Ben Stiller’s Character in Dear Santa Recognizes His 22-Year-Old Cameo in Jack Black’s Project

Note: Spoilers for Paramount+’s Dear Santa are included in this article. In an unexpected twist, Ben Stiller‘s cameo in Dear Santa stands out as one of the film’s most delightful surprises. While his appearance is effective on its own, it cleverly references another project involving Jack Black from more than two decades ago. Stiller’s involvement in Dear Santa marks his second Christmas film for 2024, alongside Hulu’s Nutcrackers. This resurgence in festive roles signals a revitalization of his acting career after focusing predominantly on behind-the-scenes contributions in recent years.

Though he arrives towards the film’s conclusion, Stiller’s role carries significant weight. Fans familiar with Jack Black’s extensive career beyond acting may derive a deeper appreciation for Stiller’s character than those who primarily recognize Black from his filmography. Their longstanding collaboration spans various projects, and the inclusion of Stiller in Dear Santa highlights a rewarding connection.

Dear Santa: The Second Collaboration Between Stiller and Black on a “Deal with the Devil”Theme

Ben Stiller’s Cameo in Tenacious D’s “Tribute”Music Video

Jack Black leads the comedy rock duo Tenacious D, with band member Kyle Gass also making a brief appearance in Dear Santa as a teacher. However, it’s Stiller’s role that serves as a nostalgic nod to Black’s musical history. In 2002, Tenacious D released their iconic song “Tribute,”which includes a whimsical storyline involving the devil. Stiller makes a fleeting appearance in the music video, during which Lucifer challenges the band to perform the best song in the world, or face dire consequences.

In Dear Santa, characters face their own existential risks, with Robert Timothy Smith’s Liam Turner navigating a perilous deal that also involves the devil—albeit indirectly. Unlike “Tribute,”where souls are at stake if the band fails to deliver the promised song, Stiller’s character in Dear Santa operates under a different set of terms. In this film, the devil bestows three wishes before claiming souls, establishing a unique but interconnected narrative thread between both projects.

Ben Stiller Shines as the Devil, Yet One Casting Opportunity Was Overlooked

The Absence of Dave Grohl in the Dear Santa Cast

Dave Grohl as Satan in Tenacious D's 'Tribute' music video

In the “Tribute”music video, Stiller’s role is that of a passerby, with the demonic persona portrayed by Dave Grohl, the frontman of the Foo Fighters, adding his signature talent to the track. While Stiller delivers a commendable performance in Dear Santa, the decision not to cast Grohl in a similar role feels like a missed opportunity. Having Grohl reprise his character from the music video would have added an amusing layer of intertextuality, enhancing the film’s connection to its musical roots without significantly altering the storyline.

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