Bradley Cooper's Unusual Role in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Bradley Cooper's Unlikely Role

In the 2023 fantasy heist comedy, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Bradley Cooper appears in a small but memorable cameo as Holga's ex-husband, Marlamin. The film, based on the classic tabletop role-playing game, follows a bard, Edgin Darvis (Chris Pine), and a barbarian, Holga Kilgore (Michelle Rodriguez), as they assemble a team to pull off a heist to rescue Edgin's daughter and stop an old traitorous friend, played by Hugh Grant. The story also revolves around the quest for the Tablet of Reawakening to restore life to Edgin's deceased wife. Cooper's appearance in the movie is a delightful surprise for viewers, adding a touch of humor and unexpectedness to the film.

Bradley Cooper as Marlamin sitting in a chair in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves features an ensemble cast of characters, each playing different classes from the RPG and having a lot of fun doing so. One of the more surprising actors in the film is Bradley Cooper, who brings depth and humor to the character of Marlamin, a diminutive halfling who's barely as tall as Holga's belt. Cooper's brief but memorable scene in the movie is a testament to his versatility as an actor, adding a unique dimension to the fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons.

Bradley Cooper as Marlamin greeting Holga (Michelle Rodriguez) at the door in Dungeons and Dragons Honor Among Thieves.

The Unusual Casting Process

Bradley Cooper's involvement in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves came about in an unusual and interesting way. Co-director John Francis Daley, who had previously worked with Cooper on the set of Kitchen Confidential, played a key role in bringing Cooper on board for the film. Daley, along with his co-director Jonathan Goldstein, was in search of a 'larger-than-life' actor to portray the small character of Marlamin. They needed someone who could bring a real pathos to the character along with vulnerability and humor, even in a short scene. Recognizing Cooper's talent and versatility, Daley and Goldstein reached out to Cooper to discuss the project.

To give Cooper a clear idea of what they were aiming for, Daley and Goldstein screened a rough-cut version of the film, despite incomplete visual effects. This bold move, although risky, paid off as Cooper was able to see the potential of the project and understand the creative vision behind it. Cooper's background as a filmmaker himself allowed him to appreciate the work-in-progress nature of the film and envision the finished product. This unique approach to casting and collaboration between the directors and Cooper resulted in a successful and unexpected addition to the cast of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

Cooper's Remarkable Transformation

After being convinced by the directors' vision, Bradley Cooper came to set for a day to film his scene in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. The VFX team worked their magic to transform the 6' 1" star into a 3-inch halfling, bringing Marlamin to life in a visually stunning and unexpected way. Cooper's willingness to take on a unique and unconventional role speaks to his dedication to his craft and his willingness to push creative boundaries. His transformation in the film adds an element of surprise and delight for audiences, further enhancing the fantastical world of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.