John Hurt thought it was a quick cameo, but Mel Brooks had other plans.

Added: 2026-05-29

[00:00:00]When Brooks first pitched the idea, he told Hurt it would be a quick little cameo. Maybe a line or two, in and out, easy paycheck. Hurt said, "Sure, why not?" Then he showed up on set and found an entire replica of the alien mess hall waiting for him, complete with the same table, the same crew panic, and the same everything. At that point, most actors would have bolted, but Hurt, he leaned in. The scene starts just like the original. Hurt clutches his chest. The diner staff leans in, concerned. He gasps out the perfect line. Oh, no.

[00:00:31]Not again.

[00:00:34]And that's when it goes completely off the rails. The baby alien pops out, grabs a tiny top hat and cane, and launches into a full song and dance number like it wandered off a Looney Tunes set.

[00:00:44]>> And tell me I'm your own.

[00:00:46]>> [music] >> Hurt filmed the whole thing in a single day, and he loved it.