Gabrielle Union and Kirsten Dunst, who first worked together more than 25 years ago on the movie Bring It On, continue to share a unique bond described as “growing up together.” In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Union, 53, reflected on how their relationship has evolved over the years, especially as they both navigate motherhood.
The Bring It On stars remain in close contact, with parenthood playing a significant role in strengthening their connection. Union highlighted that their children being similar in age and sharing friendships has brought them closer in a new way.
Luckily, our kids are around the same age and they have friends in common, so motherhood has sort of brought us together in a different way,
Gabrielle Union explained.
Family Life and Shared Parenting Experiences
Union is mother to her daughter Kaavia Union Wade, age 7, and stepmother to her husband Dwyane Wade’s children: Zaire Wade, 23; Zaya Wade, 18; and Xavier Wade, 12. Kirsten Dunst and her husband, actor Jesse Plemons, have two sons, Ennis Howard Plemons, 7, and James Robert Plemons, 4. The parallels in their family lives have contributed to a deepened understanding and friendship between the actresses.
Reflecting on Growth Since Bring It On
Gabrielle Union also spoke about witnessing Kirsten Dunst’s personal growth since their time working together in the early 2000s. The film, directed by Peyton Reed and penned by Jessica Bendinger, starred Dunst as Torrance Shipman, a determined high school cheer captain in Southern California who uncovers that her championship-winning routines were copied from a less fortunate squad led by Union’s character, Isis.
Union remarked on the transformation from child actress to mother, emphasizing the evolving nature of their lives and choices.
When we shot Bring It On, [Kirsten] was an actual child, and now she’s a mom. And it’s funny because we were talking about some of her mom’s decisions and how she was raised, and what you took and what you left behind,
Union said.
It’s like we’re growing up together,
she added.
Recent Reunion and Ongoing Careers
In September 2025, Union and Dunst reunited at the 25th anniversary screening of Bring It On held in Los Angeles, joined by former cast members Jesse Bradford and Lindsay Sloane. This event highlighted the enduring impact of the film and strengthened bonds among the cast.
Outside of reunion events, Gabrielle Union remains active in film and entrepreneurial ventures. She is an investor and partner in LynkUET, a treatment focused on alleviating symptoms of hot flashes associated with menopause. Union has expressed a commitment to promoting awareness and reducing stigma around this stage of life.
[Menopause] challenges you to look at life differently and not as an ending, but as a beginning,
Union shared.
Initially, I felt shame. I felt my value as a woman was diminishing. I felt isolated. And over time, now, I feel empowered, and I’m gonna talk about it, and I’m not gonna lose a thing,
she added.
The Lasting Impact of Their Connection
The relationship between Gabrielle Union and Kirsten Dunst, founded during their early careers, has matured through shared experiences as mothers and as women navigating change. Their continued friendship highlights how evolving life stages can create new opportunities for connection and understanding. With ongoing projects and personal growth, both continue to influence fans and peers alike, showing that bonds formed in youth can deepen meaningfully over time.
