Everyone loves seeing one of their favorite celebrities in a surprise appearance. A perfectly placed cameo lets fans see actors, singers, and other stars in a new light. They might even have the chance to show off a hidden talent, from comedy to singing to dancing.
Over the last two decades, celebs have started appearing in more and more video games. As gaming becomes the focal point of the entertainment industry, it’s even churning out its own superstars, from gamers like Shroud to streamers like Ninja. Still, the focus remains on bringing big-name celebrities into popular gaming worlds.
Even in the context of short-form games, celebs can pack a huge punch. Online slots, for example, are the world’s top casino choice. Players who earn free spins as part of a sign up bonus are likely to gravitate towards slots that have brand-name or celeb recognition. Classics include Jimmy Hendrix, Michael Jackson, Titanic, Mike Tyson, Dolly Parton, and even Ellen DeGeneres.
Players can spin the reel to see what sorts of bonuses and combinations hit, each of which prompts a bit of action from the celeb characters on the screen. But what about games that offer a more in-depth celebrity gaming crossover? You may already be imagining Keanu Reeves in Cyberpunk 2077 or Norman Reedus in Death Stranding, but we’re taking things in a different direction.
Let’s take a look at longer-form projects that include celebrities in strange gaming premises.
Shaq, Shaq-Fu (1994)
Shaq-Fu is one of the world video games ever made. From its graphics to its gameplay, it’s a critical flop. Still, that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a cult hit—and even earning a second release back in 2018. This fighting game has a strange premise: Shaq enters a strange dojo in Tokyo and is then transported to a different dimension where he must take down an evil mummy. Nintendo Power, a publication, famously stated that it was ‘not possible to come up with a worse idea than this’.
Danny Trejo, Far Cry 6 (2021)
In Far Cry 6, players are taken to a dangerous island that’s been overtaken by a dictator. To get out alive, players must handle all types of risky missions. Along the way, they’ll meet Danny Trejo—who plays himself. They must team up with Trejo in order to eliminate an enemy named Isidoro Rasgado. After helping out, Trejo famously takes off via helicopter to return to the US.
Bruce Lee, EA Sports UFC 3 (2018)
Not all celebrities make appearances in video games while they’re alive. By far one of the most meaningful posthumous cameos comes from EA Sports UFC’s incorporation of Bruce Lee. Lee’s character can be unlocked by playing career mode. Players can step into the legend’s shoes and take down their opponents using his most famous moves. Since the original release (back in 2017), developers have continued to incorporate Lee into their releases, gradually improving the character.
Phil Margera, Tony Hawk’s Underground 2 (2004)
If you missed the early 2000s X-Games-MTV era, you probably don’t know who Phil Margera is. Margera is the father of famous early 2000s skater and punk Bam Margera—who became famous after landing a reality TV show in which he often harangued and harassed his father. This inspired developers to include Phil in the second release of Tony Hawk’s Underground. Phil, nicknamed ‘Fat Boy’, is part of the game’s ending in which Margera and Hawk prank the semi-villainous character Nigel Beaverhausen.
Kat Williams, Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
The Grand Theft Auto franchise is no stranger to celeb cameos. In fact, the video games have some of the best and most hilarious appearances, from Snoop Dogg to Phil Collins to Ricky Gervais. However, in terms of the most memorable and seamless celeb appearance, the title goes to comedian Kat Williams. Like Trejo, Williams plays himself in the game and performs at the comedy show at Split Sides club. Those playing as Niko Bellic and Johnny Klebtiz can see these performances, which were specially recorded just for the game.