It may seem hard to believe, but it has been 23 years since the iconicSpice Worldfilm was released. Following theSpice Girlson an adventure to perform live at the Royal Albert Hall, this musical comedy had the best twists and turns. From performance boot camp to an encounter with aliens, the singers are put in precarious situations throughout the movie.
With that being said, there was a lot of room for guest appearances. The film was brimming with musicians, comedians, and actors that audiences may not have recognized at the time of the premier. However, after just over two decades, fans can take another look at who popped up in a cameo appearance and may see some familiar faces. Here’s 10Spice Worldcameos we can’t live without.
10Stephen Fry
Appearing as the judge in a daydream sequence, Stephen Fry, famed British comedian and actor, shows up to oversee the hearing of the group. Accused of letting fame get the best of them and neglecting their personal friendships, the Spice Girls face the consequences in the courtroom. Only appearing for a minute or so, the judge delivers a few lines calling witnesses forward, such as Hootie and the Blowfish. In the UK version, this scene was cut, but the North American release got to keep it.
9Richard O’Brien
Portraying the dreaded paparazzi, Richard O’Brien appears as stalking photographer Damien. More of a minor antagonist role than a quick cameo, he is integral to the plot. However, his sightings play as cameos because they are so random and shocking. He goes to extreme measures to get content including sneaking in through the plumbing system and popping up in a toilet. He is any famous person’s worst nightmare, which goes hand-in-hand with his more notable role inThe Rocky Horror Picture Show.
8Kevin McNally
Best known for his role as the pirate Joshamee Gibbs in thePirates of the Caribbeanfranchise, Kevin McNally made a quick appearance inSpice Worldas well. Portraying an angry police officer, he confronts the Spice Girls after Posh Spice drives their tour bus recklessly throughout London. His iconic—and hilarious—line accuses the singers of “dangerous driving, criminal damage, flying a bus without a license, and frightening the pigeons.” Luckily, Baby Spice is able to subdue him by apologizing and flashing her innocent smile.
7Roger Moore
While the paparazzi may be a menace, the real villain of the show is the band manager’s boss known only as the Chief. Played by theformerJames Bondactor Roger Moore, the Chief pushes the Spice Girls and their manager beyond their limits. Speaking in riddles and dropping iconic 007 puns, he embodies the role of a Bond villain beautifully. He even has small animals to stroke. Because of his relentless pressure, the band nearly misses out on the performance of a lifetime.
6Meat Loaf
What would a movie about a band be without a few musician cameos thrown into the mix? Meat Loaf—a.k.a. Michael Lee Aday—shows up in the film as the tour bus driver, Dennis. Portrayed as a romantic with jokes about his hit song “I’d Do Anything For Love,” he is highly supportive of the Spice Girls. He would do just about anything for them, except fix the toilets.
Related:Is Spice World 2 Happening in Honor of the Original’s 25th Anniversary?
5Hugh Laurie
One wildly famous actor who made a cameo appearance in Spice World is Hugh Laurie. Best known for his starring role on the medical television drama,House, he portrays an inspector who is in search of a murderer. In a daydream sequence, Baby Spice is the prime suspect in a murder. Even though she is wearing a belt of bullets across her chest, her sweet smile gets her off the hook. He blames someone else for the crime.
4Bob Hoskins
Known for his roles inWho Framed Roger RabbitandHook, Bob Hoskins make a quick appearance during another dream sequence. The band is shown making a film titled Spice Force Five where they each make special powers and shiny silver suits. Ginger Spice goes into a phone booth where she disguises herself as Bob Hoskins. When he emerges from the booth, he still has Ginger’s voice.
3Dominic West
Recently portraying Prince Charles inThe Crown, Dominic West appeared as a sleazy photographer in his younger years forSpice World. Adorned in all black with a leather jacket, he urges the singers to up the sex appeal in their photoshoot. This annoys the Spice Girls, and they begin to fantasize about being freed from their rigid band identities. This sparks a fun musical sequence of the girls dressing as famous characters from film and even as each other.
2Bob Geldof
Best known for his musical talents and charity work, Bob Geldof makes a hilarious appearance in Spice World as a party-goer. When he encounters Scary Spice, she informs him that his messy hair will not do. She then proceeds to give him a makeover with her iconic Spice Buns. He isn’t too impressed with her work.
Related:Spice Girls Will Reunite in an Animated Superhero Movie
1Elton John
The most iconic cameo has to beElton John. Appearing within the first few minutes of the film, the Spice Girls run into him in a hallway area backstage where they bombard him with affection. Happy to see each other, they hug and kiss - leaving Elton with lipstick stains all over his face. The singer let’s out a sigh of relief when they let him go, and then he goes on his merry way.
