“Spirit Fingers Still Strong! ‘Bring It On’ Stars Kirsten Dunst, Gabrielle Union and Cast Reunite 25 Years Later to Celebrate Cult Cheerleading Classic”
Twenty-five years after the world was first introduced to the unforgettable cheerleading rivalry between the Toros and the Clovers, the cast of Bring It On is back together — and fans couldn’t be more excited. Kirsten Dunst, Gabrielle Union, Eliza Dushku, and Jesse Bradford led the lineup of stars who reunited to mark the silver anniversary of the 2000 cheerleading comedy that became a pop-culture phenomenon.
The reunion, organized as part of a special anniversary celebration, gave the stars a chance to reflect on the film’s enduring legacy. Photos and video clips from the gathering quickly went viral, with fans marveling at how the cast still radiates the same charisma and energy they did on-screen a quarter of a century ago.
For Dunst, who played Toros captain Torrance Shipman, the anniversary was a reminder of how the quirky comedy grew into a cultural touchstone. “When we made it, I never thought people would still be quoting lines 25 years later,” she said with a laugh. Union, who portrayed rival cheerleader Isis, added that she has been humbled by the film’s lasting impact. “It wasn’t just about cheerleading — it was about leadership, representation, and showing young girls they could be powerful.”
Bring It On premiered in 2000 and instantly resonated with audiences, grossing over $90 million worldwide against a modest budget. The film spawned five direct-to-video sequels, a Broadway musical, and countless references in TV shows and memes. Phrases like “Brr, it’s cold in here!” and “This is not a democracy, it’s a cheerocracy!” became part of the cultural lexicon.
At the reunion, cast members reminisced about filming intense cheer sequences, the grueling choreography, and the surprising athleticism required for the roles. Eliza Dushku, who played the rebellious new Toro recruit Missy, recalled how the stunts were no joke: “We had bruises everywhere, but it was so worth it.”
Union also noted how the film broke ground in representation by showcasing an all-Black cheerleading squad — the East Compton Clovers — as fierce, talented, and unapologetic leaders. “It meant a lot for young Black girls to see themselves front and center, and I still hear from fans about what that meant to them,” she said.
Fans online have been clamoring for a sequel with the original cast, and the anniversary reunion only added fuel to the fire. Dunst and Union didn’t rule out the possibility, both agreeing that “it would have to be the right story” to bring Torrance and Isis back together on the mat.
For now, the reunion served as a nostalgic celebration of a film that continues to inspire cheer squads, theater kids, and pop-culture lovers worldwide. As one fan put it on social media: “Twenty-five years later and the Clovers would still win Nationals.”
