We are smack dab in the middle of summer cookout season, which means we’re deeply invested in barbecue planning. Once we get past the inevitable fights about who will make what, we have to decide who’s invited. Obviously, close family, the neighbors who return things on time and friends who know how to act in your house all make the list. But what if you could add a few of your favorite celebrities to the guest list? We’ve answered that question for you with our roundup of the unexpected celebs we’d invite to the summer cookout.
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Dolly Parton
Of course, we’re inviting Dolly to the cookout. Who wouldn’t want to hang out and maybe sing with this national treasure?
Michelle Yeoh
Oscar-winning action movie legend Michelle Yeoh is so amazing we want to invite her so we have a chance to thank her for the endless hours of entertainment. Also, she seems like she’d be fun at a party.
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman is a jack of all trades. He can sing with your theater obsessed cousins, have a fun Wolverine fight with your younger siblings and charm the hell out of your aunts. Plus, if you have him on a team opposite Ryan Reynolds, things will get hilariously out of control.
Tom Hanks
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.
Daniel Radcliffe
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.
Brie Larson
The Oscar winning actress is not afraid to stand up to trolls and she enjoys a fun game night.
Melissa McCarthy
That uncle who thinks he’s hilarious will finally learn how unfunny he actually is when Melissa McCarthy hilariously destroys him with one liners.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
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.”
Chris Hemsworth
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.
Martin Freeman
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.
Elizabeth Warren
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.
Ken Jennings
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.
Travis and Jason Kelce
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.
Adele
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
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
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.
Ernie Johnson
After spending so much time with Shaq, Charles and Kenny, Ernie probably needs a night off with some good food and less drama.
Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi
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.
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