On April 12, 2025, five actors who helped shape 1980s teen cinema reunited onstage for the first time in four decades. Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, and Anthony Michael Hall—known for their roles in The Breakfast Club—appeared together at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), held at McCormick Place.
The panel, moderated by podcast host Josh Horowitz, opened with music from the film’s iconic soundtrack. Ringwald, who portrayed Claire, called the moment deeply emotional. Estevez, who had not taken part in previous reunion events, said returning to Chicago for the film’s 40th anniversary felt like the right time.
The Breakfast Club, filmed in Des Plaines, Illinois, premiered in 1985 and follows five high school students from different social circles who spend a Saturday in detention. The film’s impact has remained strong for generations, and in 2016, it was added to the National Film Registry for its cultural significance.
During the event, the actors reflected on their work with director John Hughes, who passed away in 2009. Hall recalled that Hughes offered him the role of Brian before the script was fully written. Ringwald shared that Hughes had considered making The Breakfast Club before Sixteen Candles, with early casting discussions including John and Joan Cusack.
The cast spoke warmly about the filming process and the creative freedom Hughes allowed. Sheedy described the experience as collaborative and rewarding. The group also offered lighthearted speculation about where their characters might be today: Bender as a school principal, Allison as a writer, and Claire navigating personal reinvention. They emphasized, however, that no sequel is planned.
Fans at C2E2 had the chance to meet the cast during photo ops and autograph sessions held on both Saturday and Sunday. Online, attendees and fans shared photos and memories using the hashtag #C2E2, helping the reunion gain attention beyond the event itself.
The panel ended with the group sharing a hug onstage—a nostalgic moment that highlighted the film’s ongoing relevance in conversations about adolescence, connection, and understanding.
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license and was created by Angela George.
