Hit Apple TV+ comedy The Studio has been packed with celebrity cameos, and this week’s Golden Globes episode took things to a whole new level. But the most shocking cameo of the episode—indeed, the whole season—apparently wouldn’t have happened if Apple got its way.
Apple requested that Tim Cook replace Netflix CEO
Among the deep roster of celebrity cameos in The Studio’s latest episode, one that had a recurring bit was Netflix’s CEO Ted Sarandos.
Throughout the episode, which is set at the Golden Globes, Sarandos is thanked by actors and other creatives in their acceptance speeches.
Finally, Sarandos shares a scene with Seth Rogen’s character, Matt Remick.
But it turns out, Apple reportedly had a different tech executive in mind for the role.
Caralynn Matassa, writing at Business Insider:
Apparently, Apple had some notes on that casting, but Rogen didn’t take them.
“They asked if we could use Tim Cook instead, and we said no,” Rogen told Business Insider at the red carpet premiere for “The Studio” at the SXSW Film & TV Festival in March.
It’s not entirely clear whether Rogen was being serious, or simply offering a joke—either seems possible.
Taking Rogen at his word though, if Apple truly did want Cook to fill Sarandos’ cameo role, I’m glad they ultimately didn’t push the idea too strongly.
Netflix’s CEO showing up so prominently in an Apple TV+ show was a brilliant creative move. Having Apple’s CEO make an appearance, though, might have felt forced.
Not to rule out a future Cook appearance, perhaps in the newly announced season 2. I’m sure Rogen and team can come up with a role well-suited for Cook.
Do you think Cook would have done well in the cameo part? Let us know in the comments.
Apple TV+ is available for $9.99 per month and features hit TV shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.
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