The stars of the 1985 film The Breakfast Club reunited for the first time at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo on Sunday, April 12, 2025, marking a significant milestone 40 years after the film's release. This nostalgic gathering included Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, and Anthony Michael Hall, who collectively represent the iconic characters of the prom queen, the jock, the weirdo, the rebel, and the nerd.
During the panel discussion, the actors shared heartfelt memories of filming and reflected on their experiences with the late writer-director John Hughes, who passed away in 2009. "I feel really very emotional and moved to have us all together," said Ringwald, who played the role of Claire Standish. She also noted that this was the first time Estevez had joined them for a reunion, humorously adding, "We don’t have to use the cardboard cut-out anymore." Estevez, who portrayed Andrew Clark, expressed his feelings about the reunion, stating, "I skipped all of my high school reunions, so this just was something that finally I felt I needed to do just for myself. It just felt like it was time."
Estevez had announced his participation on Instagram weeks prior, stating, "First time for everything. A reunion 40 years in the making. See you soon, Chicago." The significance of the event was palpable, especially since it took place in the city where the film was shot. Sheedy described making The Breakfast Club as a "joyful experience" and a "dream," highlighting the bond the cast still shares.
Hall reminisced about Hughes, stating, "No one’s come close [to him]." Estevez added a humorous anecdote about his first read-through of the script, revealing that he had his wisdom teeth removed the day before. "I don’t think I made it through the opening credits, and I passed out," he recalled, laughing as he remembered waking up to Nelson joking, "I think you’re getting fired."
The reunion not only celebrated the film's legacy but also sparked discussions about its cultural impact. The Breakfast Club remains a quintessential teen movie, encapsulating the struggles and emotions of adolescence in a way that resonates with audiences even today. Estevez remarked on the film's character-driven narrative, contrasting it with contemporary cinema's trend toward concept-driven plots. "Movies today are concept-driven, they’re not character-driven," he noted, emphasizing Hughes' unique storytelling approach.
While the cast expressed joy at reuniting, they were united in their reluctance to consider a sequel. Ringwald articulated her perspective, stating, "I personally don’t believe in remaking that movie because I think this movie is very much of its time. It resonates with people today, but I believe in making movies that are inspired by other movies, but build on it and represent what’s going on today." She pointed out the film's limitations, saying, "You know it’s very white, this movie. You don’t see a lot of different ethnicities; we don’t talk about gender, none of that, and I feel like that really doesn’t represent our world today."
Estevez echoed these sentiments, suggesting that studios today might not find the film's premise appealing. "When you think about trying to pitch this movie today — it’s about five kids sitting in a library all day in detention — the studio executives would march you right out the door and say where are the monsters? Where’s the car chases? Where are the big effects?"
Reflecting on their personal journeys since the film's release, the cast caught up on their lives and careers. Ringwald has continued to act, appearing in popular series like Riverdale and films such as The Kissing Booth 2. Estevez, known for his role as Coach Gordon Bombay in The Mighty Ducks, also discussed his recent projects, including directing the upcoming Young Guns 3. Nelson has remained active in the industry, with roles in various television series and films, while Hall has appeared in shows like Reacher and The Goldbergs.
Sheedy has also kept busy, starring in Single Drunk Female and teaching theater at City College of New York. The cast's reunion brought back fond memories and underscored the lasting impact of their film on popular culture. The enduring legacy of The Breakfast Club speaks to its ability to connect with new generations of viewers, who continue to find relevance in its themes of identity and acceptance.
As the panel concluded, the actors expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect. "We all really do love each other," Sheedy said, capturing the camaraderie that remains strong among the cast. The reunion not only celebrated the film's past but also highlighted the importance of friendship and shared experiences, proving that sometimes, coming together after many years can be just as meaningful as the original moments shared on set.
For fans of the film, the reunion was a heartfelt reminder of the timelessness of The Breakfast Club and the unforgettable journey of its beloved characters. As they continue to navigate their own lives, the cast's reflections serve as a testament to the film's lasting influence and the connections it forged among its stars.
