With the first season airing around the world to universal praise, What We Do in the Shadows was a resounding success for FX. The mockumentary based on the film by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement follows the lives of three vampires living on Staten Island.
While the series is set in the same world as the original mockumentary, the focus is mainly on these new vampires as they learn to live in the modern age. However, during their escapades, they accidentally kill a very important vampire and are put on trial by the Vampiric Council. It’s during this episode, "The Trial," that we see many cameos from actors who have portrayed vampires in the past. Here are 5 of those cameos and 5 cameos that we may see next season.
Cameo: TAIKA WAITITI & JEMAINE CLEMENT
The creators of the original film and this new series have to get a mention, as the Vampires from Wellington make a cameo during "The Trial." Both Taika and Jemaine have written and directed episodes of the show, so it makes sense that the two would make an appearance as Viago Von Dorna Schmarten Scheden Heimburg and Vladislav the Poker.
It’s a fun cameo as the two make their presence felt on the council, alongside their friend Deacon, played by Jonathon Brugh. The actors bring their trademark wit and charm to the scene and, of course, Viago is in charge of the ceremonial traditions, since he was always obsessed with the rules. Chances are we’ll see the trio again next season, perhaps in a larger crossover.
Potential Cameo: ADAM SANDLER
Adam Sandler may just be one of the most hated comedic actors the world has known, which is exactly why he should make a cameo in season 2. Sandler is well known for his role as Dracula in the Hotel Transylvania films, so a real-life appearance in the role could be a lot of fun.
It would be the best choice to make fun of the newest addition to the Shadows family, especially due to Sandler's rather appalling attempt at an accent in the cartoons. It would be the first time a version of Dracula has appeared on the show and it seems fitting that such a famous vampire would be portrayed in such a disappointing way. He could even run a hotel!
Cameo: DAVE BAUTISTA
Another Marvel connection! Dave Bautista appears as an imprisoned vampire who serves the council during the trials. It’s a strange choice considering that Bautista hasn’t appeared as a vampire in anything before, although his comedic timing is perfect for the series.
Bautista's character is falsely accused of turning a baby into a vampire. It is a tragic situation that still leads to plenty of laughs! Some great prosthetics were created to convincingly portray the Drax actor as a monstrous Vampire with a soft heart, and we hope he makes a future appearance.
Potential Cameo: LUKE EVANS
Another iteration of Dracula could find its way into season 2, as Luke Evans could be another great cameo to be included. Evans starred in Dracula: Untold, which was meant to set the stage for Universal Pictures' version of Marvel's cinematic universe, but the film bombed hard with critics. So, Universal reset everything with Tom Cruise's The Mummy, to very mixed results.
It feels fitting for the show to include the actor in order to make fun at the failed attempt to launch this franchise. Evans has great comedic timing and is a good sport, so he should fit in well with the cast.
Cameo: TILDA SWINTON
Appearing as the head of the council, Tilda Swinton is the biggest surprise of the entire episode. Swinton previously portrayed a vampire called Eve in the film Only Lovers Left Alive. The wild-haired Swinton makes for a convincing vampire, with her pale skin and famously villainous roles convincing us that she could really be an undead monster.
This role also marks yet another Marvel reunion, with the actress having performed the role of the Ancient One in both The Avengers and Doctor Strange franchises. She’s fearsome in What We Do in the Shadows and a clear leader, who may cause even more trouble in the future.
Potential Cameo: ROBERT PATTINSON
It’s one of the most famous vampire-themed franchises in the world, so it makes sense that a cameo should take place eventually. Robert Pattinson was actually mentioned in the cameo episode but couldn’t make it due to scheduling. Twilight has also been referenced so many times over the series, so it feels like it’s naturally heading in this direction.
What’s more, if you can get a Rob cameo, why not get a Taylor Lautner one as well? What We Do in the Shadows is full of werewolf and vampire rivalries; so much so, the stage seems perfectly set to bring over the cinematic equivalent. This could even be depicted as an Anchorman-type fight between the two sides.
Cameo: WESLEY SNIPES
Wesley Snipes is well known for being one of Hollywood’s most unpredictable actors but is also famous for his starring role in the Blade series. A little Marvel reference for a series of actors and directors who have worked with the brand before, this is also hilarious because Snipes is only half-vampire.
In the comics and movies, Blade is a Vampire hunter and a day-walker, something which the other vampires are both jealous and fearful of. It’s funny to watch Wesley only put in half the effort as the rest though, as he just calls in via Skype rather than actually appearing. It could be fun to see him appear as a vampire slayer once more during season 2.
Potential Cameo: KATE BECKINSALE
The Underworld series has gone on for years, although it may have finally reached its conclusion. Due to the range of films that the franchise has produced, the vampiric lead of the film, Kate Beckinsale, is closely associated with these movies.
She’d make a great addition to the cast. The show is obviously a comedy rather than an action-packed romp like the Underworld series, so this would be an interesting clash of tones that could work well for Beckinsale, who may be looking to explore a funnier side to the role.
Cameo: KRISTEN SCHAAL
This episode also featured a mini-reunion for the cast members of the Flight of the Conchords, as Jemaine Clement brought back his friend and co-star Kristen Schaal to appear as a ghostly Vampire working for the council. The comedian is best known for her roles as a voice actor in the likes of the Toy Story and BoJack Horseman franchises, as well as her stand up and improvisation work.
She has also been apart of a vampiric film called Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, so Schaal's cameo also serves as a callback to 2009's movie. In What We Do in the Shadows, she’s an incredibly overpowered assistant, with her haunting tones chilling the three vampires that have been put on trial.
Potential Cameo: COUNT VON COUNT
There's only one Vampire that's arguably the most famous on this list and it's, of course, the counting Count from Sesame Street. This Transylvanian puppet loves all things numbers and helps the kids of the world learn how to count. He is an icon for obvious reasons and deserves a little cameo in the next season.
The Count really wouldn't feel out of place in the wacky series as we've already seen a variety of diverse vampires, from ones that feed on energy to a creature does not even resemble a human anymore. Sure, it's the wackiest choice on this list but would absolutely make for a great episode, as the Count really does have the ability to not only steal human blood but to steal the show!