The Most Unusual Marvel Cinematic Universe Cameos To Date

Article Key Points

Elon Musk making a cameo in Iron Man 2 was unexpected given his polarizing reputation and current controversies.

The cameo of Matt Damon as Loki's actor in Thor: Ragnarok was both uproarious and in perfect harmony with the film's overall zany atmosphere.

While the appearance of Megan Thee Stallion in She-Hulk may have been peculiar and prompted grievances, it undoubtedly contributed to the show's overall eccentricity.

Since its establishment in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has showcased numerous characters across its diverse range of films and shows. Many of these characters have made brief appearances, commonly known as cameos. These cameos have become highly anticipated and have left a lasting impression on audiences. Examples include Nick Fury in Iron Man, Thanos in The Avengers, and Matt Murdock in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Fans often engage in years of speculation regarding the significance of these cameos and their implications for future MCU projects. While this is understandable, there have also been some peculiar cameos within the MCU. These cameos can be characterized as weird due to their unexpected nature, stark contrast to the overall tone of the film or show, or simply because they are downright bizarre.

8. Elon Musk (Played By Himself) - Iron Man 2

Elon Musk, for better or worse, is widely recognized in our world today. He has played a significant role in major technological advancements as the founder of SpaceX, CEO of Tesla, and owner of X Corp. Surprisingly, Musk made a cameo appearance in the movie Iron Man 2. In a brief scene at a party before the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, Musk interacts with Tony Stark, who compliments him before moving on. This cameo, while not groundbreaking, was unexpected considering Musk's controversial reputation. Now, 13 years later, it may seem even more peculiar given Musk's constant presence in news headlines due to his perceived mishandling of Twitter and other actions.

7. Actor Loki (Played By Matt Damon) - Thor: Ragnarok

In Thor: Ragnarok, there was an unforgettable part where actors recreated scenes from the previous film, The Dark World, in a play set in Asgard. This sequence included some enjoyable surprise appearances, such as Luke Hemsworth, the brother of Chris Hemsworth, portraying Thor. Additionally, Sam Neill portrayed Odin, or rather, the actor playing Odin. However, the most unexpected cameo came from A-list actor Matt Damon, who portrayed the actor playing Loki.

Damon is widely recognized in Hollywood, but surprisingly, he has not taken on a leading role in a comic book movie. Nevertheless, he has managed to make a few entertaining cameos. In Ragnarok, Damon showcased his comedic talent by playing the role of Loki's actor and reenacting the God of Mischief's "death" scene from The Dark World. It was a humorous moment that fit perfectly with the movie's overall vibe. Aside from reprising his role in Thor: Love and Thunder, Damon also made a barely recognizable appearance as a redneck in Deadpool 2.

6. Megan Thee Stallion (Played By Herself) - She-Hulk: Attorney At Law

Guest appearances in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law were diverse and unforgettable, featuring characters like Daredevil, Hulk, and Wong. Given the show's unique combination of courtroom drama, comedy, and breaking the fourth wall, there were ample opportunities for enjoyable cameo appearances. However, the most extraordinary cameo came from none other than hip-hop sensation Megan Thee Stallion.

In the episode "The People vs. Emil Blonsky," Jennifer Walters takes on a peculiar case involving a Light Elf impersonating Megan Thee Stallion. As the case progresses, the real Stallion emerges, leading to the swift resolution of the matter. The episode concludes with a surprising mid-credits scene where Walters becomes Stallion's legal representative, culminating in a lively dance and twerk-off between the two. Although this cameo aligns with the show's whimsical tone, it generated a significant amount of controversy due to its unexpected nature.

5. Actor Hela (Played By Melissa McCarthy) - Thor: Love And Thunder

Following the success of Thor: Ragnarok's entertaining play sequence, it was only natural to incorporate a similar concept in its sequel, Love and Thunder. In this installment, the film brings back Luke Hemsworth, Matt Damon, and Sam Neill reprising their roles as Actors Thor, Loki, and Odin, respectively. Moreover, Love and Thunder introduces a new character, Actor Hela, portrayed by Melissa McCarthy.

