Pop CulturePop Culture

What Is the Best Surprise Cameo in a Movie?

Inspired by ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,’ the ‘Trial by Content’ crew sets out to declare the best surprise cameo in movie history. You be the judge!

By Dave Gonzales, Joanna Robinson, Neil MillerMay 10, 2022, 2:01 pm UTC • 1 min

(1:32) — RECAP: Joanna reveals the results of last week’s poll.

(2:34) — TOPIC: Dave, Joanna, and Neil introduce this week’s debate: What is the best surprise cameo in a movie?

(2:49) — DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS: They discuss, in spoiler-filled detail, the cameos in the latest Marvel movie.

(16:03) — RULES: Neil explains the rules for the debate, and gives out some awards.

(20:38) — PRETRIAL DISMISSALS: They go through a list of honorable mentions that just missed the cut.

(24:31) — OPENING REMARKS: Everyone gives a one-minute opening statement and plays a clip to support their choice for the best surprise cameo in a movie.

(30:12) — CROSS-EXAMINATION: The hosts engage in open discussion of the presented choices, and offer rebuttals and further arguments for their picks.

(39:44) — LISTENER SUBMISSIONS: The hosts read some listener submissions and hear clips from the listener choices. Then, they pick one to be added to the final poll.

(54:35) — FINAL STATEMENTS: They each get one uninterrupted minute to defend their choice.

Now it’s up to you to decide! What is the best surprise cameo in a movie? You can vote for the winner below, on The Ringer’s Twitter feed, and in the Spotify app, where you’ll find Trial by Content. The winner will be announced next week!

Hosts: Dave Gonzales, Joanna Robinson, and Neil Miller
Associate Producer: Carlos Chiriboga
Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal
Theme song and other music credits: Devon Renaldo

Subscribe: Spotify

Dave Gonzales

Dave Gonzales is a writer, producer, and podcast host living in Denver, Colorado. He is the coauthor of the New York Times bestseller ‘MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios.’ His other podcasts are ‘Fighting in the War Room’ and ‘Da7e and Neil’s Pop Culture Adventure.’

Joanna Robinson

Joanna Robinson is a cultural critic appearing on several podcasts, including ‘House of R,’ ‘Prestige TV,’ and ‘Trial by Content.’ Formerly a senior writer at Vanity Fair from 2014-21, she is the author of the New York Times bestselling book ‘MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios.’

Neil Miller

Neil Miller has been a podcaster and pop culture blogger since 2006, when he founded the independent website Film School Rejects. He has cohosted popular pods about ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Lost,’ has produced a TV show (‘One Perfect Shot’), and is a tortured lifelong Cleveland sports fan.