What's New With The Bad News Bears Cast In 2005?

Hey guys! Remember the 2005 remake of The Bad News Bears? It was a hilarious flick that brought back the magic of the original with a fresh cast. We all loved Billy Bob Thornton as the grumpy, beer-swilling coach Morris Buttermaker, and Greg Kinnear as the initially reluctant owner Roy Bullock. But what about the kids? The real stars of the show! Let's dive into the world of the 2005 Bad News Bears cast and see what these young actors were up to, and where they might be now.

The Coach and the Owner: Billy Bob Thornton & Greg Kinnear

First up, the big guns! Billy Bob Thornton, who channeled his inner Grumpy Cat as Coach Buttermaker, was already a seasoned pro by 2005. He'd won an Oscar for Sling Blade and was known for his intense roles. In The Bad News Bears, he brought a fantastic blend of cynicism and unexpected heart to the character. After the movie, Thornton continued his prolific career with roles in The Astronaut Farmer, Eagle Eye, and the critically acclaimed TV series Fargo, where his performance as Lorne Malvo earned him an Emmy nomination. He's also been busy with his band, The Boxmasters. You can almost always catch him in some cool project, guys, and his turn as Buttermaker is definitely a fan favorite for its pure, unadulterated grumpiness.

Then there's Greg Kinnear, who played the well-meaning, if slightly clueless, owner Roy Bullock. Kinnear, known for his charming and often comedic roles in films like As Good as It Gets and Little Miss Sunshine, brought a grounded presence to the team's management. In The Bad News Bears, he was the perfect foil to Thornton's gruffness. Post-2005, Kinnear has maintained a steady presence in Hollywood, appearing in Invincible, Flash of Genius, and the TV series Rake. He's also lent his voice to animated projects and continues to be a reliable and enjoyable actor to watch. His character's journey from exasperated dad to invested team owner was a key part of the film's charm.

The Mighty Bears: The Kids of the Team

Now, let's get to the real heart of the movie – the kids! These young actors had to embody a range of personalities, from the super-talented to the wildly untalented, all under the guidance of a coach who barely tolerated them. Their energy and commitment were what made the 2005 remake shine.

Jordan "Jordy" Bullock (Sammi Kraft)

Jordan Bullock, played by Sammi Kraft, was the daughter of Greg Kinnear's character and the quiet, talented pitcher who eventually caught Buttermaker's attention. Sammi Kraft was relatively new to acting when she landed this role. The Bad News Bears was one of her most prominent early roles. After the movie, she took a break from acting and focused on her education. While she hasn't had many high-profile acting credits since, it's not uncommon for child actors to step away for a while. We're curious to see if she ever decides to return to the spotlight! She was instrumental in the team's turnaround, proving that even the most jaded coach could be inspired by a kid with a dream and a good arm.

Tanner Boyle (Brandon Craggs)

Tanner Boyle, the loud-mouthed, uncensored catcher, was brought to life by Brandon Craggs. Tanner was the character who said what everyone else was thinking, often with a healthy dose of profanity that had parents chuckling and maybe clutching their pearls. Craggs himself was a natural at delivering those killer lines. After The Bad News Bears, he continued acting in smaller roles and TV appearances. It's tough for young actors to maintain a consistent career path, but Craggs definitely made his mark as the mouth of the Bears. His ability to deliver such memorable, albeit edgy, dialogue made him a standout.

Kelly Leak (Jeffrey "Jay" Jones)

Kelly Leak, the charismatic and baseball-savvy kid from the neighborhood, was played by Jeffrey "Jay" Jones. Kelly was the cool kid who joined the team and quickly became their secret weapon, teaching them a thing or two about hitting and attitude. Jay Jones had a natural swagger in the role. After The Bad News Bears, Jones continued to pursue acting, appearing in shows like ER and The Unit. He brought a believable blend of street smarts and baseball talent to Kelly, making him instantly likable and a crucial addition to the team's dynamics.

The Rest of the Bears

The ensemble cast of the kids was truly what made the movie a hit. We had Remer Brimmer as the surprisingly athletic Ahmad, Seth Adkins as the sweet but often overlooked Toby, Troy Gentile as the tough but often clumsy Timmy, and Jae Head as the energetic and sometimes over-the-top Buttermaker fan, Michael. Each of these young actors brought something unique to the team, creating a believable group of misfits who, against all odds, started to believe in themselves.

Remer Brimmer (Ahmad) went on to appear in TV shows like ER and The Shield. Seth Adkins (Toby) took a break from acting after The Bad News Bears to focus on his studies, and while his acting career hasn't been extensive since, he was memorable as the earnest Toby.

Troy Gentile (Timmy) has had a very successful career in comedy, most notably starring as Barry Goldberg in the hit TV show The Goldbergs. It's awesome to see him go on to such great success! Jae Head (Michael) was a bundle of energy and continued acting in roles such as Hancock and Piranha 3D. He really embodied the enthusiastic spirit of a kid who just wanted to be part of something.

Beyond the Diamond: What Streaming Options Exist?

So, if you're feeling nostalgic and want to revisit the diamond with the 2005 Bad News Bears, you might be wondering where you can stream it. Streaming availability can change, guys, but as of my last check, the 2005 version of The Bad News Bears has been available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and YouTube. Sometimes, it pops up on subscription services, so it's always worth a quick search on your favorite streaming apps. It's a great movie to watch with the family, especially if you enjoy sports comedies with a lot of heart and a good dose of humor. The chemistry between the kids and Billy Bob Thornton really makes it a rewatchable classic.

The Legacy of the 2005 Bears

The 2005 remake of The Bad News Bears might not have reached the iconic status of the 1976 original for some critics, but it certainly carved out its own niche in the comedy landscape. The film successfully updated the story for a new generation, tackling themes of teamwork, perseverance, and the often-comical struggles of youth baseball. The cast, especially the young actors, delivered performances that were both funny and genuinely touching. Seeing them learn and grow, both on and off the field, is what makes this movie a feel-good experience. Whether you were a fan of the original or just discovered the Bears in 2005, this film stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a underdog story. The humor, the heart, and the sheer determination of these kids make it a movie worth revisiting, guys. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the journey of the 2005 Bad News Bears!