You Won’t Believe Who Danced In The Skies

The whimsical 2007 fantasy film Stardust, directed by Matthew Vaughn and adapted from Neil Gaiman’s beloved novel, remains a cherished gem in the realm of modern fairy tales. Blending romance, adventure, magic, and plenty of humor, the movie transports viewers to a world where falling stars are more than just celestial phenomena—they’re doorways to extraordinary encounters. Among its star-studded ensemble, one unexpected crossover stands out: a young Henry Cavill, long before he donned the iconic red cape as Superman, shared the screen with legendary Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro.

This pairing feels almost too perfect in hindsight, yet it’s one many fans have overlooked over the years.

Cavill appears early in Stardust as Humphrey, the arrogant and polished suitor vying for the affections of Victoria (Sienna Miller) in the quaint English village of Wall. Humphrey is the picture of entitled charm—wealthy, confident, and dismissive of the earnest but humble Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox). In a handful of scenes, Cavill delivers lines with a smug edge, portraying the classic romantic rival who underestimates the hero. It’s a small role, but Cavill’s natural charisma shines through, hinting at the leading-man presence he would later fully embrace in blockbusters like Man of Steel and The Witcher.

At the time of the film’s release, Cavill was still building his career, fresh off appearances in projects like The Tudors, and his part in Stardust serves as an early glimpse of the poised, commanding screen presence that would make him a global star.

Then there’s De Niro, in one of his most delightfully unexpected performances as Captain Shakespeare, the flamboyant leader of the sky pirate ship Caspartine. De Niro, a two-time Academy Award winner—first for Best Supporting Actor in The Godfather Part II (1974) and then Best Actor for Raging Bull (1980)—is renowned for intense, dramatic roles in classics like Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and The Deer Hunter. Yet here, he fully embraces the film’s playful spirit, transforming into a fearsome pirate captain with a hidden, exuberant side.

Shakespeare maintains a tough exterior to command respect from his crew, but in private (and sometimes not-so-private) moments, he reveals a passion for cross-dressing in elegant gowns and, most memorably, dancing with joyful abandon.

The highlight of De Niro’s turn comes in scenes where Captain Shakespeare lets loose. One iconic sequence shows him twirling in a dress to the lively strains of a can-can, feathers flying as he kicks up his heels in pure, unselfconscious glee. The crew watches in stunned amusement, and even guests like Tristan and the fallen star Yvaine (Claire Danes) get swept up in the revelry. De Niro commits completely, blending the captain’s gruff pirate bravado with a twinkle-eyed delight in performance and self-expression. It’s a far cry from his brooding antiheroes, and that’s precisely what makes it so magical.

The contrast between his tough-guy reputation and this lighthearted, campy role creates genuine surprise and laughter, turning what could have been a one-note villainous pirate into a fan-favorite character.

The film’s magic lies in how these seemingly disparate elements come together. Cavill’s Humphrey represents the grounded, mundane world of Wall—practical, status-driven, and ultimately forgettable in the grand adventure. De Niro’s Shakespeare, by contrast, embodies the wild freedom of the skies, where rules bend, secrets flourish, and joy comes from embracing the unexpected. Their shared screen time is brief and indirect—the movie doesn’t feature a direct scene between the two—but the fact that they exist in the same fantastical universe feels like a delightful Easter egg for movie buffs.

It’s a reminder of how Hollywood’s biggest talents can pop up in supporting roles, adding layers of surprise to even the most enchanting stories.

Stardust itself is packed with such treasures. The ensemble includes Michelle Pfeiffer as the wicked witch Lamia, Mark Strong as a ruthless prince, Ricky Gervais in a hilariously sleazy turn, and narration by Ian McKellen that ties everything together with wry wisdom. Yet De Niro’s dancing pirate steals many hearts, proving that even the most serious actors can revel in whimsy. For Cavill fans revisiting the film today, it’s a fun “before he was Superman” moment, showcasing his early ability to command attention even in limited screen time.

Nearly two decades after its release, Stardust continues to charm audiences with its blend of heart, humor, and high-flying adventure. The “forgotten” crossover between a rising Cavill and the iconic De Niro adds an extra layer of movie magic—proof that in the world of fantasy, anything is possible, even an Oscar legend pirouetting through the clouds. If you haven’t revisited it lately, now’s the perfect time. You might just find yourself believing in stars all over again—and smiling at the sheer joy of seeing De Niro dance like no one’s watching.