Before there was dancing and singing in High School Musical or circulating love letters with To All The Boys I Loved Before, filmmaker John Hughes captured the true essence of the turbulent times of attending high school in The Breakfast Club. Never before had there been such an honest and visceral portrayal of teenage life from various backgrounds and elements until this film, which was cast perfectly in the 1980s.
Each performance was nuanced, brilliant, funny, and emotional, showcasing that each student stereotype had way more sensitivities and affections than what was usually shown on the surface. It's been 25 years since the film has been released and a lot has changed over the past couple of decades, and it might be exciting to redefine the iconic characters with new actors for a modern-day remake.
John Bender: Dev Patel
John Bender (originally Judd Nelson) was the epitome of what every parent was afraid of their kids or daughters bringing home from school as a friend or boyfriend. He had piercings, carried weapons, drank alcohol, was promiscuous, and rebelled against all authority. However, there was more to him than met the eye, as he had a severely abusive home life, and deep down wanted to be a decent guy.
Actor Dev Patel would be perfect for this role, as he's shown a diverse enough acting journey with Slumdog Millionaire and The Personal History of David Copperfield. His tall stature and ability to change emotions on a dime is remarkable. Plus, he has that captivating charm where anytime he speaks, the entire room stops and listens— just like Bender.
Claire Standish: Awkwafina
Claire Standish (originally Mollie Ringwald) is the picture of the American dream from a distance. She's pretty, popular, and seems to have everything she's ever wanted before turning 18 due to her wealthy family. Claire is conceited, fake, and rude to those who don't run in her circle, but underneath that glossy layer of lipstick, she's only being abrasive towards others because that's what she thinks is expected by her peers— even though she feels differently.
Actress Awkwafina could own this wonderful and intimate role. Even though she's 32 years old, she looks young enough for high school still and has proved through Ocean's 8 and The Farewell that she is nuanced enough in her skill to play this complicated character with ease and elegance.
Andrew Clark: Moises Arias
Andrew Clark (originally Emilio Estevez) is the stereotypical jock, all-varsity at multiple sports and wears his letter jacket anywhere he goes. Andrew acts as the moral authority to any issue while maintaining a healthy balance of life and sports. Additionally, he is the school bully and picks on those smaller and weaker than him. That's not the whole story though, as his father verbally abuses him and constantly demands perfection with zero room for mistakes. Andrew doesn't want to hurt anyone but is practically forced to so to impress his father.
Actor Moises Arias from The King of Staten Island and Ender's Game would be a phenomenal casting decision here. His dry wit and demeanor works perfectly with Andrew's character in wanting to be in charge but can reveal some underbelly emotion when he meltdown.
Brian Johnson: John Boyega
Brian Johnson (orginally Anthony Michael Hall) is the dream of every parent: smart, involved in many clubs, always strives to do the right thing, does his homework on time, and gets along with teachers and faculty. Brian is usually picked on by everyone at school but still trudges along with a grin. His parents only accept As on the report card and when he falls into turmoil after he fails shop class, he brings a gun to school.
Modern times would have to handle this situation delicately, and actor Jon Boyega would do an outstanding job in this multifaceted role of the nerdy guy. First off, Boyega showcased his unbelievably good talent in Attack the Block about a hoodlum with a heart 0f gold and bravery, and he could pull off the intensely emotional scenes perfectly with his own unique brand of comedy and dramatic skills.
Allison Reynolds: Millie Bobby Brown
Allison Reynolds (orginally Ally Sheedy) is the true image of a teenager figuring it all out while never conforming to the rest of society. She's the indie hit record that nobody has heard of and could be a trendsetter later in life. Allison's home life is a mystery as she never really allows anyone close to knowing her and enjoys the strange and more unusual things in life, along with many other secret talents and quirks that pop up by the minute.
The actress who could dump her purse of emotions and issues out on the floor is Millie Bobby Brown from Stranger Things and Enola Holmes. Like Eleven, Millie can showcase her silent facial expression perfectly as Allison speaks with her face rather than her voice for most of the film, but has some excellent things to say when the count. Millie can also be scary at times but can turn into a funny and charming person instantly.
Assistant Principal Richard Vernon: Judd Nelson
Who better to play the angry, mean, and rude Assistant Principal Richard Vernon than the former actor who played the rebel— Judd Nelson. It would come full circle. This principal has lost his way and becomes an enemy of the kids and students rather than helping out. He wants to see everyone fail and believes the students turned on him rather than the other way around.
Just like Jeremy Piven transitioned from his PCU character to his Old School role, Judd Nelson would play this part perfectly and may even add an additional layer of relatability and sensibility to the character, unlike its original portrayal.
Carl Reed: Sam Rockwell
The eyes and ears of the high school institution is, of course, a custodian named Carl Reed, who goes through the trash, listens to conversations, and goes through lockers. He knows which school clocks are slow and fast, and maybe what not to eat at the cafeteria.
He seems like a good guy, happy with his life and job, and knows how to work the system for a quick fifty dollars. Sam Rockwell could add an amazing cameo for a solid laugh and glimpse into the real world here, and perhaps a small dance routine while mopping the hallway.