The current season of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia unexpectedly references Danny DeVito‘s $801 million sci-fi movie from 2019, drawing attention to the actor’s extensive career spanning nearly six decades. While younger viewers mostly recognize DeVito for his role in the hit sitcom, he boasts over 150 acting credits, with this nod highlighting his diverse body of work.
Season 17 of It’s Always Sunny opened with a crossover event from Abbott Elementary, but quickly returned to familiar territory in episode two. The Gang deals with the grim possibility of Frank’s death as he lies comatose, infusing dark themes with the series’ characteristic humor.
DeVito and Alex Wolff’s Past Roles Connect Through Jumanji: The Next Level
Alex Wolff, known for performances in acclaimed films like Hereditary, Oppenheimer, and Pig, made a cameo during the second episode of It’s Always Sunny season 17. He portrayed Simon, a businessman eager to help the Gang expand Paddy’s Pub by franchising it, promising financial backing.
Wolff and DeVito previously worked together in the 2019 film Jumanji: The Next Level, where they played grandfather and grandson. Wolff’s character, Spencer Gilpin, is a college student, while DeVito’s Eddie Gilpin is a diner owner alongside Danny Glover’s character. Although minor, these roles offered memorable moments within the adventure-comedy.
In the sitcom, Wolff’s unexpected cameo impressed many as Simon’s unpredictable behavior managed to disrupt the Gang, a rare achievement given their usual exploitation of guests. The character’s storyline ends with him passing out in a crack house, a direct consequence of his erratic actions.
Despite The Reunion, DeVito and Wolff Did Not Share Scenes in the Show
Fans hoping for interactions between DeVito and Wolff in It’s Always Sunny were left wanting, as their characters never shared screen time. As indicated by the episode title “Frank Is in a Coma,” Frank spends most of the episode unconscious, while other main characters embark on their escapades without him.
The series is continuing with more episodes in season 17, and one cast member recently disclosed hesitation about including certain storylines. With Frank’s notoriously shady past involving sweatshops and dealings with terrorist organizations, his dynamic with a younger figure like Simon could have led to entertaining conflicts, especially over the idea of franchising Paddy’s Pub.
Although Frank misses much of the on-screen hustle, he ultimately enjoys a moment of triumph in the episode. Meanwhile, Simon’s abrupt departure leaves open the possibility of his return later in the season, which remains a rare but plausible outcome for guest characters in the FX sitcom.
