Recasting The Breakfast Club Today
Cole Sprouse as John Bender
Sprouse would have no problem slipping into the shoes of John Bender, also known as the criminal. The character is rebellious and not afraid to talk back. Not to mention he’s a big part of why the kids end up bonding. If you think about it, Cole Sprouse already has much of the background he needs for this role. Sure, Bender doesn’t go around solving mysteries and writing novels like Sprouse’s character Jughead does on “Riverdale”. But they both come from rough circumstances, and know what it means to struggle. The actor has come a long way since his “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” days, so this role would be perfect for him.
Pete Davidson as Carl Reed
The janitor, Carl Reed, strikes an interesting balance between the kids and Richard Vernon. He doesn’t let the teens mock him, yet at the same time he also sees right through Vernon. And he manages that all while maintaining a cool, and level-headed attitude. Pete Davidson has repeatedly proven that he has the skills required to take on this role, thanks to his work on “Saturday Night Live” and “The King of Staten Island”, for instance. He has the energy and self-awareness the part requires, and there’s no doubt he would make it fun. We can’t think of anyone more suited to be the eyes and ears of Shermer high school than Pete Davidson.
KJ Apa as Andrew Clark
Top 10 Things You Didn't Notice In The Breakfast Club
Who better than KJ Apa to bring varsity letterman athlete Andrew Clark to life? The actor has plenty of experience playing a layered jock considering he brings Archie Andrews to life on “Riverdale”. Additionally, in “The Last Summer”, Apa was Griffin, a privileged kid who wanted a different future than the one his dad had planned for him. While it’s not exactly the same thing, Andrew also struggles with getting his father’s approval, and feels like he has no room to decide who he wants to be. Like the other members of the breakfast club, we learn that life isn’t as easy for Clark as it initially seems. Luckily, KJ Apa definitely has the range for the role.
Yara Shahidi as Claire Standish
Princess Claire Standish was originally brought to life by the queen of 80s movies Molly Ringwald herself. The character gets detention after skipping class to shop, and is - at first glance - a typical popular and conceited teenager. Naturally, there’s more to her than meets the eye, which becomes clear as she opens up about her home life and the peer pressure she’s under at school. Actress Yara Shahidi is the perfect person for this part. Just look at her thoughtful portrayal of Zoey Johnson on “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish” to see why. After all, Zoey and Claire are similar in more ways than one! There’s no doubt that Shahidi would deliver a well-rounded and multifaceted performance as the movie’s princess.
Eugene Levy as Richard Vernon
The cranky vice-principal and man in charge of detention Richard Vernon is strict, power hungry, and resentful of the teenagers under his supervision. He constantly talks down to John and the rest of the gang, and is essentially the opposite of what an educator should be. Paul Gleason did a wonderful job embodying the character in the 1985 movie, and we think Eugene Levy could do the same today. The acting legend has proven himself time and time again through wide-ranging roles in a plethora of projects, from “Splash”, to “American Pie”, to “Schitt’s Creek”. Levy has made it clear that there is no part he can’t play, so we know he would be the ideal Richard Vernon.
Zendaya as Allison Reynolds
Of all the kids in “The Breakfast Club”, Allison Reynolds is the most intriguing. She marches to the beat of her own drum, and doesn’t let societal expectations rule her life. Lovingly referred to as the basket case, she’s a quirky and talented artist who comes off as somewhat eccentric. She doesn’t say much, but her powerful silence makes her dialogue more impactful. Zendaya would do a flawless job, because she has the versatility and talent to really understand Allison. And though the end of the film sees the character undergo a “makeover” of sorts, we know Zendaya would ensure that she doesn’t lose her spunk. But if she’s unavailable, her “Euphoria” co-star Hunter Schafer would also be a great fit for the role!
Dylan Minnette as Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson is the brain of the movie. He starts off reserved, and is largely a rule follower. But while he seems like a model child, we slowly learn that it’s never that simple. He opens up about the pressure he feels to excel academically, and the harmful consequences of this on his mental health. So who would be the right choice to bring the character to life nowadays? Well, Dylan Minnette stands out amongst today’s actors as someone who would do an exemplary job. The actor, best known as Clay Jensen on “13 Reasons Why”, knows how to bring complex emotions to the fore. So we think that he could seamlessly mix Brian’s shy and intellectual energy with his heavier internal struggles.
