big screen.

In its debut season, the series received praise from both critics and audiences. Moreover, each episode features genuine celebrities portraying themselves, creating an authentic Hollywood atmosphere that captivates regular viewers. Furthermore, the inclusion of celebrity appearances allows movie enthusiasts to indulge in their passion for cinema.

Here’s a list of the best cameos and guest stars in Season 1 of The Studio.

10
Zac Efron

“The Missing Reel”

In the fourth episode titled “The Missing Reel,” Zac Efron makes an appearance. The narrative unfolds in a noir-ish fashion as Matt and Sal Saperstein (Barinholtz) embark on a quest to locate a lost reel of film from Olivia Wilde’s new movie, where Efron is the star. Throughout their interactions, Remick, who is known for his lack of coolness in this series, seems particularly out of place around Efron. Given that Efron is familiar with Sal, they share a friendly rapport whenever they need information from him.

In Zac’s trailer preview, there’s a pulse-pounding moment reminiscent of a spy flick. Zac delivers his role with effortless panache, navigating through the film production process towards the wrap party. It was enjoyable watching them together again, as Efron and Rogen reprised their on-screen partnership, last seen in the Neighbors series.

9
Anthony Mackie

“The Note”

If you appreciate the art of filmmaking, it’s hard not to imagine yourself in the role of a studio executive offering comments following an initial viewing. The third episode of the season is titled “The Note”, where the main cast watches Ron Howard’s latest movie, “Alphabet City“, featuring Dave Franco and Anthony Mackie. Following the screening, Howard and Mackie are at the studio for a discussion on feedback.

In the given episode, Mackie appears comically in sync with everything Howard suggests. However, when privacy prevails, he concurs secretly with the executives about certain aspects of the movie needing adjustments. He delivers some sharp wit and observations aimed at Remick that strike like unexpected blows.

8
Olivia Wilde

“The Missing Reel”

As a film enthusiast, Remick admires old-school techniques in cinema. So, when Olivia Wilde plans to film her next movie on actual film stock, it’s no issue for him, until a reel gets lost. Wilde portrays the enigmatic and secretive character of Faye Dunaway in the show, hinting at her potential involvement in the crime, even when evidence suggests otherwise.

She subtly persuades Remick by bringing up his original suggestion of involving herself in the movie. While he’s busy searching for the lost reel, she skillfully steers the film production to completion. Her part in this episode as a femme fatale is a fitting tribute to classic genre films.

7
Ice Cube

“Casting”

In Season 1, one ongoing plotline revolves around a movie production based on the Kool-Aid Man character. The studio is aiming to create a film similar in scale to the Barbie series. Finding the perfect director, scriptwriters, and actors takes some time. The seventh episode, named “Casting,” delves into the studio’s approach for selecting the cast for this movie. Remick and his team carefully consider various combinations of actors to play both animated and live-action roles in the film.

Subsequently, an amusing conversation unfolds concerning racial aspects of the movie’s reception. Nick Stoller, the director, jots down a suggestion for trimming costs during filming that Remick accepts. Instead, Remick is eager to meet Ice Cube, discussing his character in the movie. Ice Cube delivers an outstanding performance, reassuring Remick of his suitability for the role. However, when Stoller’s cost-cutting decision causes problems, Ice Cube finds himself dealing with some unwanted criticism, which he dislikes.

6
Dave Franco

“The Note” / “CinemaCon” / “The Presentation”

Dave Franco features prominently across several episodes during the season, with appearances even in scenes from “The Note” featuring Alphabet City. However, his character becomes pivotal in the last two episodes titled “CinemaCon” and “The Presentation.” These episodes focus on the studio’s presentation at CinemaCon where they unveil their upcoming movie lineup to generate excitement for the awards season. Franco is slated to initiate this presentation by debuting the trailer for Alphabet City.

As a movie buff, I’d rephrase it like this: The night before the big event, Remick hosted a wild party in a lavish hotel suite at The Venetian in Las Vegas. However, underestimating the potency of a drug batch turned the evening into an unexpectedly high-spirited one for all attendees. Amidst the chaos, Franco shone with his eccentric antics, often interrupting our attempts to deal with the situation. His unforgettable performance in the finale left a lasting impression on everyone present.

