The Bad News Bears (2005) Cast: Where Are They Now?

Hey everyone! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the lovable, ragtag bunch of kids from the 2005 remake of The Bad News Bears. This movie, starring the hilarious Billy Bob Thornton as the drunken baseball coach Morris Buttermaker, brought a fresh, albeit grittier, take on the classic story of a Little League team trying to find their way. We all remember the struggles, the laughs, and the surprisingly heartfelt moments these kids brought to the screen. But what have these young actors been up to since they stepped off the baseball diamond? Stick around, guys, because we're diving deep into the post-Bad News Bears careers of the 2005 cast!

The Coach: Billy Bob Thornton

First up, the man, the myth, the legend himself, Billy Bob Thornton, who played the perpetually soused but ultimately redeemed coach Morris Buttermaker. Billy Bob was already a seasoned actor before the 2005 Bad News Bears, with an Oscar under his belt for Sling Blade and memorable roles in Armageddon and Monster's Ball. His portrayal of Buttermaker was classic Thornton – gruff, cynical, and with a surprising amount of heart hidden beneath the surface. After The Bad News Bears, Thornton continued to be a powerhouse in Hollywood. He's arguably most known for his role as Lorne Malvo in the critically acclaimed FX series Fargo, a performance that earned him an Emmy nomination. He also starred in the films The Astronaut Farmer, Eagle Eye, and Faster. More recently, he's been captivating audiences as the lead in the Amazon Prime Video series Goliath, where he plays a down-and-out lawyer seeking redemption. His career remains incredibly dynamic, proving that even after a beloved role like Buttermaker, there are plenty of compelling characters left for him to inhabit. He's a true testament to versatility and enduring talent, always picking roles that challenge him and showcase his unique brand of charisma. We've seen him do drama, comedy, and everything in between, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most respected actors.

The Ace Pitcher: Michael Zequi (as Joey) and Chris Egan (as Tanner)

Ah, Joey, the pint-sized powerhouse with a secret weapon – his dad! In the 2005 film, the role of Joey was played by Michael Zequi. While Joey was a pivotal character, Michael Zequi hasn't had a prolific acting career in the spotlight since The Bad News Bears. It seems his foray into acting was brief, and he’s largely stayed out of the public eye. It's not uncommon for child actors, especially in one-off memorable roles, to transition to different paths. Sometimes the magic of Hollywood isn't for everyone, and that's perfectly okay! On the other hand, the talented and tenacious Tanner, who had a bit of a rebellious streak and a surprisingly good arm, was brought to life by Chris Egan. Egan also didn't pursue a full-time acting career after The Bad News Bears. Like Zequi, his acting credits are limited, suggesting that perhaps the demanding nature of the industry or a desire for a different life path led him away from the cameras. It's interesting to see how some child actors blossom into stars, while others appear in a standout role and then fade back into regular life. Both Zequi and Egan left their mark on the film, contributing to the team's underdog charm, and we wish them all the best in their endeavors, whatever they may be.

The Star Slugger: Jordan Nagai (as Jimmy) and Ridge Canipe (as Miguel)

Let's talk about Jimmy, the kid with the glasses and the surprisingly powerful swing! Jordan Nagai portrayed Jimmy in the 2005 remake. Nagai is perhaps best known for his voice work as the original voice of Russell in Pixar's Up (2009), a role that earned him immense recognition and affection. While The Bad News Bears was a live-action role, his transition into voice acting proved incredibly successful. After Up, Nagai has continued to lend his voice to various projects, though he tends to keep a lower profile. His performance as Russell is iconic, a testament to his ability to bring an earnest and memorable character to life. Following The Bad News Bears, Ridge Canipe took on the role of Miguel, the enthusiastic if not always coordinated catcher. Canipe had a few more acting gigs after the film, appearing in episodes of ER and CSI: Miami, as well as the movie Hairspray (2007). However, similar to many of his young co-stars, his acting career seems to have quieted down in recent years. It’s a common narrative for young actors; the industry is tough, and many decide to pursue other passions or a more conventional life. Still, Canipe’s portrayal of Miguel added a layer of relatable awkwardness and pure joy to the Bears, making him a fan favorite. It's always cool to see actors who nail a role early on and then, whether they stay in the spotlight or not, have that lasting impact.

The Talented Players: Sammi Kraft (as Amanda), Brandon Craggs (as Kelly), Jeffrey Davies (as Toby), Reyes Hollist (as Tim), and Thomas McDonough (as Josh)

This movie had such a great ensemble of kids, and several of them went on to have more notable careers or experiences after the film. Sammi Kraft, who played the super-talented Amanda Whurlitzer, the reluctant pitcher who was initially coached by her dad (played by Greg Kinnear), didn't have a lengthy acting career post-Bears. Her role was central and demanding, showcasing her natural talent. After the film, Kraft largely stepped away from acting, opting for a different path. Brandon Craggs, who played the earnest Kelly Leak, the son of the grumpy insurance salesman antagonist, also saw his acting career remain relatively brief. He had a few smaller roles afterward, but The Bad News Bears appears to be his most significant credit. Jeffrey Davies, who brought Toby to life with his quiet determination, and Reyes Hollist, who played the energetic Tim, are two more young actors whose careers didn't skyrocket in Hollywood. Similar to many of their co-stars, their roles in The Bad News Bears were memorable, but they seem to have pursued lives away from the silver screen. Finally, Thomas McDonough played Josh, another integral part of the Bears' lineup. His acting credits are also quite limited after this film, suggesting that the child acting path was a chapter that closed for many of these talented youngsters. It's fascinating how a film can bring together so many young performers, give them a shared experience, and then see them disperse into various directions. Each of them contributed something special to the magic of the 2005 Bad News Bears, and it's great to remember their performances!

The Supporting Cast: Greg Kinnear and Marcia Gay Harden

While the kids and Billy Bob Thornton were the heart of the movie, we can't forget the fantastic supporting cast who rounded out the film. Greg Kinnear, who played Amanda's dad, the initially reluctant coach who eventually finds his stride, was already an established actor with an Oscar nomination for As Good as It Gets. After The Bad News Bears, Kinnear continued his prolific career, appearing in films like Little Miss Sunshine, Invincible, and Fast Food Nation. He's also starred in TV shows such as Rake and Thetwentyninth, and more recently, 9 Perfect Strangers. Kinnear consistently delivers charming and nuanced performances, making him a reliable presence in any cast. And let's not forget the formidable Marcia Gay Harden, who played the competitive and determined league commissioner, Lynn. Harden, an Oscar winner herself for Pollock, has maintained a powerhouse career, earning further Oscar nominations for Mystic River and The Mist. She's known for her intense and captivating roles in films like Into the Wild, The Dark Tower, and the critically acclaimed series The Morning Show, where she plays a network executive. Harden's ability to embody strong, complex female characters is a true gift to cinema. Both Kinnear and Harden added immense depth and star power to the 2005 Bad News Bears, elevating the film beyond a simple kids' comedy.

A Look Back

It's always a blast looking back at the casts of our favorite movies, isn't it? The 2005 version of The Bad News Bears gave us a memorable group of characters, both young and old, who brought humor, heart, and a whole lot of baseball chaos to our screens. While some of the young actors moved on to other paths, and the established stars continued to shine, the collective memory of that underdog team remains. Whether you remember the raw talent, the hilarious mishaps, or the surprisingly touching moments, the cast of The Bad News Bears (2005) certainly left their mark. What are your favorite memories from the movie? Let us know in the comments below, guys!