What Is Sam Neill’s Cameo In ‘Thor: Ragnarok’?

Marvel Studios films are typically packed to the brim with some of the biggest actors in Hollywood, but Thor: Ragnarok surprisingly features talented people in a few non-superhero roles.

One scene in the film is packed with cameos from a few major actors, and though the roles are not pivotal to the plot of Thor: Ragnarok they are pretty hilarious all the same. Fellow Kiwi of director Taika Waititi, Sam Neill appears in the film. The two previously collaborated in the indie classic Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Waititi’s last film before taking on the Marvel project.

Early on in Thor: Ragnarok, after the God of Thunder does battle with the fiery deity known as Surtur, Thor returns home to find Odin flanked by royal subjects as they watch a stage play of the events of Thor: The Dark World.

Specifically they’re watching Loki’s sacrifice, considering Loki is actually pretending to be Odin and everyone thinks the God of Mischief is actually dead. There’s also a giant statue commemorating Loki nearby.

In the scene, Loki is played by Matt Damon and Thor is played by Luke Hemsworth, brother to franchise star Chris Hemsworth. Loki has just sacrificed his life heroically to save Asgard, and asks his brother to honor his life with a big statute and by telling his story. Thor agrees before Loki succumbs to his wound.

Neill comes on the stage dressed as Odin, narrating the story’s end and respecting his son’s legacy in a way the real Odin never did when he was around. As the play ends, the three actors bow to the applause the crowd, especially the very proud Loki-pretending-to-be Odin

The scene is very quick and comical, interrupted by Thor’s return after two years of searching the cosmos for the Infinity Stones and the source of his visions. The Odinson immediately sees through Loki’s ruse, and after a few threats aided by Mjolnir the two brothers embark on a quest to find Odin.

It’s awesome to see Neill making his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, even if it’s in a role that’s not super significant to the plot. But who knows, maybe we’ll see another Asgardian play in a future film? Either way, Waititi and Neill’s collaboration should continue so long as they’re both making movies.

Thor: Ragnarok premieres in theaters November 3.