Background Movie Fails: Extras Who Totally Messed Up (21 GIFs)

Working as an extra doesn't pay much, but it certainly has its moments. Maybe that's why background actors so often struggle to keep a straight face. They freeze up, overact, or stare right down the barrel of the camera, convinced nobody will ever notice them behind the A-list lead. Most of the time they get away with it—until you look a little closer and discover the pure comedy unfolding in the background.







Enter the Dragon

When Bruce Lee pulls off another legendary takedown, how can you not crack a smile?





Million Dollar Baby

Gotta love fans who are this pure and uninhibited!



Star Trek

Does anyone have any idea what this guy is pretending to screw into the wall?



You Only Live Twice

Blofeld’s cat is clearly terrified out of its mind—and honestly, we don't blame it.



Jaws

Just look at how thrilled this guy is about a killer shark attack!



Quantum of Solace

This extra clearly hasn’t quite mastered the mechanics of a broom.



Star Trek Into Darkness

Everyone is doing their best to look terrified, and then there's this guy cracking up...



Die Hard 2

This extra felt simply running wasn't cinematic enough, so he threw in a dramatic dive and roll.



Classmates

That couple in the background... what on earth were they getting up to back there?



Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

A true little professional: she takes a direct hit to the face, yet finishes the scene without missing a beat. Mad respect!



Mr. Nanny

Let's just hope no animals were harmed in the making of this scene.



Dexter

Apparently, this is the very first time she has ever tried using a knife and fork together.



Back to the Future Part III

Keep an eye on Doc Brown's youngest son. The kid is definitely gesturing to someone off-camera...



Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

When you're a little too tall to be a Stormtrooper, doorways become a real hazard.



Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi

Now that's some serious hand-to-hand combat! Bollywood stunt doubles have nothing on this.



Mystery Movie

(Let us know in the comments if you know which one this is!)

Look closely at everyone in this shot. Their only job was to sell an intense brawl. Did they pull it off?



Gladiator

Another epic clash for the ages...



The Dark Knight Rises

The guy in the upper left corner is definitely fighting an invisible ghost.



The Emmy Awards

Host Neil Patrick Harris with a random guy creeping in the background who clearly wandered into frame during a live broadcast.



And as a bonus: a live news broadcast photobombed by an enormous, majestic seagull. An absolute star!