McCarthy flawlessly captures the essence of Hela's initial encounter with her brother, as seen in Ragnarok. Her performance perfectly aligns with the scene's comedic and exaggerated tone, adding to the overall enjoyment of the sequence. While Love and Thunder may not quite live up to the standards set by its predecessor, this particular moment undoubtedly stands out, with McCarthy's unexpected appearance contributing to its memorable quality.

4. David Hasselhoff (Played By Himself) - Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2

Writer-director James Gunn has skillfully incorporated several memorable cameos throughout the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, bringing renowned figures like Sylvester Stallone and even Miley Cyrus into the mix. However, one cameo stands out as possibly the most peculiar yet thematically fitting for Peter Quill.

During Ego's revealing of his true nature, he momentarily transforms into the beloved actor David Hasselhoff before reverting to his original form. Recognizing Quill's admiration for 1980s celebrities such as Hasselhoff, Ego intentionally assumes this form, confusing and surprising Quill in an intriguing way.

3. Ralph Bohner (Played By Evan Peters) - WandaVision

This particular cameo pushes the boundaries of its definition, as this character has made several appearances in various scenes and episodes. However, when it comes to bizarre guest appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this one stands out. Among the noteworthy guest appearances in Marvel's first Disney+ series, Evan Peters as "Quicksilver" takes the cake, for better or worse. Interestingly, it turns out that he is not actually "Quicksilver," but rather an actor named Ralph Bohner.

When Peters first appeared, it generated excitement as a nostalgic reference to his previous portrayal of Peter Maximoff in the X-Men movies. Many fans believed that this marked the commencement of a merging of universes with the Multiverse Saga. Unfortunately, it was merely a clever Easter egg that alluded to his previous role. While it was cool, it was undeniably a rather silly guest appearance.

2. Starfox (Played By Harry Styles) - Eternals

Eternals, a divisive entry in the MCU, was met with mixed reviews due to its unconventional take on the superhero genre. Despite its successful box office performance, grossing over $400 million globally, there have been no official announcements regarding any potential sequels or future projects featuring the characters. However, the film did include a couple of post-credits scenes, one of which introduced Harry Styles as Eros/Starfox, Thanos' brother. Styles, known for his superstar status and thriving music career post-One Direction, has ventured into the world of acting. Marvel Studios saw an opportunity to leverage his popularity, and his unexpected appearance in Eternals was a pleasant surprise. It would certainly be strange if he never reprises the role in the future.

1. Peter Parker (Played By Max Favreau) - Iron Man 2

Returning to Iron Man 2, there is an unexpected cameo that was not originally planned. Prior to the Spider-Man reboot and his integration into the MCU, a young boy wearing an Iron Man mask, portrayed by Jon Favreau's son Max, was in a dangerous situation where he is saved by Iron Man himself. This scene was initially just a random occurrence with an unnamed boy, but it appears to have been changed later on.

With Tom Holland's Spider-Man now part of the MCU, both the actor and director Jon Watts have stated that this scene has been altered, making Iron Man 2 the actual introduction of Peter Parker into the MCU timeline, a few years before Captain America: Civil War. This revision is intriguing, as it establishes Parker's connection with Tony Stark right from the start, a significant aspect of their relationship in the MCU. This retcon was certainly unexpected since Holland's Spider-Man was not even a concept back then, but it is a pleasant surprise.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the unusual Marvel Cinematic Universe cameos. On the one hand, I appreciate the filmmakers' willingness to take risks and surprise audiences with unexpected appearances. These cameos can add an element of fun and unpredictability to the MCU, and they can also help to generate buzz and excitement among fans. On the other hand, I sometimes feel that these cameos can be a bit too distracting or gimmicky. They can take away from the main story and characters, and they can make it difficult for audiences to stay focused on the film or show.

Overall, I think the MCU cameos are a positive thing, but I hope that the filmmakers use them sparingly and judiciously in the future. I would rather see cameos that are organic to the story and that serve a purpose, rather than cameos that are simply there for shock value.