Martin Scorsese stuns in The Studio cameo, showing humility and humor while avoiding “backseat directing” on Apple TV+’s satirical Hollywood series.
Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese made a rare and memorable cameo in the premiere episode of Apple TV+’s new comedy series The Studio, and according to the show’s creators, he brought not just star power but also humility to the set.
The episode, titled The Promotion, features Scorsese playing himself as the newly appointed head of Continental Studios, Matt Remick (played by Seth Rogen), attempts to secure his passion project—a serious film about the Jonestown massacre.
Meanwhile, Remick also juggles a conflicting project: a more commercial “Kool-Aid movie.” The satirical clash of Hollywood’s commercial and artistic ambitions provides the backdrop for Scorsese’s appearance.
Show co-creators and executive producers Alex Gregory and Evan Goldberg shared that they were thrilled—and slightly disbelieving—that the Oscar-winning director actually showed up for the shoot. “We kept thinking, ‘He’s gonna cancel.
It’s too amazing. It’s too special,’” Goldberg said. “The fact that he actually showed up—he’s just the best.”
Despite being one of the most celebrated directors in cinema history, Scorsese kept a low profile on set. Gregory revealed that Scorsese had just one note during filming, and he waited until well after a scene was completed to share it.
The scene, which featured Scorsese whispering with Charlize Theron, took about 10 takes to get right. When Goldberg asked him what the whispering was about, Scorsese confessed, “I knew you were doing this wrong, but I didn’t wanna be a backseat director, so I just didn’t say anything.”
Goldberg laughed off the moment, saying, “We could have used that time, but I appreciate that you didn’t wanna manhandle us.”
Both creators praised Scorsese’s acting chops, calling him “unbelievable” in the role. “We were all pretty shocked Martin Scorsese was in the show,” Gregory added.
Ultimately, Scorsese’s cameo not only elevated the show but also showcased his grace, restraint, and good humor—traits that resonated just as much as his iconic filmography.
