Sofia Coppola's Shocking Cameo in 'What We Do in The Shadows' Leaves Viewers Gobsmacked
Sofia Coppola's cameo in 'What We Do in The Shadows' is hilariously gruesome as she gets bloody at Nadja's club The renowned director rarely appears on-screen, making this cameo even more special The show's best cameos shine when actors play themselves
Article Summary
The What We Do in the Shadows TV show surpasses the quality of the popular movie and innovates with constant big-name celebrity cameos.
Sofia Coppola's appearance in Season 4 of the show is both hilarious and gory, making it a standout moment that highlights the show's comedic brilliance. The show's unique use of celebrity cameos, with actors portraying themselves, enhances the comedy and distinguishes What We Do in the Shadows from other shows.
What We Do in the Shadows is a rare gem in the world of media - a TV show adaptation of a beloved movie that not only lives up to the original's quality, but actually surpasses it. While the film focused on Taika Waititi's vampires attempting to lead a somewhat normal life in New Zealand, the FX series introduces a fresh set of hilarious bloodsuckers wreaking havoc in Staten Island, all while maintaining the movie's iconic mockumentary style. One aspect that sets the show apart is its constant stream of famous cameos, with actors either playing new characters or exaggerated versions of themselves. Fred Armisen, Mark Hamill, and a host of other celebrities have graced the screen, but one standout performance comes from none other than Sofia Coppola. Known primarily for her work behind the camera, Coppola's appearance in What We Do in the Shadows is a testament to the show's undeniable appeal and is a unique addition to her acclaimed filmography.
What We Do in the Shadows
Sofia Coppola’s ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Cameo Is as Funny as It Is Gory
Release Date: March 27, 2019
Cast: Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillen, Mark Proksch, Kristen Schaal
Main Genre: Comedy
Genres: Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi
Rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 5
Studio: FX
In Season 4 of What We Do In The Shadows, Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) introduces a nightclub that quickly becomes popular with both vampires and humans. Baby Colin’s (Mark Proksch) comedy act contributes to its success. The nightclub's storyline provides ample comedy fodder, including vampire bureaucracy, ghoul employees forming a union, and Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) stealing profits to support his family. However, it is the unexpected but well-planned celebrity appearances that solidify the show's position as one of the best comedies out there. In Season 4 Episode 9's "Freddie," the episode opens with Coppola, Jim Jarmusch, and Thomas Mars (Coppola's real-life husband and Phoenix's frontman) attending Nadja's nightclub. When asked about the $5,000 celebrity special, Nadja demonstrates it by having two eager vampires bite the unsuspecting couple, resulting in their messy demise and splattering blood on everyone nearby. The crowd gleefully chants for "the head," and Coppola even has her head completely removed and played with by the customers. In less than two minutes, this opening scene delivers laughs, gore, and clever commentary on the excessive spending habits of celebrities. Jarmusch declines the celebrity special, citing financial constraints, prompting Nadja to respond with a judgmental "oh" that implies disgust. In addition to the playful gruesomeness, the scene also features hilarious exchanges, such as Nadja calling Coppola a "stupid bitch" and remarking on Mars' scrambled brain after he speaks French to her.
Director Sofia Coppola Is Rarely in Front of the Camera
Image via FX
Every cameo in What We Do in the Shadows leaves you wondering, "How did they manage to get this person on the show?" Sofia Coppola's cameo is particularly surprising and confusing, considering she rarely appears in projects. Not only did they secure her appearance, but they also got her husband, Mars, and fellow filmmaker, Jarmusch, to join in. In an interview with IndieWire, showrunner Paul Simms explains that they simply "got lucky" because Coppola and Mars are big fans of the show. Coppola, unsure about her acting abilities, suggested involving a third person, specifically Jarmusch. This was a brilliant move, as Jarmusch is familiar with the genre, having directed vampire drama Only Lovers Left Alive and zombie comedy The Dead Don’t Die.
Having Coppola on screen is no easy task. Her acting credits, which began with small roles in her father Francis Ford Coppola's films (including The Godfather Part III), mostly stopped after a cameo in her brother Roman Coppola’s 2001 directorial debut CQ. Her limited acting career also includes a cameo in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace as Saché, one of Padmé’s handmaidens alongside Keira Knightley. Mars' appearance marks his second cameo, following his role as a talented cook with a singing voice in the Coppola-directed Bill Murray Netflix special A Very Murray Christmas.
‘What We Do In The Shadows’ Cameos Are at Their Best When Actors Play Themselves
What sets the celebrity cameos in What We Do In The Shadows apart is the clever way they go meta. In Season 5, John Slattery made a memorable appearance when his character accidentally ran over Colin's foot, catching the attention of loyal Mad Men fans who were more excited about encountering the star than helping Colin. The season finale took things even further, with Nandor hilariously mistaking Patton Oswalt for Guillermo at a Panera Bread. After a humorous conversation at the restaurant, Nandor decides Oswalt is no longer needed and throws him off a building.
While these are the most recent celebrity cameos, it was the Vampiric Council introduced in Season 1 that established these entertaining appearances as a key aspect of the show. When Guillermo accidentally kills the ancient vampire known as The Baron, he and his fellow vampire roommates Nadja and Laszlo are summoned to face judgment before the mysterious Vampiric Council. This council comprises actors who have portrayed famous vampires in various franchises, resulting in appearances by Evan Rachel Wood, Danny Trejo, Wesley Snipes, the late Paul Reubens, and Tilda Swinton in the episode titled "The Trial," where they all portray fictionalized versions of themselves. Swinton's idea to have the council be star-studded and styled after their iconic vampire roles, such as Swinton herself embodying Eve from Jarmusch's Only Lovers Left Alive, adds an additional layer of horror comedy to the show.
Coppola's appearance as herself in What We Do in the Shadows demonstrates two noteworthy things: the enduring appeal and potential longevity of the show, as well as Coppola's ability to embrace being the subject of humor despite her personal opinion of her acting skills. Not only did the show successfully bring her back on screen after a prolonged absence, but it also revealed a more relaxed and carefree side of her. Let's hope that there was a way for her character to survive the bloody attack and return as a vampire, perhaps even casting Nadja in a film that allows her to showcase her talent and charisma.
You can now stream What We Do in the Shadows on Hulu in the U.S.
Editor's P/S
Sofia Coppola's cameo in 'What We Do in The Shadows' is a hilarious and unexpected treat for fans of the show. Coppola, who is not known for her on-screen appearances, plays herself in the episode and gets bloody at Nadja's club. The scene is both funny and gruesome, and it highlights Coppola's willingness to poke fun at herself.
The cameos in 'What We Do in The Shadows' are always a highlight of the show, and Coppola's appearance is no exception. Her cameo is a reminder that the show is not afraid to take risks, and it is always willing to surprise its audience. I can't wait to see who else shows up in future episodes.
