The new Apple TV+ comedy The Studio released its first two episodes today, and it's already full of celebrity cameos from well-known actors and directors in Hollywood.
In the new series, Seth Rogen plays Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of embattled Continental Studios. As movies struggle to stay alive and relevant, Matt and his core team of infighting executives battle their insecurities as they wrangle narcissistic artists and craven corporate overlords in the ever-elusive pursuit of making great films.
Here is our ranking of all the celebrity cameos in episode 1 of The Studio.
5. Peter Berg and Nicholas Stoller
Filmmakers Peter Berg and Nicholas Stoller played themselves in the first episode of The Studio.
Berg showed up in the beginning, where he was seen directing Paul Dano (more on that in a bit) in an action movie that Matt Remick did a set visit of. Meanwhile, Stoller dropped by to pitch an idea for a Kool-Aid movie.
While neither is a star-studded name, it was great to see them appear in the pilot episode as it sets up the realistic tone of the show's satirical story.
4. Steve Buscemi
Veteran actor Steve Buscemi showed up near the end of the episode as himself to personally thank Matt for greenlighting Martin Scorsese's movie.
However, little did he know, Matt and Sal just told the legendary filmmaker that they were killing his Jonestown movie, which was supposed to be his swan song.
While Buscemi's appearance was very brief, it was great to see a familiar face like him.
3. Charlize Theron
Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron briefly showed up as herself near the end of the episode.
Matt and Sal showed up at the Hollywood A-lister's party to tell Martin Scorsese the disappointing news that they are shelving his Jonestown movie.
After the duo's confrontation with the legendary filmmaker, Theron approached them to kick them out of the party.
While Theron's appearance was brief, it was still a fun moment for viewers and it also marked her brief reunion with Rogen after starring together in the underrated 2019 rom-com Long Shot.
2. Paul Dano
Award-winning actor Paul Dano appeared as himself at the beginning of the episode, where he was seen filming in an action movie directed by Peter Berg.
Matt, who was visiting the set, attempted to make friends with Dano by telling him he's a fan of his film Wildlife, but the actor ignored him as he was more concentrated on his acting work at that moment.
It was a hilarious moment as it showed how Matt was desperate to make friends with Dano and how he was not being respected in his position.
1. Martin Scorsese
Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese's appearance as himself is definitely the highlight of the show's first episode and should get the top spot in the ranking.
He was pitching the idea of a Jonestown massacre movie with a massive budget of $250 million and Steve Buscemi attached to star. While Matt wanted to do his project, he was advised by his team that it was a "horrible idea" and did not have any commercial prospects.
The episode ended with Matt and Sal telling Scorsese that they are shelving his dream project and, little did they know, it was supposed to be his swan song.
Scorsese's appearance was celebrated by viewers. Not only because of his hilarious performance, but his presence made the series feel realistic with its satirical take on Hollywood.
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