15 most expensive cameos of all time

The Mummy Returns (2001) | Image Source: Universal Pictures
The Mummy Returns (2001) | Image Source: Universal Pictures

Hollywood is used to splurging eye-watering amounts on star power, and sometimes, even a brief cameo can cost the same as the leading role. From iconic legends to unexpected guest appearances, these fleeting moments steal not just the spotlight but also the budget. Whether it is a famous actor reprising his iconic role, a musician, or the biggest superstar out there parodying themselves, even a few minutes of screen time can leave a mark on viewers. Dive into 15 of the costliest and unforgettable cameos of all time when star power came with a price attached to it.

1) Marlon Brando – Superman (1978)

Superman (1978) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
Superman (1978) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

Marlon Brando's $3.7 million paycheck for Superman wasn't even about his ten minutes on-screen as Jor-El, but rather a stamp of approval on him being one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. The producers wanted his name attached to the project to legitimize this superhero genre, and Brando negotiated a profit-sharing deal that would go on to earn him an additional $19 million due to the film's box office performance. His demands of reading lines from cue cards added to the cost, making this cameo quite pricey.

2. Sean Connery – Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

Sean Connery reportedly made $500,000 for under two minutes on screen. The underlying reason was his enormous star power and legendary status. For the producers, the name of Sean Connery then was synonymous with class and gravitas, and his brief cameo appearance as King Richard added instantly to the prestige of the film. Producers did not mind paying that high a price as they wanted the film to end on a high note. The charity donation for Connery's fee also makes this cameo rather memorable, even though the cost was undoubtedly heavy for such a short appearance.

3. Julia Roberts – Valentine’s Day (2010)

Valentine’s Day (2010) | Image Source: New Line Cinema
Valentine’s Day (2010) | Image Source: New Line Cinema

Julia Roberts was paid a whopping $3 million for Valentine's Day, which was partly because of her A-list status and box office record. She didn't just appear on screen for a mere few minutes as an Army captain; her involvement amplified the film's marketability. Her long history with director Garry Marshall certainly helped, but her pay check reflected Hollywood's recognition of the fact that she is indeed a megastar. With Roberts commanding such a high fee, the producers banked on her cameo in order to influence the audience to watch the film, and it paid off quite handsomely.

4. Bruce Willis – Ocean’s Twelve (2004)

Ocean’s Twelve (2004) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
Ocean’s Twelve (2004) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

Bruce Willis' $5 million paycheck for a cameo in Ocean's Twelve was based on him being one of Hollywood's top action stars. Even though his role as a 'tongue-in-cheek' version of his usual on-screen self only lasted a few minutes, his presence added some extra star power to an already A-list cast. His hefty fee also reflected his prior connections to the Ocean's franchise, as he was considered for the lead role in Ocean's Eleven.

5. David Bowie – Zoolander (2001)

Zoolander (2001) | Image Source: Paramount Pictures
Zoolander (2001) | Image Source: Paramount Pictures

David Bowie appeared for a cameo in Zoolander for a hefty $1 million. Being the icon he is, Bowie brought instant credibility to the film. A music and fashion legend, his involvement brought satire to a film that touched upon the fashion industry. The surprise appearance of Bowie as the judge of the "walk-off" made the fee worthwhile. Securing a global superstar like Bowie was not easy, and the cultural influence attached to it made this cameo costly, but unforgettable.

6. Brad Pitt – Deadpool 2 (2018)

Deadpool 2 (2018) | Image Source: 20th Century Fox
Deadpool 2 (2018) | Image Source: 20th Century Fox

Brad Pitt's cameo as the Vanisher in Deadpool 2 is among the most iconic superhero cameos. For that two-second cameo, Pitt earned only $956, along with a cup of coffee. It was a token payment, and it was also symbolic of the friendship between Ryan Reynolds and Pitt, who really wanted the cameo. Even though the role lasted only for a few seconds, Pitt's shocking appearance pleased the fans and depicted his good sense of humor. His low payment reflects a goodwill gesture rather than a financial motive for his involvement.

7. Charlie Sheen - Scary Movie 5 (2013)

Scary Movie 5 (2013) | Image Source: The Weinstein Company
Scary Movie 5 (2013) | Image Source: The Weinstein Company

In Scary Movie 5 (2013), Charlie Sheen appears in a cameo role as an over-the-top version of himself for a few minutes with Lindsay Lohan. For his one day of work, Sheen was paid $250,000. He was very generous and gave $100,000 to co-star Lindsay Lohan to help pay off her tax debt and donated the remaining $150,000 to three charities of the film's production crew's choice. This act showed that Sheen is willing to help his fellows and support such charitable causes while at the same time participating in a film like this.

