Cast of rom-com classic Bring It On now from tragedy to sex assault

Edinburgh Live

20-05-2025

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In the early noughties, cheerleading-themed storylines were all the rage. Cue Bring It On - a teen comedy filled with high kicks, backflips, squad rivalries, stolen routines and cheer justice. The film was praised for its tackling of issues such as systemic inequality, cultural appropriation, and feminism - subjects not commonly addressed in teen films of the Y2K era.
But what became of its stars once the championships and on-set high school days ended? From Oscar nominations and Spider-Man stardom to real-life tragedy and life-changing allegations, here's a look at the Bring It On cast, 25 years on, reports the Mirror US.
Here's what happened to the cast of Bring It On since the film's release:
Kirsten Dunst as Torrance Shipman
By the time she led the Rancho Carne Toros to nationals, Kirsten Dunst was already a darling of Hollywood. A former child star with a Golden Globe nomination to her name, she brought charm and emotional depth to captain Torrance, who tries to guide her team towards a scandal-free victory after discovering their routines were stolen.
Kirsten then leapt from teen comedy royalty to blockbuster fame with her role as Mary Jane Watson in the Spider-Man trilogy opposite Tobey Maguire. Between 2004 and 2006, she starred in Wimbledon, Elizabethtown and Marie Antoinette, before delivering a Cannes-winning performance in Melancholia (2011).
Her career then took another turn towards television, with lauded roles in Fargo and On Becoming a God in Central Florida. In 2021, she shared the screen once again with her husband Jesse Plemons in The Power of the Dog, which earned her an Oscar nomination.
She returned to the limelight in 2024 with a starring role in Alex Garland's dystopian thriller Civil War, where her powerful performance was praised by critics. Away from the camera, Kirsten's personal life has had its share of highs and lows.
She was romantically involved with Jake Gyllenhaal in the early 2000s, and was briefly engaged to Garrett Hedlund before finding happiness with Plemons, with whom she has two sons. The couple tied the knot in Jamaica in 2022.
Eliza Dushku as Missy Pantone
Before portraying the cool and unconventional outsider Missy Pantone - the gymnast transfer who reluctantly joins the Toros - Dushku was already recognised for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and films alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert De Niro.
After her cheerleading days, she led the cast of Tru Calling and teamed up again with Buffy creator Joss Whedon for Dollhouse. She later lent her voice to She-Hulk in Marvel's Agents of S. M.A.S. H. and directed the 2015 documentary Dear Albania, delving into her cultural roots with her brother Nate.
However, her stint on the CBS drama Bull came to an abrupt end when she accused co-star Michael Weatherly of sexual harassment - a case that resulted in a significant settlement and sparked a public reckoning in the television industry. Since then, Eliza has stepped back from acting, focusing on academia and mental health.
Furthermore, after returning to Boston and studying sociology and holistic psychology, she graduated in 2020. By 2024, she had become a certified therapist, specialising in psychedelic-assisted therapy for trauma.
She continues to be politically active, having campaigned for Bernie Sanders in 2016.
Gabrielle Union as Isis
As the captain of East Compton Clovers, Isis, Gabrielle Union captured hearts even as the Toros' adversary. Since her breakout role, Gabrielle has enjoyed a successful film and TV career, with roles in Bad Boys II, Cradle 2 the Grave, Think Like a Man, the BET hit Being Mary Jane, and crime drama L.A.'s Finest.
She also became a successful author, writing two memoirs and two children's books, while her activism around women's health, LGBTQIA+ rights, and racial justice earned her and husband Dwyane Wade the NAACP Image Award President's Award. She was named one of Time's 100 most influential people in 2020.
Gabrielle married Dwyane in 2014 and became stepmother to his three children. In 2018, they welcomed daughter Kaavia James via surrogate.
Jesse Bradford as Cliff Pantone
Missy's brother Cliff, an alternative-music enthusiast, emerged as the unexpected romantic lead of Bring It On - a grunge darling with a mixtape, a sense of humour, and a subtle cheerleading obsession. Jesse Bradford followed the film with consecutive leading roles in Clockstoppers and Swimfan (both 2002), then secured a significant role in Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers in 2006.
Over the following decade, he featured in series such as Guys With Kids, Shooter, and Sequestered, and made a comeback to the cinema in films like The Year of Spectacular Men (2017) and Merry Kiss Cam (2022). Jesse, a film graduate from Columbia University, is now happily married to Andrea Leal.
Their daughter Maggie was born in 2021, just a day after his birthday.
Natina Reed as Jenelope
