The iconic original cast from the 1985 coming-of-age film The Breakfast Club reunited for the first time in 40 years. They came together again during an awesome panel at the C2E2 comic convention in Chicago on April 12. The star-studded event featured Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, and Anthony Michael Hall. Here’s how they described the experience of making the well-loved film for the first time. Estevez’s participation marked a significant moment, as it was his first reunion with the group since the film’s release.
John Hughes’s film The Breakfast Club defined much of the adolescence of the youth who grew up during the 1980s. The film was shot primarily at a suburban Chicago high school during the summer of 1984. Originally meant to be made before Sixteen Candles, the studio decided to focus on that project instead. After completing Sixteen Candles, Hughes turned his attention to writing the script for The Breakfast Club. Providing outdid himself by assembling an incredible ensemble cast, who all still had to audition despite their previous work together.
In a tender moment on stage at the reunion, Ringwald reflected on the meaning of the reunion.
“I feel very emotional and moved to have us all together.” – Molly Ringwald
Estevez echoed her sentiments, sharing his gratitude at finally being in a reunion with his co-stars.
“We don’t have to use the cardboard cutout anymore. I feel really moved that we’re all together.” – Emilio Estevez
As the actors reminisced about their own time on set, it was revealed that both Ringwald and Hall were going to classes while shooting. This independent but branded structure enabled them to maintain their education while pursuing their acting careers.
Looking back on her experience working with Hughes, Ringwald mentioned that she liked everything about it.
“Sixteen Candles, the first movie I made with the director John Hughes, in 1984, was filmed during the summer. He would just let the camera roll and we would improvise. It was a very free, creative experience.” – Molly Ringwald
During the entire talk, the cast was understandably very curious about what transpired with their characters beyond the film’s end. Nelson, half-jokingly proposed his character Bender would almost certainly become the high school principal.
“I think Bender is clearly the principal of the school.” – Judd Nelson
Image via Sheedy along with her character Allison to go on what you would consider more of an intellectual journey.
“I think Allison would’ve ended up being a writer, maybe a professor, something intellectual.” – Ally Sheedy
Ringwald suggested these interpretations when she shared her own perspective on Claire Standish, alluding to the way her character’s friendships change throughout the film.
“I think that Claire probably got married a few times. And maybe decided she liked women. You know, her kids are grown up, she’s like, ‘Okay I’ll try that.’ It didn’t work out so well with the guys.” – Molly Ringwald
The nostalgia for The Breakfast Club runs deep with the cast. …but all of them unequivocally said, let’s make no sequel unless John Hughes is back in charge. When referring to the film’s legacy, Hall told us that it was always on their minds.
“It was something that was conjured and thought about.” – Anthony Michael Hall
As they reflected on their journey through the years since filming, each actor shared their appreciation for their time together. For Ringwald, it was a career-defining moment.
“I was really loving the work that I was doing.” – Molly Ringwald
The reunion wasn’t just a tribute to the film’s longlasting success, an opportunity to reminisce on how it helped guide every actor’s career. Estevez spoke about his own experience and relationship to the role he plays in the film as well.
“I felt that I needed to do it for myself.” – Emilio Estevez