5
Ron Howard

“The Note”

In the studio, Ron Howard seeks opinions on his film, “Alphabet City”. However, Remick is reluctant to give him an honest critique due to apprehension. This hesitation ties into a recurring theme throughout the series: Matt’s desire for approval from everyone. His team advises him that the head of a studio needs to be able to offer constructive criticism, regardless of potential backlash. It is later revealed that Remick has a history with Howard, as he had offered an impractical suggestion after watching a cut of one of Howard’s acclaimed films, “A Beautiful Mind”.

In the given episode, Howard breaks free from his “kindest man in Hollywood” image and lets loose with an intense outburst directed at Matt following Matt’s criticism. This masterful performance exemplifies the skill of casting actors outside of their typical roles, resulting in a flawless execution.

4
Sarah Polley

“The Oner”

In Episode 2 of Season 1, the storyline concentrates on an uninterrupted sequence (referred to as an “oner”) featured in an upcoming movie production titled “_The Silver Lake_,” directed by _Sarah Polley_ and starring Greta Lee. Matt and Sal visit the set brimming with excitement, eager to witness the live filming of this oner. However, things don’t go smoothly, and the duo tends to interrupt more than help, much to the annoyance of Polley.

As the predicament worsens due to dwindling sunlight, Polley’s tension escalates. She transitions from pampering Matt to evicting him due to his immature and clownish actions. The audience can empathize with her annoyances because of how absurd the circumstances appear.

3
Everyone Who Thanked Sal Saperstein

“The Golden Globes”

In the eighth episode of this season, I found myself nestled amidst the glitz and glamour of the Golden Globes red carpet. The anticipation was palpable as the studio’s blockbuster, masterfully directed by Zoë Kravitz, was nominated for Best Picture. As a small cog in the grand machinery of Hollywood, I harbored a secret hope that my name might be mentioned in her acceptance speech should she take home the coveted award.

The episode began with an unexpected encounter, running into none other than Adam Scott. It transpired that he had once lived on my friend Sal’s couch for months during his struggle to establish himself as a rising star. Fast forward to the awards ceremony, and Scott clinched a Golden Globe, taking the stage to deliver a heartfelt thanks to Sal. This recognition sent Matt into a green-eyed spiral of envy, while Sal basked in an euphoria that seemed to light up the entire room. The unpredictable nature of Hollywood never ceases to amaze me!

During the awards ceremony, it became a recurring jest that individuals began acknowledging Sal in their acceptance speeches. Quinta Brunson, Jean Smart, and Aaron Sorkin were among those who followed suit, bestowing the night’s highest honor on Sal, despite his inconvenient seating position at the back of the auditorium. Each time someone else praised Sal, Remick grew increasingly irked.

2
Zoë Kravitz

“The Golden Globes” / “CinemaCon” / “The Presentation”

Zoë Kravitz shines in her three appearances throughout Season 1. She delivers an authentic depiction of what it would feel like for an actor or director to receive an award, and she convincingly shows that winging a speech without preparation is indeed possible. Moreover, she gives the most relatable moment of the season when she recognizes Matt for who he truly is and engages him in conversation following the Golden Globes.

Later on, she attends Matt’s CinemaCon bash, but unfortunately, she indulges in potent narcotics. In this state, Kravitz is charmingly out of it. Initially, she marvels at abstract artwork and later shares a vivid dream she had, which, in actuality, lasted merely 30 seconds. As the episodes progress, it becomes evident that she might remain under the influence until delivering her segment of the presentation to unveil a new movie. Kravitz gives an admirable performance throughout Season 1, and fans can only cross their fingers for her return in Season 2.

1
Martin Scorsese

“The Promotion”

In the first installment of “The Studio,” Remick ascends to the position of studio chief. However, his manager (brilliantly portrayed by Bryan Cranston throughout the series) instructs him that he must produce a Kool-Aid movie as a centerpiece. Seizing an opportunity, Remick arranges a meeting with Martin Scorsese, who is eager to direct another film, to discuss a potential project. In doing so, he finds himself in a position where he can fulfill two objectives by agreeing to make Scorsese’s next film.

In the end, Scorsese’s attempts don’t yield favorable results, despite his stellar performance and a scene depicting him becoming visibly emotional. The climactic encounter with Matt, occurring at Charlize Theron’s gathering amidst many spectators, serves as the cherry on top for an exceptional guest appearance. Viewers find themselves empathizing with Marty, demonstrating that one doesn’t need to be an actor to make a lasting impact on a television show.

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2025-05-25 02:37

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