What better way to promote your movie than to connect with the people who want to watch it?
Josh Gad delighted scores of fans Thursday night when he made surprise visits to screenings of Disney's Beauty and the Beast live-action remake at several New York City theaters. The actor, who voiced Olaf the snowman in Frozen, plays Le Fou in the new movie.
At a theater on 34th Street, Gad snacked on a couple's bag of butter popcorn and gave another moviegoer a birthday hug, as seen in a video posted on his Instagram page.
"That time @joshgad surprised us before we watched #beautyandthebeast," a fan wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of her at a theater with the actor talking in the background. "He makes the perfect LeFou. Didn't think I could be more excited to watch the movie but he kicked it up another notch. Awesome guy."
Here are other celebs who have also made surprise appearances at screenings of their movies:
Brad Pitt: In 2014, he joined the cast of Fury to surprise fans at a screening of the movie in New York City. The previous year, he made several impromptu appearances at screenings of his zombie film World War Z, including in London, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Jersey, Atlanta and Philadelphia.
"I just crushed a cheesesteak next door," he told excited fans at the latter city. "It really is the perfect sandwich."
Channing Tatum: In 2015, the actor went undercover as an elderly man to prank fans at a screening of Magic Mike XXL. He even gave a woman a lap dance!
Lily James and Richard Madden: In 2015, the stars of Disney's live-action Cinderella remake surprised fans, including a group of little girls dressed as Cinderella, at a private screening of the film in Disneyland. Talk about a magical evening!
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively: In 2016, fans attending a sneak peek look at Deadpool were delighted to discover that not only would they get to watch the whole film, but that the actor and his wife had shown up in person!
"@vancityreynolds who's that babe in the back?!," Lively wrote on Instagram. "It was my first time seeing @deadpoolmovie tonight-- yes, at the surprise screening for the fans, I mean who do I have to sleep with to get into this movie?! Have to say... Best. Movie. Ever. No joke. makin mama proud." LOL!"
Chris Pratt: In 2014, the actor surprised about 250 children and their families from NYC-based charities at an early screening of Guardians of the Galaxy in New York City.
"Take it from a kid who grew up having no money, struggling hard to get by," Pratt told the kids, according to Parade. "Just know that if you stick to your path and you believe in yourself and be courageous enough to be yourself, you can grow up and you can be your own Star-Lord."
Ian McKellen: Also in 2013, the actor surprised fans at a screening of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in New York City. The actor plays Gandalf the wizard in the trilogy, a role he had also played in the Lord of the Rings films.
"I've seen this movie," he said, drawing laughs. "You're going to have a wonderful time. The dragon goes on a bit long, but my golly, looks fierce."
Katy Perry: In 2012, the singer surprised her fans at a secret screening of her documentary Part of Me in London by showing up behind the counter at the concession stands.
Justin Bieber: In 2013, the singer surprised 150 kids and handed out Christmas gifts during a Boys and Girls Club screening of his documentary Believe in Los Angeles. He also performed two songs for the children.
"I remember growing up with not a lot," Bieber reportedly told the crowd. "Grew up with, you know, no toys and I wanna make sure each and every one of you have a great Christmas."
Tom Hiddleston: Also in 2013, the actor made a surprise appearance at a special Halloween screening of Thor: The Dark World in New York City. The British star plays the villain Loki in Marvel's films.
Hiddleston delighted the kids in attendance.
"It was amazing," he told the New York Daily News. "To see that enthusiasm, to see them clap and cheer, wearing Loki T-shirts and swinging hammers, that was really gratifying."
Robert Downey Jr.: In 2014, the actor made a surprise appearance at a screening of his movie The Judge at Wright Patterson Air Air Force base in Ohio, in front of more than 900 military personnel.
"For me, it's just a way of reminding myself that there are people out there who put their lives on the line so I can go out and make movies," he said, according to the Dayton Daily News. "Their sacrifice allows us to have that freedom."