Kirsten Dunst, widely recognized for her breakout role as Torrance Shipman in the 2000 teen comedy Bring It On, has firmly ruled out any plans to reprise her role in a reboot or sequel. When questioned by Entertainment Tonight about returning to the cheerleading franchise, especially after the original film’s 25th anniversary, Dunst made her position clear, emphasizing her preference to leave the story untouched. This confirms that the actress who rose to fame with Bring It On and later played Mary Jane Watson in Spider-Man is not interested in revisiting her cheer captain character.
Dunst explained,
No, I’m like, leave good things where they are,
and added,
I don’t need to put on a cheerleading outfit. I don’t even know what I would do, be a coach or something? Let’s leave it as it is.
These remarks underscore her desire to preserve the legacy of the original film without adding to it.
The original Bring It On featured a high school cheer squad preparing for a national competition and starred alongside Dunst actors such as Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, and Gabrielle Union. The film earned around $90 million worldwide on an $11 million budget, establishing itself as a cult classic. Although multiple direct-to-video sequels followed, none included the original cast. Despite fan enthusiasm for the original ensemble to reunite, Dunst’s disinterest may signal that a true revival is unlikely.
Recent Career Moves Highlight Dunst’s Evolving Choices
After pausing her career for two years following her role in Jane Campion’s critically acclaimed film The Power of the Dog, Dunst sought to distance herself from stereotypical “sad mom” roles, as noted by Marie Claire. Her return to acting came with a notable part in Alex Garland’s A24 production Civil War, a role that challenged her but reinvigorated her passion for acting.
Dunst is set to star alongside Channing Tatum in Roofman, a crime comedy that has attracted considerable excitement. She portrays Leigh Wainscott, a single mother who becomes romantically involved with Jeffrey Manchester, a character based on a real-life felon nicknamed the Roofman for breaking into McDonald’s restaurants by cutting through their roofs. His story includes a daring prison escape and his hiding in a Toys “R” Us store, where he encounters Leigh, an employee at the location.
The director, Derek Cianfrance, received a standing ovation when Roofman premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film currently holds an 83% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 24 reviews praising the lead actors’ performances and on-screen chemistry. The supporting cast features an impressive group including Peter Dinklage, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, and Jimmy O. Yang. Roofman is scheduled for release on October 10, 2025, promising to be a significant film of the year.
The Enduring Legacy of Bring It On and Its Future Prospects
The original Bring It On remains a beloved film for many due to its lively depiction of teenage cheerleading rivalry and camaraderie. However, with Kirsten Dunst openly opposing any continuation involving her, the franchise’s future may rely on new narratives or entirely separate characters. While the direct-to-video sequels extended the brand, they did not resonate with the same fans attracted to the original cast and story.
Dunst’s remarks highlight a broader trend among some actors who prefer to preserve the integrity of defining roles without revisiting past successes. Her decision not to return preserves the nostalgia around Torrance Shipman and keeps the original film’s legacy intact. Fans may have to look elsewhere for new stories, while Dunst focuses on her diverse and evolving career.