8. Dwayne Johnson – The Mummy Returns (2001)

The Mummy Returns (2001) | Image Source: Universal Pictures
The Mummy Returns (2001) | Image Source: Universal Pictures

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Hollywood debut was in The Mummy Returns (2001) as the Scorpion King. Although he was on screen for only a few minutes, it was enough to get a spin-off film, The Scorpion King (2002). For his cameo in The Mummy Returns, he was reportedly paid $5.5 million; this is reportedly the largest paycheck for an actor in his first major film appearance. His short appearance helped catapult him into stardom, and he never looked back after that.

9. Christopher Walken – Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction (1994) | Image Source: Miramax Films
Pulp Fiction (1994) | Image Source: Miramax Films

Christopher Walken's fee for his brief appearance in Pulp Fiction would seem almost puny compared to the others on this list. However, at that time, his fee of $70,000 for a five-minute monologue was gigantic for an independent film. Quentin Tarantino particularly wanted Christopher Walken for Captain Koons because of his offbeat delivery. That is the unique touch that made the monologue unforgettable. It basically made the film more valuable, thus justifying Walken's cost. His cameo became one of the greatest moments, and proved that sometimes, the smallest roles can make a big impression.

10. Harrison Ford – Anchorman 2 (2013)

Anchorman 2 (2013) | Image Source: Paramount Pictures
Anchorman 2 (2013) | Image Source: Paramount Pictures

Harrison Ford appeared in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues as the veteran news anchor Mack Tannen. Although the amount paid for this cameo is not confirmed, it is estimated that Ford was paid between $5 million, considering his status in Hollywood. His participation was probably an amalgamation of personal fun and a willingness to help the filmmakers realize their comedic vision, all the while adding some star power to the film.

11. Mark Hamill – The Force Awakens (2015)

The Force Awakens (2015) | Image Source: Lucasfilm
The Force Awakens (2015) | Image Source: Lucasfilm

Mark Hamill silently appeared in this 30-second cameo for his role as Luke Skywalker in The Force Awakens, a highly speculated affair whose cost ran approximately between $1-3 million. The idea was that of necessity since showing him would matter to the heritage of the entire film, while holding up is only done on the film just for 30 seconds. His pay reflected the huge expectations surrounding the return of Luke Skywalker, a central figure who had to tie up the old trilogy and kick off the new one.

12. Mike Tyson – The Hangover 1 and 2 (2009)

The Hangover (2009) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Hangover (2009) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

Mike Tyson's cameo in The Hangover universe was worth $300,000 ($100,000 for Part one and $200,000 for Part two), which was quite a small price to pay for the impact he brought to the film. Tyson is a former heavyweight champion and a public figure with a mass following, thus making his appearance in the movies both, shocking and hilarious. Producers thought that his involvement would add unpredictability to the story and appeal to a wider audience. These appearances recharged his career, and he was handsomely paid for these cameos.

13. Dwayne Johnson in The Other Guys (2010)

The Other Guys (2010) | Image Source: Sony Pictures Releasing
The Other Guys (2010) | Image Source: Sony Pictures Releasing

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has a memorable cameo in the 2010 action-comedy The Other Guys, playing the fearless and over-the-top NYPD detective Christopher Danson. His part was brief but impactful, along with Samuel L. Jackson's character, to set the tone for the rest of the movie's absurd humor. Johnson, despite his very short screen time, was reportedly paid $9 million for the appearance, an indication of how much box office draw he generates even in the briefest roles.

14. Robert Downey Jr. – Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) | Image Source: Sony Pictures
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) | Image Source: Sony Pictures

Robert Downey Jr. appeared in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) for a very short time but was highly paid. He played the role of Tony Stark/Iron Man, who acts as a mentor to Peter Parker. Downey Jr. reportedly received $10 million for his appearance, although he was on screen for less than ten minutes. His salary was very high because he is one of the biggest stars at Marvel and has had a strong bargaining position since he led the Iron Man and Avengers franchises. His appearance in Spider-Man: Homecoming contributed to establishing Spider-Man in the MCU, making his cameo a critical part of the movie's success.

15. Johnny Depp – Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

Johnny Depp was paid a whopping $16 million for this brief appearance in the Fantastic Beasts series simply because he's a global star and the film relied on his stardom to generate buzz. In the first installment, his appearance as the dark wizard Grindelwald appeared at the tail end of the movie, thus teasing the probability of sequels. His reported pay included work on the follow-up films; however, due to off-screen controversies, his stint was cut short. Despite limited screen time, his magnetic performance and established reputation justified such a huge spending.

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Edited by Anshika Jain
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