16 Years Later: 7 Shocking Facts About Another Cinderella Story That Prove Selena Gomez Was Destined For Billionaire Status

It has been over 16 years since Another Cinderella Story first premiered, yet the 2008 teen musical comedy starring Selena Gomez remains a cultural touchstone for an entire generation of millennials and Gen Z. The film, a modern, dance-heavy retelling of the classic fairy tale, cemented Selena Gomez’s transition from a Disney Channel star to a legitimate teen movie lead. Released on September 16, 2008, the movie captured the zeitgeist of the late 2000s, blending the classic story of Mary Santiago, an aspiring dancer, with the pop star glamour of Joey Parker and the tyranny of the hilariously wicked stepmother, Dominique Blatt.

The enduring popularity of the film is continually proven by viral moments, most recently in late 2024 when co-star Drew Seeley’s nostalgic dance video resurfaced, prompting a direct reaction from Selena Gomez herself, proving that the magic of Another Cinderella Story is far from over. This deep dive into the beloved film reveals the most shocking facts and the incredible trajectory of its cast, especially its leading lady.

Selena Gomez: From Mary Santiago to Billionaire Mogul (2008–2024)

The journey of Selena Marie Gomez from a young actress to a global icon is one of Hollywood’s biggest success stories, with Another Cinderella Story serving as a crucial stepping stone in her career. Her performance as the hardworking, dance-loving Mary Santiago showed audiences a depth beyond her breakout role on the Disney Channel.

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• Full Name: Selena Marie Gomez
• Date of Birth: July 22, 1992
• Role in ACS: Mary Santiago, the modern-day Cinderella who dreams of attending the Southern California School of the Arts (SoCalSA).
• 2008 Status: Primary star of the Emmy Award-winning Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place, where she played Alex Russo. She was only 16 when the film was released.
• Key Entities in Her Career: Barney & Friends, Alex Russo, Monte Carlo, Selena Gomez & The Scene, Spring Breakers, Only Murders in the Building (OMITB).
• Current Status (2024): Gomez is a critically acclaimed actress, producer, and entrepreneur. Her net worth is estimated to be around $1.3 billion, largely driven by her successful clean beauty brand, Rare Beauty. She continues to star as Mabel Mora in the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, for which she has received multiple award nominations.

The Enduring Legacy of the Another Cinderella Story Cast: Where Are They Now?

The film’s success wasn't just due to Selena Gomez; it was powered by a perfectly cast ensemble of teen heartthrobs and comedic veterans. Their careers have taken fascinating and often surprising turns since the ABC Family movie premiered.

1. Drew Seeley (Joey Parker) and the Viral Dance Phenomenon

Drew Seeley played the male lead, Joey Parker, the international pop star who returns to high school and searches for the girl who left her Zune at the masquerade ball. Seeley was already a known entity, having contributed to the songs for High School Musical, even standing in for Zac Efron’s singing voice in the first film.

The most recent buzz around Another Cinderella Story involves Seeley. In late 2024, a video of him performing the iconic choreography from the movie went viral, triggering a wave of nostalgia. Selena Gomez herself reacted to the video on social media, bringing the film back into the current spotlight. Seeley continues his career in acting and music, often performing on Broadway and in various holiday films, but his role as the charming Joey Parker remains his most recognized to an entire generation of fans.

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2. Jane Lynch (Dominique Blatt) and the Unexpected Reunion

The film’s comedic genius is largely credited to Jane Lynch, who played the villainous stepmother, Dominique Blatt, a washed-up pop star obsessed with her own fame. Her performance is full of over-the-top physical comedy and memorable quotes that have become LSI keywords for the film.

Since her time as Dominique, Lynch has become one of television’s most recognizable faces, notably for her Emmy-winning role as Sue Sylvester in the hit show Glee. In a delightful twist of fate, Jane Lynch has reunited with her former stepdaughter, Selena Gomez, on the set of Only Murders in the Building, where Lynch plays Sazz Pataki, Charles-Haden Savage's stunt double. This unexpected reunion has thrilled fans of both projects.

3. The Evil Stepsisters: Katharine Isabelle (Bree) and Emily Perkins (Britt)

The dim-witted but cruel stepsisters, Bree Blatt (Katharine Isabelle) and Britt Blatt (Emily Perkins), provided much of the film's physical comedy. A fun fact for horror movie fans is that Isabelle and Perkins were already famous for playing sisters in the cult horror franchise, Ginger Snaps (2000). Their shared history allowed them to bring a unique, albeit comically evil, chemistry to the Blatt family household.

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• Katharine Isabelle (Bree) has maintained a strong career in both film and television, with notable roles in the horror genre and the series Hannibal.
• Emily Perkins (Britt) is also recognized by many for her recurring role as the character Becky Rosen in the long-running series Supernatural. Their continued presence in popular culture highlights the diverse career paths of the supporting cast.

The Music and Behind-the-Scenes Facts That Defined the Movie

Another Cinderella Story is fundamentally a musical, and its soundtrack is arguably as memorable as the movie itself. The film was directed by Damon Santostefano and written by Erik Patterson and Jessica Scott, who crafted a script that perfectly balanced teen angst with pure fairytale romance.

The Iconic Soundtrack and Key Songs

The Another Cinderella Story soundtrack was a major success, peaking on the Billboard 200 chart and becoming an essential listen for fans of the film. The music was a key element that elevated the movie beyond a simple direct-to-DVD sequel.

• "New Classic": The duet between Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley is the film's signature song and the track that plays during the epic tango at the Masquerade Ball. It perfectly encapsulates the modern fairytale theme.
• "Tell Me Something I Don't Know": This song is heavily associated with Selena Gomez’s character, Mary Santiago, and became one of Gomez's early solo hits, featuring prominently in the movie's dance numbers.
• "Just That Girl": Performed by Drew Seeley (as Joey Parker), this song is the "Prince's Search" anthem, where Joey sings about the mystery girl he met at the ball.
• Razor & Tie: The soundtrack was released by Razor & Tie, a label known for putting out popular compilation and movie soundtrack albums.

The "Zune" and the Modern Twist

One of the most defining and now hilariously dated elements of the film is the choice of the "slipper" replacement: a Zune. Microsoft’s Zune was a portable media player meant to compete with the iPod. The entire plot hinges on Joey Parker finding the girl who dropped her Zune at the ball, making the device an iconic, if short-lived, piece of movie history. The use of a Zune firmly places the film in the 2008 era, adding a layer of charming nostalgia for viewers today.

Ultimately, Another Cinderella Story is more than just a teen movie; it's a snapshot of the late 2000s and a pivotal moment in the careers of its stars. From the catchy tunes of "New Classic" to the comedic genius of Jane Lynch’s Dominique Blatt, the film’s legacy continues to resonate, reminding fans of the moment a young Selena Gomez took her first major step toward becoming the global superstar and business powerhouse she is today.