Josh Duhamel Laughs Off Kool-Aid Movie Joke and Mispronounced Name in Seth Rogen’s The Studio

While streaming The Studio on Apple TV+, actor Josh Duhamel was surprised to discover he had become the target of a few jokes in the satirical comedy. Co-created by Seth Rogen, the show pokes fun at the inner workings of Hollywood, and Duhamel’s name comes up in a humorous subplot during its first season.

In Episode 7, titled “Casting,” Rogen’s character, the new CEO of Continental Studios, scrambles to cast a Kool-Aid movie, leading to a ridiculous scenario that inadvertently plays into the stereotypes the team is trying to avoid, including casting Duhamel as the Kool-Aid Guy.

Josh Duhamel Shares Reaction to Unexpected Cameo and Name Misuse in Comedy Series

Duhamel recounted the experience during an appearance on Michael Rosenbaum’s Inside of You podcast. The episode covered a wide range of topics, from Duhamel’s Transformers days to his wellness ventures. As the discussion wrapped up, Rosenbaum inquired about the correct pronunciation of Duhamel’s last name, prompting the actor to share his unexpected cameo in The Studio.

He noted that someone had told him about the episode and, while he wasn’t offended, he found it odd that the show’s creators hadn’t reached out to him about using his name and likeness.

In the “Casting” episode, the fictional studio executives comically overcompensate in their attempt to avoid stereotypes, inadvertently falling into them. Duhamel’s name is humorously suggested as the lead for a Kool-Aid movie, sparking a flurry of misguided discussions within the writers’ room. Although Duhamel appreciated the comedy and had no hard feelings, he expressed slight surprise that no one had asked for his permission or even consulted him on how to pronounce his name correctly.

Mispronounced Name Leaves Duhamel Amused Amid Satirical Spotlight in The Studio

Duhamel highlighted the mispronunciation of his name on the show, noting they said “do-HAH-mill” instead of the correct “DUH-mel.” When Rosenbaum suggested that it might have been intentional — perhaps part of the joke — Duhamel responded with a lighthearted, “Maybe.” He didn’t seem bothered, ultimately saying he was “kind of flattered” to have been included in the series’ satirical spotlight.

Recently renewed for a second season, The Studio continues to draw attention for its witty take on the entertainment industry, complete with high-profile cameos from the likes of Martin Scorsese, Zoë Kravitz, and Ron Howard. Duhamel’s inclusion in the joke speaks to the show’s self-aware and irreverent tone, which has helped it resonate with viewers and industry insiders alike. Despite the playful jab, Duhamel’s reaction reflects a good-natured acceptance of the quirks of Hollywood satire.