Soda Pop: The 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony

It was a star-studded event that wowed spectators from all over the world. The fireworks-filled 2012 Summer Olympics made history when British personalities graced its Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in London last July 27. Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle put up impressive performances that were watched by 40.7 million Americans, according to a Huffington Post report.

British actor Daniel Craig’s short film featuring Queen Elizabeth II was the cherry on top of the Olympics pie. Her Majesty was escorted by James Bond (Daniel) from the Buckingham Palace to a helicopter where they parachuted into the Olympic Stadium. Don’t worry – the pair used stunt doubles for the death defying stunt acts.
J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter’s author, made a special appearance by reading an excerpt from the famous children’s book Peter Pan. Well-known villains Captain Hook, Lord Voldemort, The Queen of Hearts, and Cruella de Vil took over the stage, some of which stood over 40 feet tall.

The guy whom everybody missed, Mr. Bean – played by Rowan Atkinson – had the audience laughing with his cameo appearance. The witty man was seated among the members of the London Symphony Orchestra where he played a single note on the piano while Chariots of Fire was being played. Mr. Bean became the talk of town in the Twitterverse that same day.

Although David Beckham isn’t playing for Team GB, he played a very important role at the Opening Ceremony. He took the Olympic Torch to the River Thames via a speedboat that he drove, with a man helping him steer it. The footballer was dressed at his best in a classic black suit.

Former Beatles member Paul McCartney concluded the show with his versions of The End and Hey Jude. It was reported that Sir Paul received £1 for his performance at the event. Other stars who made an appearance like Mike Oldfield, Dizzee Rascal, and Emeli Sande are also believed to have gotten the same fee.

Did you watch the Opening Ceremony? What can you say about the Queen’s acting debut? Did Mr. Bean amuse you again? Toss us your comments!

[Photos from Pacific Coast News]

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