The character of Cody Martin, the studious and often neurotic twin from Disney Channel's mega-hit The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, remains one of the most beloved figures in 2000s television history. While the show and its spin-off, The Suite Life on Deck, concluded years ago, the actor who brought Cody to life, Cole Sprouse, has undergone one of the most fascinating career transformations in Hollywood. As of December 2025, Sprouse is no longer just a former Disney star; he is an accomplished actor, a professional photographer, and a major entity in the film industry, with several high-profile projects slated for release.
This in-depth look dives beyond the Tipton Hotel and the S.S. Tipton to reveal the current status of Cole Sprouse, examining his surprising academic path, his thriving artistic side career, and the new movies that are defining his post-Disney legacy. We'll explore the life of the twin who was always destined for more than just a suite on the 23rd floor, providing the freshest updates on his professional and personal journey.
Cole Sprouse: Full Biography and Post-Disney Rebirth
The man behind Cody Martin is Cole Mitchell Sprouse, an actor and artist whose career began almost immediately after his birth. Born on August 4, 1992, in Arezzo, Italy, Cole and his identical twin brother, Dylan Sprouse, were thrust into the acting world at a very young age, often sharing roles to comply with child labor laws.
Their early career included the iconic role of Patrick Kelly on the sitcom Grace Under Fire and, most famously, playing the adorable son of Adam Sandler, Julian McGrath, in the 1999 comedy Big Daddy.
Here is a snapshot of the man who defined the role of Cody Martin:
- Full Name: Cole Mitchell Sprouse
- Born: August 4, 1992, in Arezzo, Italy
- Twin Brother: Dylan Thomas Sprouse (who played Zack Martin)
- Notable Education: New York University (NYU), Gallatin School of Individualized Study
- NYU Major: Archaeology (with a concentration in humanities and archaeological imaging), graduated in 2015
- Breakthrough Role (Child): Julian McGrath in Big Daddy (1999)
- Iconic TV Role: Cody Martin in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005–2008) and The Suite Life on Deck (2008–2011)
- Major Adult Role: Jughead Jones in Riverdale (2017–2023)
Following the conclusion of The Suite Life on Deck in 2011, Cole, along with Dylan, made the bold decision to step away from acting to pursue a college education at New York University (NYU). Cole enrolled in the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, choosing a highly specialized major: Archaeology. This decision to pursue a degree outside of the arts—a stark contrast to his character Cody Martin's academic focus—was a deliberate step to find normalcy and privacy after spending his entire childhood in the public eye.
His time at NYU was a period of professional hiatus, but it led directly to his second career. He began to focus intensely on photography, a passion he has credited with helping him navigate his post-Disney transition and mental health challenges.
The Evolution of Cody Martin: From Tipton Nerd to Global Traveler
The character of Cody Martin was the perfect foil to his mischievous twin, Zack Martin. Cody was consistently portrayed as the more intelligent, responsible, and sensitive brother—a self-proclaimed "model son" who often cleaned his own room and excelled in school, contrasting sharply with Zack's pranks and poor academic performance.
The original series, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, focused on the twins living in the luxurious Tipton Hotel in Boston, where their mother, Carey Martin, was the lounge singer. The ensemble cast, including London Tipton (Brenda Song), Maddie Fitzpatrick (Ashley Tisdale), and the iconic manager Mr. Moseby (Phill Lewis), created a vibrant, entity-rich environment that resonated with millions of viewers.
The show's spin-off, The Suite Life on Deck, saw the twins and London Tipton attend high school aboard the S.S. Tipton, a luxury cruise ship. This shift allowed Cody’s character to mature, exploring relationships and facing more complex academic challenges, which ultimately mirrored Cole Sprouse’s own desire for new experiences outside of the traditional Hollywood bubble. The Sprouse brothers eventually decided to end the show to pursue their NYU degrees, a rare move for successful Disney stars.
While a full-scale revival of The Suite Life is highly unlikely, Cole and Dylan Sprouse have occasionally shared insights into where they believe Zack and Cody would be today. Furthermore, fans have been treated to sweet mini-reunions over the years, with Cole and Dylan sharing laughs with former co-stars like Phill Lewis, proving the enduring bond of the cast remains strong.
Cole Sprouse's New Era: Riverdale, Film, and 2025 Projects
Cole Sprouse’s return to acting came in 2017 with the role that redefined his career: Jughead Jones on the CW's dark, dramatic series Riverdale. The character of Jughead, a brooding writer and narrator, was a complete 180-degree turn from the clean-cut Cody Martin, signaling to the industry that Sprouse was ready for serious, complex roles. His seven-season run on Riverdale cemented his status as a major adult actor.
Beyond television, Sprouse has established a solid film career, notably starring in the romantic drama Five Feet Apart (2019) and the horror-comedy Lisa Frankenstein (2024).
Upcoming and Current Projects (2025)
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a significant one for Cole Sprouse, with multiple projects showcasing his versatility:
- I Wish You All The Best (2025): Sprouse is set to star in this film adaptation of the popular young adult novel, which follows a non-binary teen who moves in with their estranged sister. The film is a major step in Sprouse's transition to more mature and emotionally resonant roles.
- The Rivals of Amziah King (TBA/2025): This crime thriller is one of Sprouse's highly anticipated projects, showing a continued interest in the darker, grittier side of cinema.
- Elastic Hearts (TBA): Sprouse was spotted filming this new movie, further diversifying his portfolio and keeping his name current in Hollywood.
The Unseen Artist: Cole Sprouse, the Photographer
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Cole Sprouse's post-Disney life is his successful career as a professional photographer. He has established an official photography website to showcase his work and has been commissioned to photograph major celebrities, including Kendall Jenner and Sophie Turner, for high-profile publications like W Magazine and the Sunday Times.
His photographic style often focuses on portraiture and abandoned, desolate landscapes, which he describes as a way to find inspiration outside of the public eye. This artistic outlet provides a crucial piece of the Cole Sprouse identity, demonstrating that the intellectual curiosity of the Cody Martin character was not just an act, but a core part of the actor's real-life persona. His ability to balance a demanding acting career with a serious artistic pursuit is a testament to his maturity and topical authority in the creative world.
From the Tipton Hotel to the set of Riverdale, and from the halls of NYU to a professional photography studio, Cole Sprouse has masterfully transitioned from a beloved Disney character to a respected adult artist. His 2025 film slate ensures that the former Cody Martin remains one of the most relevant and fascinating figures in contemporary entertainment.
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