The Great D&D Mystery: What Happened To Keegan-Michael Key's Role In Honor Among Thieves?

The comedy duo Key & Peele has a surprisingly deep and multifaceted connection to the world of *Dungeons & Dragons* (D&D), a relationship that spans from satirical sketch comedy gold to a highly-publicized, yet ultimately mysterious, film role. As of December 2025, the latest and most enduring link remains the duo’s iconic sketch that perfectly skewered the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) culture, but the story of Keegan-Michael Key’s rumored involvement in the 2023 blockbuster film, *Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves*, continues to be a fascinating pop culture puzzle.

The duo of Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele successfully bridged the gap between niche geek culture and mainstream comedy, immortalizing their take on the fantasy game. Their work demonstrates a genuine understanding of the D&D universe, appealing equally to lifelong players and casual fans, a blend of authority and humor that few others have achieved.

Keegan-Michael Key & Jordan Peele: A D&D Pop Culture Profile

The connection between the two comedy titans and the *Forgotten Realms* is mainly defined by their separate career paths post-*Key & Peele*, but the shared sketch is the foundation of their topical authority on the subject.

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Keegan-Michael Key's D&D Film Connection

• Full Name: Keegan-Michael Key
• D&D Film: *Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves* (2023)
• Rumored Role: A villain character, often reported early on in the film's production.
• Final Status: Despite persistent early rumors and reports, Keegan-Michael Key did not appear in the final theatrical release of *Honor Among Thieves*. This led to significant confusion among fans and media, with his potential role being overshadowed by the confirmed main cast.
• Related Work: Voice actor for Toad in *The Super Mario Bros. Movie* (2023), which contributed to the confusion in search results due to both films being fantasy blockbusters released in the same year.

Jordan Peele's D&D Creative Connection

• Full Name: Jordan Haworth Peele
• D&D Film: None (Focus is on directing/writing horror films)
• Creative Link: Co-star of the iconic *Key & Peele* D&D sketch, "Dungeons and Dragons and Bitches."
• Post-D&D Career: Acclaimed director of horror and social thrillers including *Get Out*, *Us*, and *Nope*, establishing him as a major cinematic auteur.

The Mystery of the Missing Villain: Key in *Honor Among Thieves*

The single most confusing and frequently searched-for topic regarding Keegan-Michael Key and D&D is his role in the 2023 film, *Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves*. The film was a critical success, praised for its humor and faithfulness to the TTRPG spirit.

The Confusion of the Cast List

Early production news frequently mentioned Key being cast as a villain. However, as the final cast list was solidified, his name was notably absent from the roster of main players. The primary antagonist role, Forge Fitzwilliam, the Rogue, was ultimately played by Hugh Grant.

The reason for the persistent confusion is twofold. First, Key is a high-profile actor, and even a rumor of his involvement is enough to stick in the public consciousness. Second, his co-star, Chris Pine, played the protagonist, Edgin Darvis, the Bard, and the film featured a star-studded ensemble, including Michelle Rodriguez (Holga Kilgore, the Barbarian), Regé-Jean Page (Xenk Yendar, the Paladin), Justice Smith (Simon Aumar, the Sorcerer), and Sophia Lillis (Doric, the Druid).

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The most likely explanation is that Key’s rumored role was either a minor cameo that was cut from the final edit or a misreport that confused his casting with another project, such as his voice role as Toad in *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*, which released the same year. This lack of a confirmed character name—unlike the rest of the main cast—is the strongest evidence that his appearance never materialized.

"Dungeons and Dragons and Bitches": The Iconic Sketch

Long before the 2023 movie, Key and Peele cemented their place in D&D history with their sketch "Dungeons and Dragons and Bitches," also widely known by its YouTube title, "When Hip-Hop and D&D Collide." This sketch is a masterclass in situational comedy, built on the premise of clashing cultures.

The Core Conflict and Comedy

The sketch features Jordan Peele as a hip-hop fan trying to join a D&D game with his nerdy cousin, played by Keegan-Michael Key. The comedy is derived from the collision of their two worlds. Key's character is a traditional Dungeon Master, trying to maintain the integrity of the game's high-fantasy setting.

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Peele’s character, however, attempts to inject his own street-smart logic and vernacular into the game, leading to hilarious misinterpretations of D&D terminology. Instead of a classic quest, the adventure becomes one centered around "hunnies," "SUVs," and "hip-hop," with the "bitches" in the title referring to the female characters they are trying to attract in the game.

Topical Authority Through Satire

What makes the sketch so beloved by the D&D community is its accuracy. It satirizes the intense, sometimes overly serious nature of the TTRPG hobby, while also affectionately poking fun at the idea of a player who refuses to follow the rules of the game. The sketch showcases the duo's ability to find the humor in any subculture, turning a niche pastime into a universally funny piece of content for Comedy Central.

The popularity of this sketch, which has millions of views, is a testament to the duo’s comedic genius and serves as the most concrete and celebrated connection between the *Key & Peele* brand and the world of *Dungeons & Dragons*.

Key & Peele’s Lasting Impact on Geek Culture

While Keegan-Michael Key’s rumored villain role in *Honor Among Thieves* remains an unresolved Hollywood mystery, the duo’s overall impact on geek culture is undeniable. Their work, particularly the D&D sketch, has contributed to the mainstream normalization of TTRPGs. The sketch is frequently cited and shared in online D&D communities, serving as a cultural touchstone.

Furthermore, a former *Key & Peele* writer, Charlie Sanders, also contributed to the official D&D adventure module, *Waterdeep: Dragon Heist*, further linking the comedy show's creative DNA to the official TTRPG lore. This blend of creative talent, from satirical comedy to official module writing, highlights the true topical authority the duo and their associated writers hold in the fantasy genre. The enduring legacy is not just the laughter, but the way they helped bring the fun and absurdity of *Dungeons & Dragons* to a massive, global audience.