Post-apocalyptic comedy This Is The End has now been in cinemas for several weeks, earning mostly positive reviews for its satirical take on the hypothetical end of the world scenario. One of the films most notable aspects is the appearance of several celebrities as themselves, nearly all of whom meet gruesome ends due to the focus of the film being on the sixsome of Jay Baruchel, Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson and Danny McBride. From Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Paul Rudd to Rihanna, The Backstreet Boys and Channing Tatum, the film wasnt short of famous individuals willing to engage in self-parody for the sake of entertainment, but the celebrity quota couldve been even higher had a handful of actors/actresses not turned down the opportunity to appear alongside several of the biggest names in contemporary American comedy cinema. Be wary of occasional
spoilers pertaining to the film as we briefly profile six of these individuals over the next few pages.
Honourable Mention - Dave Franco
There are numerous examples of individuals who have attempted to launch themselves to fame and fortune by leeching on the name recognition of a more renowned sibling. Dave Franco can hardly be considered one of them, having begun his career with minor film roles (such as Telephone Tree #5 in Milk) and appearances in a handful of television shows before securing a main role in the ninth season of hospital comedy Scrubs. Changes to the shows format meant that it was cancelled shortly after his casting, but the younger brother of James Franco has followed its termination with a string of higher profile film roles, starring in 21 Jump Street and Now You See Me. Though he couldve shared the screen with his brother in This Is The End, the opportunity was never Dave Francos to turn down (unlike the other entries on this list) - the idea of his appearance was vetoed by the films co-creator, Seth Rogen, who believed the death of a main characters sibling would make the light-hearted film too depressing.