The fiery Jenelope from East Compton Clovers was portrayed by Natina Reed - a versatile performer who was best known at the time as one-third of the R&B trio Blaque. Their 1999 hit 'Bring It All to Me' reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the group's appearance in Bring It On marked a significant pop culture moment.
Her later years were overshadowed by legal issues, including arrests for DUI and driving without a licence. A 2010 arrest report – which included charges of prostitution and drug possession - was publicly contested by her management, who claimed the mugshots were doctored by someone who had hacked her social media.
Natina was once engaged to rapper Kurupt and is the mother of his son. After Blaque disbanded in the early 2000s, Natina stepped away from the limelight, with plans for a group reunion in 2012.
However, tragedy struck on October 26 that year, just days before her 32nd birthday, when she was tragically hit by a car while crossing the street near Lilburn, Georgia.
Lindsay Sloane as Big
Red
She only featured in a handful of scenes, but Big Red was the red-haired, domineering former captain who had been copying the Clovers' routines for years. Post Bring It On, Lindsay Sloane became a recognised face in comedies, often portraying the anxious best mate or the figure providing comic relief.
She starred as Valerie in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, playing Sabrina's kind but slightly oblivious best friend, and later appeared in The Odd Couple, Weeds, Horrible Bosses and She's Out of My League. Away from the screen, she leads a quiet family life.
In 2004, she married agent Dar Rollins and they have two daughters. Lindsay maintains a low profile, occasionally showing up in independent comedies or sitcom guest appearances.
Nicole Bilderback as Whitney
As one half of the mean girl cheerleading duo alongside Courtney, Whitney was portrayed by Nicole Bilderback, who was already a regular in teen films with roles in Clueless, Can't Hardly Wait and Dawson's Creek. Nicole went on to feature in Dark Angel, Boston Legal, and Heroes, and has had a steady career in TV for over two decades.
Moreover, she starred in the 2022 thriller The Ninth Order, playing a detective investigating a series of mysterious deaths. Offscreen, she's discussed the challenges of being an Asian-American actress in Hollywood, advocating for better representation and more complex roles.
Clare Kramer as Courtney
Paired with Nicole Bilderback as Courtney, the other half of the high-maintenance cheer duo, Clare Kramer is perhaps best known for her role as Glory in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where she portrayed a hell-god with a fondness for high fashion and violence. Since then, she's continued to work in film and television.
In addition to her acting career, Clare has also found success as a podcast host and convention organiser. She co-founded GeekNation, a hub for pop culture content, and has hosted red carpet events and fan Q&As for major franchises.
She's married to producer Brian Keathley, and they have four children together.
Nathan West as Jan
Nathan West took on the role of Jan in Bring It On, playing the spirited male cheerleader who was goofy, likable, and full of energy. After Bring It On, Nathan appeared in a few films including Miracle (2004), but his offscreen life may be more well-known than his onscreen roles.
He tied the knot with actress Chyler Leigh (known for her role as Lexie Grey in Grey's Anatomy) in 2002, after they met while filming Not Another Teen Movie. The couple have three children and formed the band WestLeigh.
They've been making music together, as well as publicly advocating for mental health and sobriety. In recent years, Nathan has mostly stayed behind the scenes, focusing on family and songwriting.
Bianca Kajlich played Carver
Bianca portrayed Carver, a character who became instrumental to the film when her dramatic mid-air injury in the opening act kick-started the plot and paved the way for Missy to join the team. Post Bring It On, Bianca carved out a successful TV career, featuring in Rules of Engagement, Undateable, and Bosch: Legacy.
She also made appearances in Halloween: Resurrection and Vanished. In 2024, she secured a recurring role on The Lincoln Lawyer, marking her return to prime-time drama.
She was previously wedded to football star Landon Donovan and later tied the knot with radio personality Michael Catherwood, with whom she has a daughter.
Huntley Ritter as Les
Huntley played the sensitive, potentially gay cheerleader whose self-assurance and charisma set him apart in the Toros line-up. Huntley briefly continued his acting career in the early 2000s (The Wedding Planner, We Are Marshall) but soon pivoted to business.
He established a branding and digital content company centred around sports, faith and outdoor lifestyles. Moreover, in 2021, he launched a wellness brand inspired by his passion for hunting and environmental conservation.
By 2024, he was operating as a motivational speaker and brand strategist. He's been happily married since 2007 and is a father to three children.