10 Horror Movie Cameos We Never Expected

Cameo appearances, where famous faces are subtly included within films, are often enjoyed by audiences. This tradition is not limited to just any director but extends even to cinema greats like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino. It’s no wonder then that the horror genre also embraces this longstanding creative practice.”

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From tiny character parts to fleeting appearances that you might almost miss, it’s surprising to find cameos by popular celebrities in horror films that we wouldn’t ordinarily expect. This delightful trend has allowed some of the world’s most renowned and instantly recognizable personalities to slip into roles unnoticed by viewers, serving as live-action Easter eggs for many horror movies. These appearances were executed so seamlessly that they took everyone by surprise.

10. Kid Cudi

Trap (2024)

2024’s “Trap” had me intrigued, as I found myself caught up in a harrowing tale of a serial killer on the run at a concert with his daughter. This film, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, sparked quite a debate among critics upon its release. While opinions varied on the overall quality of this psychological horror, everyone seemed to agree that one standout moment was truly exceptional – Kid Cudi’s cameo as an unforgettable portrayal of The Thinker. As a movie enthusiast, I can attest to the fact that his performance left a lasting impression on me and many others who watched it.

With hair so brightly platinum it could rival any Targaryen prince, The Thinker is a vibrant singer who shares the stage with Lady Raven during the concert’s headline performance. Scattered appearances throughout the film make Cudi’s portrayal of this scene-stealing diva one of the most captivating elements in an otherwise ordinary horror production. This brief role showcases the multitalented rapper-actor’s ability to think outside the box and adapt to diverse roles.

9. Bill Murray

Zombieland (2009)

In 2009, the film “Zombieland” was rewriting the rules of zombie movies as we knew them, and Bill Murray’s cameo added an extra layer of surprise when it occurred. The movie follows four characters navigating a post-zombie apocalypse world, eventually leading them to Hollywood, where they encounter Murray, a star from “Ghostbusters,” at his residence.

Without them realizing it, Murray managed to live through the apocalypse by dressing up like zombies, which eventually led to his comedic downfall when Jesse Eisenberg’s character, Columbus, accidentally mistook him for a real undead creature and shot him with a shotgun. Despite having a brief appearance, this classic Hollywood figure skillfully injected some humorous scenes into one of the genre’s most celebrated cameos before meeting his end.

8. Topher Grace

Heretic (2024)

Known primarily for playing Eric Forman on the popular sitcom “That ’70s Show”, Topher Grace appears almost unrecognizable in the 2024 psychological horror film “Heretic”. It’s quite striking, given that he is one of only four main characters in the entire movie. This fact might make it easy to overlook him entirely.

In the movie “Spider-Man 3”, the main actor is set to portray Elder Kennedy, a character who was previously praised in Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ work, depicting a Mormon missionary within the Church of Latter-Day Saints. The story unfolds with Elder Kennedy searching for Sisters Barnes and Paxton upon their failure to check in at headquarters. During this time, an unaware charge of Grace encounters Hugh Grant’s cunning Mr. Reed, who manages to deceive him with surprising ease.

7. Johnny Depp

Tusk (2014)

2014’s dark comedy-horror film titled “Tusk,” directed by Kevin Smith, chronicles the unfortunate and bizarre journey of Wallace Bryton, played by Justin Long, a podcast host who gets kidnapped and subjected to a series of grotesque surgeries, transforming him into a terrifying walrus-human hybrid. Often considered one of the most revolting films from the 2010s, it might come as a surprise that such a movie would feature a cameo appearance by a well-known celebrity.

It was quite a shock when it became clear that the quirky private investigator hired by Wallace’s girlfriend to find him, Guy LaPointe, turned out to be none other than Johnny Depp, famous for his role in Pirates of the Caribbean. Barely resembling himself under a beret and mustache, Depp made an uncredited appearance in Smith’s horrifying body horror film. However, ironically, he remains one of the most well-known unnamed stars to have appeared in the genre up until now, showcasing his enduring A-list status.

6. Kiernan Shipka

Longlegs (2024)

25-year-old Kiernan Shipka, renowned worldwide for her roles in ‘Mad Men’ and ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’, is undeniably one of the most gifted young actresses active today. Beyond her prominent television appearances, Shipka garnered significant acclaim for her role in Osgood Perkins’ first film, ‘The Blackcoat’s Daughter’ in 2015, a recognition that may have contributed to Perkins casting her in the cameo of his 2024 horror hit, ‘Longlegs’.

