It’s time to officially kick off summer, which means we need to get started on all those barbecue and cookout plans. The only thing more important than the food is deciding who makes the cut on the invite list. Obviously, family, close friends, some neighbors and a few surprise acquaintances will be in attendance.
But in a world where you could invite your favorite celebrities to join in, which unexpected names would make the cut? We’re having a little fun choosing some of the surprising celebs we’d invite to the summer cookout.
Tom Hanks is genuinely one of the nicest people in Hollywood. He and wife, Rita Wilson, will bring something to eat, politely greet everyone and be the most unproblematic guests at the party. And you already know all the elders will love to see him.
Yes, we know Daniel Radcliffe is a talented actor who has played many interesting roles. But if you have Harry Potter at your cookout, no one can compete with you for “Greatest Aunt Ever” privileges. Plus, word on the street is he loves fantasy football.
The Oscar winning actress is not afraid to stand up to trolls and she enjoys a fun game night.
That uncle who thinks he’s hilarious will finally learn how unfunny he actually is when Melissa McCarthy hilariously destroys him with one liners.
We love Lin-Manuel Miranda’s work in “Hamilton,” “In the Heights” and “The Little Mermaid.” However, more than anything, we need him to be in “The Room Where It Happens” when the kids won’t stop singing “You’re Welcome.”
The Australian superstar has been around the world, so we know he has plenty of fascinating stories to tell. The real issue is keeping the happily married superhero away from your newly single aunt.
If he’s good enough to hang out in Wakanda with Shuri, Okoye and Nakia, then he’s certainly good enough for your mom’s backyard.
At some point your dad or uncle is going to start in on politics. When the time comes, tag in your new friend Senator Warren, then stand back and watch the magic happen.
You know that know-it-all cousin who won’t shut up about their one semester at Howard? Inviting “Jeopardy!” host/champion Ken Jennings will take care of them for the rest of the night.
We don’t care about Travis bringing Taylor Swift along. They’re here to be ringers for the football game. Watching them take down your older brother is all that matters.
Let’s be honest: we really just want to hear her sing. Preferably, she starts with “Hello,” goes into “Skyfall,” then “Somone Like You” and closes her mini set with a “Rolling in the Deep” sing-along.
Michael Keaton just seems like the kind of guy who manages to fit in and have fun at every party. Don’t worry, we’ll refrain from calling him Batman.
Ryan Reynolds would be able to make jokes with the kids and also trade hilariously profane insults with the adults. Bonus points if he brings Hugh Jackman with him.
After spending so much time with Shaq, Charles and Kenny, Ernie probably needs a night off with some good food and less drama.
If you’ve seen their watch-along basketball broadcasts, you know how much fun they have talking sports and breaking down the game. And when your uncle who constantly brags about “almost going pro” starts in, they can school him on the court.
