Molly Ringwald Reveals This Brother-Sister Duo Was Almost Cast in “The Breakfast Club” Over Ally Sheedy and Judd Nelson

John Cusack and Joan Cusack Nearly Starred in ‘The Breakfast Club’

In a recent 40th-anniversary reunion panel at C2E2 2025 in Chicago, the original cast of ‘The Breakfast Club’ revealed interesting details about the casting process. While Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall were selected by writer-director John Hughes for their roles, the rest of the ensemble had to audition for their parts.

During the reunion, including Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, and Judd Nelson, the cast shared insights on how they secured their roles as a group of diverse high school students serving Saturday detention.

Anthony Michael Hall, who played Brian in the film, recalled how John Hughes personally approached him to be a part of the movie, having previously worked together on ‘Sixteen Candles’. Similarly, Molly Ringwald, who portrayed Claire in the film, initially considered playing Allison but ultimately opted for the role of Claire as it felt less like her.

Surprisingly, during the casting process, a well-known brother-sister duo, John Cusack and Joan Cusack, were in contention for the roles of Bender and Allison. Both actors had supporting roles in ‘Sixteen Candles’ at the time and went on to achieve significant success in their respective careers.

Ultimately, the roles of Bender and Allison went to Ally Sheedy and Judd Nelson, who were both part of the Los Angeles auditions. The cast shared fond memories of meeting each other for the first time during the audition process, which solidified their on-screen chemistry.

While other actors were considered for various parts in the movie, including Nicolas Cage and Alan Ruck for the role of Bender, the final cast comprised Emilio Estevez as Andrew, Anthony Michael Hall as Brian, Judd Nelson as Bender, Molly Ringwald as Claire, and Ally Sheedy as Allison.

Interestingly, Rick Moranis was initially cast as the high school janitor but was replaced by John Kapelos during the filming. The ensemble cast of ‘The Breakfast Club’ came together to portray a group of teenagers who bonded over shared experiences during detention, resonating with audiences around the world.

The enduring popularity of ‘The Breakfast Club’ is a testament to the talent and camaraderie of the cast, who brought authenticity and depth to their characters. The behind-the-scenes stories shared by the original cast members offer fans a deeper appreciation for the iconic film and its lasting impact on popular culture.

As fans continue to revisit the timeless classic, the revelations from the cast’s reunion panel provide a unique insight into the casting decisions and dynamics that contributed to the film’s success. ‘The Breakfast Club’ remains a beloved coming-of-age story that captures the essence of teenage angst and camaraderie, making it a timeless favourite for audiences of all generations.