Midway through the film, the actress makes an unexpected appearance as Carrie Ann Camera, the lone survivor of the movie’s notorious serial killer. Although her part is brief, Skipka’s chilling cameo stands out as one of the most terrifying moments in the movie. With a haunting gaze and mesmerizing voice, she delivers an unnerving performance that leaves a lasting impression even after the end credits have finished playing.

5. Christopher Walken

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

1999’s “Sleepy Hollow” is a film adaptation inspired by Washington Irvine’s renowned short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” In this movie, Ichabod Crane, a police constable, is dispatched to unravel a string of mysterious murders. These killings are rumored to be the work of a spectral being called the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow – a terrifying ghost from the American Civil War who served as a Hessian mercenary. This vengeful spirit haunts the town of Sleepy Hollow, seeking retribution for his missing head.

In a surprising twist, it was Christopher Walken, renowned actor from The Deer Hunter, who played the Hessian Horseman in an unforgettable cameo. Despite his face being hidden under a spiky black mane and filed-down teeth, viewers were shocked to recognize him. Interestingly, he didn’t receive credit for this role, and his lines consisted only of wild growls and roars.

4. Danny De Vito

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

Danny DeVito, often seen working with Tim Burton, consistently appears in his films, but his appearance in 2024’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was an especially delightful and unexpected surprise. In this sequel to the 1988 original, Danny DeVito reprises his role for a cameo as a cleaner in the afterlife. Unfortunately, he becomes the first victim of Delores La Ferve, Betelgeuse’s ex-wife, after accidentally causing her to materialize at the start of the film.

In the movie, the actor’s chilling attack on Monica Belluci’s character lasts long enough for her to mend herself with staples, following which he turns into a lifeless entity as she extracts his soul, all while the Bee Gees’ “Tragedy” plays in the background. DeVito may not have a significant role, but his short appearance is nothing short of spectacular; given that this is the same man who introduced us to Frank Reynolds on screen, such an impactful presence comes as no surprise.

3. Carrie Fisher

Scream 3 (2000)

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the star-studded cameos that have graced the Scream movie franchise over the years. This iconic horror series has consistently delivered unexpected appearances from big names in the industry, creating countless delightful Easter eggs for us viewers. For instance, Kristen Bell and Anna Paquin portrayed actors in Stab 7, while legendary director Wes Craven donned Freddy Krueger’s costume to play a school janitor on Halloween.

Without a doubt, one of the most surprising appearances in the franchise is Carrie Fisher’s cameo in Scream 3 (2000). Known for her iconic role in Star Wars, Fisher played Bianca Burnette, a smoky-voiced archivist at Sunrise Studios. In a subtle nod to her famous character, she hinted at being nearly cast as Princess Leia when she told Gale and Jennifer that she was “this close” to the role after they commented on her resemblance to Carrie Fisher.

2. Adam Scott

The Monkey (2025)

In 2025, the twisted imagination of Osgood Perkins delivers “The Monkey,” an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1980 short story. This dark comedy horror film brings chaos to the screen. Starring Theo James from “The Gentlemen” in a double role, the narrative revolves around two separated identical twins. A malignant toy monkey from their past reemerges, causing havoc and bloodshed in their lives.

Similar to Kiernan Shipka’s brief role in the 2024 film “Longlegs”, Perkins also utilizes the chance to feature a well-known television personality, Adam Scott from “Severance”. In this instance, Scott stars as Captain Petey Shelburn in the movie’s prologue. The character of Scott, who abandoned his family, makes a brief appearance in the film. He leaves the family permanently after attempting to dispose of a drum-playing toy during the grisly opening scene, which is never seen again in the movie.

1. Simon Pegg & Edgar Wright

Land Of The Dead (2005)

Known for co-creating one of cinema’s memorable zombie films, “Shaun of the Dead” from 2004, lead actor Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright have shared that George A. Romero’s work significantly impacted their horror-comedy, particularly his “Night of the Living Dead” series. Remarkably, despite the film’s massive success and enduring cultural influence, it’s unlikely that even they foresaw themselves making a cameo appearance in one of Romero’s iconic horror movies.

In the end, it was discovered that Romero really enjoyed the duo’s homage to his work, and he invited them to play minor roles in the 2005 movie “Land of the Dead.” Consequently, Pegg and Wright made a cameo in this horror film, delivering one of the most enjoyable quick appearances for fans. This role was also a nod to their popular horror movie, serving as a tribute to one of their influential creators.

2025-04-27 01:28