30 Hollywood Stars Play Themselves in the Hilarious Series The Studio

by

[The following story contains spoilers from season one of Apple TV+’s The Studio.]

It wouldn’t be a show about Hollywood without a lot of famous guest stars.

Each episode in the comedy series on Apple TV+ titled “The Studio” showcases a variety of well-known Hollywood actors, directors, artists, executives, and others. Many of these individuals portray exaggerated, humorous versions of themselves (we assume Olivia Wilde isn’t really a thief in the series).

The show that has just been granted a second season features Seth Rogen portraying Matt Remick, an executive in movies who ascends to president at the fictional Continental Studios. He starts to question if he’s ready for the responsibility and discovers that being in charge isn’t as glamorous as it seems.

Beyond Rogen, the series additionally features Ike Barinholtz in the role of Matt’s friend and Continental’s vice president of production, Catherine O’Hara as a former movie executive turned producer, Chase Sui Wonders portraying Matt’s creative executive, and Kathryn Hahn taking on the character of his marketing executive. Rogen collaborated with Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez in creating this show.

In most instances when Matt and his group find themselves in tricky situations, it’s often connected to a well-known figure from the film industry, such as an actor, director, author, producer, or other notable Hollywood personality.

Before the May 21 season finale, let’s review the well-known personalities who made appearances as their own selves during the first season.

    Nicholas Stoller

    Episode 1, “The Promotion”; Episode 7, “Casting”; Episode 9, “CinemaCon”

    Following Matt’s promotion to studio chief, his initial task was set: initiating work on a Kool-Aid film, which he found unwelcome. Eager for a more intelligent approach to the property, similar to the Barbie movie, he arranged a meeting with Nick Stoller, who presented a concept that Matt found suitable. Later in the season, Stoller reappears when Matt and his team express worries about the racial composition of the film’s cast, and again during the CinemaCon episode, where he’s slated to unveil his new project.

    Martin Scorsese

    Episode 1, “The Promotion”

    When the renowned filmmaker proposes a Jonestown-themed film, an idea sparks in Matt’s mind: Aren’t the members of Jim Jones’ cult known to have perished by drinking a beverage similar to Kool-Aid? Matt thinks he has discovered an intelligent approach for a movie about Kool-Aid.

    Charlize Theron

    Episode 1, “The Promotion”

    At the party thrown by the actress, Matt eagerly anticipates being invited. Unfortunately, it’s at this gathering that Matt feels compelled to inform Scorsese that he must decline the offer for the Jonestown movie because of studio requirements, and that he can’t work on any other film in its place – an announcement that results in Theron asking Matt to leave her party. Additionally, Bryan Cranston portrays Griffin Mill, Matt’s boss, in this episode as well.

    Sarah Polley

    Episode 2, “The Oner”

    The multi-talented actress, screenwriter, and director is currently filming a movie featuring a single, extended scene. However, things got tricky when Matt, who seemed to be causing trouble unintentionally or otherwise, repeatedly disrupted the shooting by stumbling, getting injured, and even whispering distractingly during takes. In an intriguing turn of events, this entire chaotic incident was itself captured in a single take.

    Greta Lee

    Episode 2, “The Oner”

    In Polley’s film, it’s the actress who takes center stage. Meanwhile, she’s attempting to persuade Matt to cover the costs for a private jet ride during our promotional events.

    Ron Howard

    Episode 3, “The Note”

    In the role of director for a film called “Alphabet City,” Howard finds himself highly praised by Matt and his group, who find the movie exceptional overall – except for the final 45 minutes, which seem puzzling to them. Matt grapples with delivering his feedback about this section of the film, as it holds a touching tribute to Howard’s deceased cousin.

    Anthony Mackie

    Episode 3, “The Note”

    Mackie serves both as the lead actor and a producer for Howard’s movie, catching Matt and his crew off guard by sharing his unique ideas about the last 45 minutes of the production.

    Dave Franco

    Episode 3, “The Note”; Episode 9, “CinemaCon”

    Initially, Franco appears alongside Mackie as his co-star in Howard’s Alphabet City. Subsequently, he indulges in Matt’s “vintage Hollywood feast,” a secret reference to psychedelic mushrooms, on the eve before the studio’s CinemaCon exhibition.

    Olivia Wilde

    Episode 4, “The Missing Reel”

    In this episode, Wilde is seen directing a movie called “Rolling Blackout,” an old-school production that Matt strongly supports. Yet, trouble brews as one of the film reels mysteriously disappears, prompting Matt to channel his inner detective and unravel the enigma.

    Zac Efron

    Episode 4, “The Missing Reel”

    Efron stars as the lead in the movie adaptation of Wilde’s “Rolling Blackout,” and there’s a chance Matt thinks he may have some information regarding the vanished film reel.

