"Austin Powers in Goldmember" follows the world's most flamboyant and groovy spy, Austin Powers, as he embarks on a mission to thwart the evil plans of Dr. Evil and his clone, Mini-Me, who have allied themselves with the enigmatic '70s villain Goldmember. Along the way, Austin receives unexpected assistance from his father and an old flame, while navigating a series of comedic escapades and high-stakes confrontations. The film features Mike Myers in multiple roles—including Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, Goldmember, and Fat Bastard—and introduces Beyoncé as the charismatic Foxxy Cleopatra.
The film dives deep into themes of nostalgia, parody, and the clash between past and present cultural eras, especially spotlighting the 1970s aesthetic and music. It cleverly satirizes spy films and pop culture through exaggerated characters and ludicrous scenarios, all while touching on the importance of family and love, as seen through Austin's interactions with his father and longtime love interest. The narrative seamlessly blends absurd humor with subtle commentary on identity and personal growth.
Upon its release, "Austin Powers in Goldmember" received a mixed critical reception but was largely embraced by audiences who appreciated its campy humor and vibrant style. Its impact on pop culture is undeniable, as it further solidified the Austin Powers franchise as a hallmark of parody cinema. The film's quotable lines, unique characters, and memorable soundtrack have continued to resonate, influencing comedy films and maintaining a dedicated fanbase even years after its debut.
Main Cast of Austin Powers in Goldmember
Mike Myers
Austin Powers / Dr. Evil / Goldmember / Fat Bastard
Mike Myers starred in the 2002 comedy film 'Austin Powers in Goldmember', where he played multiple characters including the titular Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, and Fat Bastard. His performance was widely praised for its comedic versatility and ability to embody vastly different personas within the same movie, showcasing his range as a comedic actor. What made Myers's performance unique was his dedication to character work, often applying heavy makeup and prosthetics to transform himself, which added a distinctive flair and depth to the comedy. A lesser-known fact about the film is that Myers improvised many of his iconic catchphrases on set, which later became ingrained in pop culture, such as "Yeah, baby!" This improvisation contributed to the spontaneous and fresh feel of the humor in the film.
Beyoncé
Foxxy Cleopatra
In 'Austin Powers in Goldmember' (2002), Beyoncé shines as Foxxy Cleopatra, a sassy and confident soul singer, bringing a charismatic blend of humor and sex appeal that complements the film's playful and retro vibe. This role marked one of her early notable appearances in film, contrasting her later, more dramatic and complex performances such as in '
Dreamgirls' and '
Cadillac Records'. A fun trivia fact is that Beyoncé not only acted but also performed the original song "Goldmember" for the movie's soundtrack, showcasing her dual talent as an actress and singer.
Seth Green
Scott Evil
In "Austin Powers in Goldmember," Seth Green delivers a delightfully eccentric performance as Scott Evil, the rebellious and sarcastic son of Dr. Evil. Green's portrayal adds a fresh dynamic to the film, blending sharp wit with an undercurrent of teenage angst, which stands out compared to his other roles where he often portrays quirky or comedic side characters like in "
Buffy the Vampire Slayer" or "
Family Guy." His chemistry with Mike Myers enriches the satirical humor of the movie. Trivia: Seth Green has expressed that playing Scott Evil allowed him to explore a more exaggerated comedic style, contrasting with his voice acting work in animated series.
Michael York
Basil Exposition
Michael York delivers a charismatic and witty performance as Basil Exposition in 'Austin Powers in Goldmember,' reprising his role as the quintessential superhero franchise executive who provides background information and exposition with a tongue-in-cheek flair. His portrayal in this film stands out for its seamless blend of earnestness and comedic timing, contrasting with his typically more serious roles in classics like '
Cabaret' and '
The Three Musketeers.' A fun trivia fact about his role in the Austin Powers series is that his character's name, Basil Exposition, is a playful nod to the narrative device of exposition in storytelling.
Robert Wagner
Number Two
In "Austin Powers in Goldmember," Robert Wagner portrayed Number Two, the comically sinister second-in-command to Dr. Evil. His performance was widely praised for its perfect blend of deadpan delivery and comedic timing, which added a unique flair to the film's satirical take on spy genres. Wagner's interpretation brought a polished and charming villainy that stood out amidst the movie's larger-than-life characters. A lesser-known fact about his involvement is that Wagner actually improvised several of his lines on set, which enriched the spontaneity of his character and contributed to some of the film's most memorable humorous moments.
Mindy Sterling
Frau Farbissina
Mindy Sterling's portrayal of Frau Farbissina in 'Austin Powers in Goldmember' is a hilarious continuation of her iconic role as the hilariously stern and sharp-tongued henchwoman. Her exaggerated German accent and impeccable comic timing bring a unique blend of menace and comedy that stands out even amidst the film's vibrant and quirky cast. Compared to her other roles, such as in the 'Hot in Cleveland' series where she plays a more grounded character, Frau Farbissina allows Sterling to fully embrace broad comedic elements and physical humor. A fun trivia fact is that the character's distinct shrill shout, "One hundred percent," became a memorable catchphrase that fans often associate with Sterling's performance in the Austin Powers franchise.
Verne Troyer
Mini-Me
Michael Caine
Nigel Powers
Fred Savage
Number Three
Gwyneth Paltrow
Dixie Normous
Diane Mizota
Fook Mi
Carrie Ann Inaba
Fook Yu
Nobu Matsuhisa
Mr. Roboto
Crew of Austin Powers in Goldmember
Full backstage crew list →