Ever since Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope was first released in 1977, the sci-fi series has enamored fans of all shapes and sizes. Initially considered to be a risky venture when first in-production, that 1977 film went on to be the then-most successful movie of all time, with audiences queueing in the streets to see it. It’s no surprise, then, that many of the original audience grew up to be some of the biggest celebrities around today. And what’s the point of being a celebrity if they can’t wrangle their fame into cameoing in their favorite film series?
Indeed, a plethora of celebrities have cameoed in Star Wars films, appearing in the background or in bit-parts; anything to visit a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. In fact, the so-called ‘Sequel Trilogy’ is full to the brim with celebrities… although usually they’re heavily disguised. Whether dressed as Storm Troopers, wearing heavy prosthetics to become aliens, or simply just lending their voice to key robots, so many big names have ‘appeared’ in the Sequel Trilogy, and fans have missed them.
However, thanks to some eagle-eyed viewers (or the celebrities themselves excitedly ranting about the experience on Instagram or talk shows), many have now been able to identify all the famous faces cameoing in the sequel trilogy. While some are most obvious than others, here are a selection that fans may have missed… and few more that they never actually got to see!
Simon Pegg – Unkar Plutt (The Force Awakens)
The star of fan-favorite films like Shaun of the Dead and the Mission: Impossible franchise, Simon Pegg was actually one of the first cameos of the sequel trilogy, playing the intemperate broker that Rey (Daisy Ridley) trades with for credits at the beginning of The Force Awakens. Pegg likely got the role due to his vocal love for the Star Wars series, and his close friendship with director J. J. Abrams.
Daniel Craig – A Storm Trooper (The Force Awakens)
One of the more memorable scenes of The Force Awakens is when Rey and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) finally meet, with Ren interrogating the incipient Jedi. However, the scene is even more memorable due to Daniel Craig being the Storm Troopers that Rey first uses her Jedi powers on. If that wasn’t enough, this Storm Trooper’s code is JB-007, a knowing nod to Craig’s most famous role.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster – First Petty Office Thanisson (The Force Awakens)
Widely known for his roles in Love Actually, Game of Thrones, and The Queen’s Gambit, British actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster appears in The Force Awakens as one of the Petty Officers under General Hux’s command, In a blink-or-you’ll-miss-it appearance, the actor can be seen pressing random buttons.
Kevin Smith – Voice of a Storm Trooper (The Force Awakens)
The self-appointed Prince of Nerd Culture, Kevin Smith is one of Star Wars’ biggest fans, so it’s appropriate that he has a tiny cameo at the start of the ‘Sequel Trilogy’. He lends his voice to the Storm Trooper who first spots Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and his Resistance squadron flying into Maz Kanata’s (Lupita Nyong'o) castle.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt – Slowen Lo (The Last Jedi)
Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt has appeared in every single one of director Rian Johnson’s films (including Looper and Brick), and The Last Jedi doesn’t break this streak. Cameoing as the alien Slowen Lo, the character can be seen talking to the planet’s authorities on Canto Bright. Another fun detail about this character: his name comes from a Beastie Boys song.
Gary the Dog – Space Dog (The Last Jedi)
It’s not only human celebrities that can cameo: Carrie Fisher’s beloved dog Gary (who has appeared with her countless times on TV shows and interviews) actually appears in the Canto Bright sequence, as a cute space dog owned by one of the casino’s patrons.
Justin Theroux – Master Codebreaker (The Last Jedi)
One of the more obvious cameos in the film, acclaimed actor and writer Justin Theroux plays the Master Codebreaker who Finn and Rose believe can help them on their mission (spoiler: he can’t, so all Justin can offer is a cameo!)
Lin-Manuel Miranda – Resistance Pilot (The Rise of Skywalker)
The creator of Hamilton had already helped out in the Star Wars universe before (he contributed to The Force Awakens’ soundtrack), but that’s nothing to his appearance at the end of the ‘Sequel Trilogy’. The acclaimed writer and performer appears for a brief second during the celebrations at the end of the film, as the resistance rejoices over the defeat of Palpatine and the First Order.
Tom Hardy, Prince William, Prince Harry – Story Troopers (deleted scenes)
The only thing worse than having a tiny role is having a tiny role that doesn’t even make it into the movie! Despite being massive Star Wars fans and filming appearances as Storm Troopers, neither Tom Hardy, Prince William, or Prince Harry actually get to appear on-screen; their scenes were deleted during the editing process.