Ike Barinholtz Teases Leonardo DiCaprio Cameo on 'The Studio' Season 2 at 2025 Emmys
Ike Barinholtz, star of the Apple TV+ series 'The Studio', revealed his dream cameo for the show's upcoming second season: Leonardo DiCaprio. This exclusive news came during the 2025 Emmy Awards red carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 14.
Barinholtz's Wishlist for 'The Studio' Season 2
Barinholtz, 48, expressed his admiration for DiCaprio, 50, telling Us Weekly that the actor is "very funny and cool." Season 1 of 'The Studio' featured impressive cameos from A-listers like Martin Scorsese, Charlize Theron, and Zac Efron. Following the critical acclaim and popularity, the series, created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, has been renewed for a second season.
“They’re just starting to cook right now and starting to get it ready,” Barinholtz told Us. “I’ve heard rumors, but nothing confirmed, so I don’t wanna falsely tease anyone. Knowing these guys, they’re gonna go big.”
Emmys Night: Nominations and Reflections
Barinholtz was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series but lost to Jeff Hiller from HBO’s 'Somebody Somewhere'. Despite the loss, Barinholtz joked about monetizing his nomination and praised Rogen and Goldberg for their honest portrayal of the entertainment industry in 'The Studio'. He noted that the show resonates with many in the industry because it captures the current, more realistic perspective on the business, while still celebrating the love for entertainment.
"I think The Studio resonated with people and friends who work on all sides of the industry in part because everyone is just much more of a realist these days," he explained. "But we're entertainers; we still believe in and love what we do, even if the future is uncertain."
Unexpected Fame and Fan Interactions
Barinholtz shared a humorous anecdote about fans recognizing him and yelling "Sal Saperstein" at him in public. He welcomes the recognition, finding it much more pleasant than other potentially offensive shouts. "It’s a pleasant Jewish man’s name, and it really tickles me." He added, that if people call you out for a show that you love and you’re proud of, it’s just gonna make you happy.
Ike Barinholtz Shares Anecdote About a Drunk Studio Exec
Speaking with Zuri Hall on Live From E!: 2025 Emmys, Barinholtz shared a story about a studio executive who was fired after getting drunk and making fun of one of the actors at a wrap party.
He’s up against some stiff competition in his packed category with The Four Seasons' Colman Domingo, Shrinking's Harrison Ford and Michael Urie, Somebody Somewhere's Jeff Hiller, The Bear's Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Saturday Night Live's Bowen Yang.
Seth Rogen could also become the first person to win Emmys for producing (should The Studio be named Outstanding Comedy Series), lead actor in a comedy series, directing and writing in one year.
Despite not securing a win, Barinholtz highlighted the renewal of 'The Studio' for a second season as a significant victory. He also expressed disbelief at receiving a kind note from season one guest star Martin Scorsese.
“So, even if we don't win tonight," he said, "the real winning is getting to do more episodes.”
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Outstanding Comedy Series | The Studio |
| Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | Seth Rogen, The Studio |
| Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Jeff Hiller, Somebody Somewhere |
| Guest Actor in a Comedy Series | Bryan Cranston, The Studio |