    Parker Finn and Owen Kline

    Episode 5, “The War”

    In an unexpected turn of events, the directors of “Smile” and “Funny Pages” find themselves in the middle of a fierce competition. On one side is Continental vice president Sal Saperstein (Ike Barinholtz), on the other, creative executive Quinn Hackett (Chase Sui Wonders). Both are determined to get their respective horror movies approved and will go to extreme measures to undermine each other’s efforts.

    Johnny Knoxville

    Episode 6, “The Pediatric Oncologist”

    In the movie “Duhpocalypse” by Continental Films, Knoxville plays the lead role amidst a zombie outbreak caused by an explosive diarrhea virus. He convenes with Matt and his crew to brainstorm a compelling trailer for the film. Alongside Knoxville, Josh Hutcherson features as his co-star, while Rebecca Hall takes on the role of Matt’s girlfriend who is also a doctor.

    Ziwe and Lil Rel Howery

    Episode 7, “Casting”

    In a Continental production named “Ain’t Yo Mama“, Ziwe and Howery are the leading actors. During a photo session for the movie, they were asked to give their opinions on the casting of Kool-Aid, as Matt and his team had expressed some apprehension regarding the racial diversity within the film’s cast.

    Ice Cube

    Episode 7, “Casting”

    In this rephrased version:

    The character of the Cube is given the role of speaking for the Kool-Aid Man. Matt pays a visit to the Cube in his workspace to seek his thoughts on being chosen for this part, and to question if it might be seen as racially insensitive. Later on, they both make an appearance at a Comic-Con event in Anaheim to unveil the Cube as the main actor, but the revelation doesn’t unfold smoothly.

    Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky

    Episode 8, “The Golden Globes”

    The creators of “Hacks” were honored for the mini-series titled “Deafening Silence,” and expressed gratitude towards Ted Sarandos from Netflix in their acceptance speech, which ignited a bit of envy within Matt.

    Zoë Kravitz

    Episode 8, “The Golden Globes”; Episode 9, “CinemaCon”

    The director-actress is in charge of a movie called “Open” which is nominated for a Golden Globe. Matt attempts to get her to thank him if she wins, as he really wants this recognition and has already told his mother about it. Meanwhile, Kravitz also agrees to star in another film called “Blackwing,” which she’s set to showcase at CinemaCon. However, things take a turn when she accidentally consumes treats laced with mushrooms that Matt had bought for a party the night before the CinemaCon presentation, unaware of their contents.

    Adam Scott

    Episode 8, “The Golden Globes”

    As I took the stage as a Golden Globe nominee, I shared an unexpected tale with the audience – how I once found temporary refuge on Sal’s couch for quite a few months after my move to LA. In my heartfelt speech, I made sure to express my gratitude towards Sarandos and Sal. Little did I know that this acknowledgment would start a humorous trend among other winners, who playfully thanked Sal as well!

    Ramy Youssef

    Episode 8, “The Golden Globes”

    In this high-profile event, he serves as the emcee, and engages in a conversation with both Kravitz and Matt.

    Charli D’Amelio

    Episode 8, “The Golden Globes”

    The influencer is capturing a video on the red carpet, and Matt happens to wander into the shot unintentionally.

    Antony Starr and Erin Moriarty

    Episode 8, “The Golden Globes”

    The stars of The Boys serve as presenters at the Globes.

    Quinta Brunson

    Episode 8, “The Golden Globes”

    The creator and lead actor of the show “Abbott Elementary” receives an accolade for a fictitious movie titled “Intended Consequences,” acknowledging Sal in her heartfelt speech.

    Jean Smart

    Episode 8, “The Golden Globes”

    The Hacks star also thanks both Sarandos and Sal in her speech.

    Ted Sarandos

    Episode 8, “The Golden Globes”

    Besides the numerous acknowledgments during speeches, the CEO of Netflix shares a conversation with Matt in the restroom, casually disclosing his strategy for receiving countless public appreciations.

    Aaron Sorkin

    Episode 8, “The Golden Globes”

    During the awards ceremony, the accomplished filmmaker receives a lifetime achievement award. In his heartfelt speech, he specifically acknowledges and expresses gratitude towards one individual: Sal Saperstein.

    Zack Snyder

    Episode 8, “The Golden Globes”

    In this instance, the director of the Justice League movie handed out the award for the category “Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy,” which Kravitz’s film has been nominated for. Additionally, David Krumholtz portrays Kravitz’s agent, and Rhea Perlman lends her voice to two phone conversations with Matt, while she physically appears in episode nine.

Read More

2025-05-19 23:55