Jesse Metcalfe Reveals Which “John Tucker Must Die” Costars He Wants to Reunite with on Screen (Exclusive)

**Nostalgic Reunions and Hopes for a Sequel: Jesse Metcalfe Reflects on ‘John Tucker Must Die’ at Fashion Week**

The 2006 teen comedy “John Tucker Must Die” has cemented its status as a cult classic among film aficionados, a sentiment echoed by one of its stars, Jesse Metcalfe, during a recent event in New York City. Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at CLD PR’s Fashion Week kickoff event on 11 September, the actor revealed his enthusiasm for reuniting with his former co-stars.

Metcalfe, now 47, expressed a strong desire to share the screen again with Arielle Kebbel, highlighting their enduring rapport. “We speak occasionally,” he said, indicating a fondness for their past collaboration. The actor also spoke highly of Penn Badgley, noting that he enjoyed participating in Badgley’s podcast before the latter shifted his focus to other projects. “I really love the entire cast. I’m always open to reconnect with them,” Metcalfe remarked, reaffirming his willingness to collaborate with Brittany Snow as well, who is currently enjoying a successful phase in her acting career.

In “John Tucker Must Die,” Metcalfe portrays John, a charismatic high school basketball player juggling relationships with three girls—played by Kebbel, Ashanti, and Sophia Bush—under the pretense of being unable to date during basketball season. This deception leads the women to join forces, with Snow’s character aiding them in a plot to publicly humiliate John, providing a comedic twist to the film’s narrative.

As discussions surrounding a potential sequel to “John Tucker Must Die” arise, Metcalfe shared that there is a script currently held by 20th Century Fox, which Kebbel had been trying to push forward. “It seems to have lost a little momentum, but I like the script, and I do think there’s an appetite for a sequel,” he stated, while acknowledging the uncertain fate of the project. Despite fluctuating enthusiasm, Metcalfe conveyed a light-hearted ambivalence, suggesting it would be enjoyable to be part of a sequel if it comes to fruition.

Kebbel, now 41, previously disclosed in March 2024 her efforts to produce a sequel that aims to involve the original cast. During a reunion panel discussion with Metcalfe and Bush in Chicago, she mentioned that there was a script in development, which would incorporate the beloved characters from the original film. This past February, Kebbel elaborated on the project during an appearance on the “Off the Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe” podcast, revealing that she had worked with the studio and had received a script right before the writers’ strike.

However, as production plans began to take shape, circumstances shifted unexpectedly. “The project was supposed to full-force move forward into casting, but then the studio’s slate totally changed,” she explained. “It got ‘shelved,’ which is not a permanent thing, but it is not currently active.” Despite this setback, Kebbel maintains a hopeful outlook, stating, “I have faith, you know? The moment will come. But it’s on pause for now.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the original film, a significant milestone that prompted Metcalfe to reminisce about shooting the movie. He described the experience as profoundly memorable, recalling a particular scene in which he had to wear women’s underwear in front of a large crew and cast. “Wearing women’s underwear in front of the entire cast and about 50 background players and crew — that was interesting,” he chuckled, indicating his willingness to embrace the humour and humility that comes with his past roles.

With nostalgic sentiments surrounding “John Tucker Must Die,” fans remain hopeful that the cast may reunite for a sequel, which could rekindle the laughter and camaraderie that defined the original. Whether or not the project finds its way to production, the affection between Metcalfe, Kebbel, and their co-stars is clear—a camaraderie that has withstood the test of time.

As the 20th anniversary approaches, the legacy of “John Tucker Must Die” continues to resonate, reminding audiences of the joys and tribulations of teenage life and the bonds that were formed during its making.