Most of the filmmakers are better at contributing from behind the cameras and curtains. But when they do decide to join the team on the screen, this bunch of talented minds gets quite creative with their roles. We are pretty much used to Hollywood stars surprising us with their cameo appearance. What many don’t know is that some popular and iconic directors also appeared in their films in the most unconventional ways. It can range from a mere hand-cameo to a superhero ally. Find out the 10 amazing ways directors appeared in their movies.
Taika Waititi
The genius director Taika Waiti is the latest name added to our favourite’s list. With back to back hilarious masterpieces like “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Jojo Rabbit”, Taika’s popularity is only moving upwards. Apart from enjoying his unique stories, cinephiles are also amused by his bizarre onscreen characters. You know we are referring to Hitler and the sweet-voiced pile of rocks, Korg. But Taika, along with Chris Hemsworth, also played a three-faced bald creature in “Thor: Ragnarok”.
Alfred Hitchcock
This is by far the most creative cameo by a director. If it is Alfred Hitchcock, it has to be clever and noteworthy. The mind behind “Psycho”, “Vertigo”, and “Rear Window” usually preferred a mode of transport for his movie appearances. But in “Lifeboat”, he featured on the “Before-After” newspaper endorsement.
Zack Snyder
Zack Snyder paid tribute to the place he visited the most while writing “Justice League”. He can be seen sitting in the coffee shop that Lois Lane exits. That’s a pretty nice way to pay for your coffee.
David F. Sandberg
We got to explore the comic book world of Shazam, formerly known as Captain Marvel in the widely admired “Shazam!”. David F. Sandberg did an excellent job on Shazam and paid tribute to some of the popular characters from the hero’s universe as well. He also played a cameo as the Crocodile Man by covering his face with heavy prosthetics instead of using CGI. This scene took place when the team opened the doors to Rock of Eternity.
James Cameron
Did you know that the legendary James Cameron also cameoed in “Titanic”? Even though most of the world has watched this iconic romance, many might have missed Cameron’s appearance. In the heart-melting moment where Jack was sketching a portrait of Rose, his onscreen hands belonged to none other than the director. Some may have assumed it to be either Leonardo’s or a real artist’s, but it was Cameron all along.
Jordan Peele
Jordan has taken movie lovers by storm with back to back mind-numbing movies, “Get Out” and “Us”. The Academy Award-winning director extended his creativity even to his cameo. In fact, his unconventional style has become his signature cameo in all his films. Peele voiced a dying deer and a dying rabbit in “Get Out” and “Us”, respectively.
George Lucas
It may be hard to recognize the iconic director under so many costumes and blue paint, but eagle-eyed “Star Wars” fans were quick to spot him. He appeared as a blue-skinned galactic senator before Palpatine’s monologue in “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith”.
Spike Jonze
Spike Jonze’s gem “Her” is a highly beloved choice amongst cinema lovers and critics. He also made an interesting cameo in the film that went unnoticed by many. When Joaquin Phoenix’ character plays a futuristic game with a hologram of an alien, the baby alien takes us by surprise by throwing swear words like “f*ck you, sh* thead, f*ck face” at him. If you were wondering which kid voiced that baby alien, don’t worry because it was all Jonze.
Carol Reed
The great Carol Reed is remembered for his work in the masterpiece “The Third Man”. One of the most maddening scenes in this mystery was the part where the protagonist stuck his fingers out of a sewer to indicate freedom. But in reality, those famous hands belonged to the man behind the camera, Carol.
Ridley Scott
The disgusting and squirmy eggs of aliens that John Hurt found in “Alien” were made from even more disgusting things. Sheep intestines and cow stomach were used to craft the insides of the eggs. But instead of hiring someone to move the repulsive eggs, Ridley Scott got to the field himself to insert his hand in the guts and do the job.
