Twenty-six years after the release of Cruel Intentions, the film remains a cultural touchstone that perfectly captured the seductive, dark side of late '90s teen cinema. Based on the 18th-century French novel Les Liaisons dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons), the 1999 movie launched its young, beautiful cast into superstardom, forever cementing their roles as the manipulative Kathryn Merteuil, the cynical Sebastian Valmont, and the innocent Annette Hargrove. In late 2024 and early 2025, the original cast is experiencing a significant resurgence, from major television roles to new production ventures, proving their careers are far from a casual summer fling.
The film’s 25th anniversary in 2024 brought renewed attention to the iconic ensemble, highlighting their enduring chemistry and individual successes. From a major television prequel series to a highly anticipated return to the horror genre, here is the definitive, up-to-date look at what the main cast of Cruel Intentions is doing now, including their freshest projects for 2025.
The Iconic Main Cast of Cruel Intentions: A 2025 Biography and Latest Project Update
The core quartet of Cruel Intentions—Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair—have each carved out distinctive, successful careers, but their 2024/2025 professional lives are buzzing with fresh projects and personal milestones.
- Sarah Michelle Gellar (Kathryn Merteuil):
- Born: April 14, 1977 (47 years old as of late 2024)
- Role in Film: Kathryn Merteuil, the cunning, manipulative stepsister.
- Latest Projects: Starred in the series Wolf Pack (2023) and is currently a main cast member in the highly anticipated prequel series Dexter: Original Sin (2024-2025).
- Current Focus: Television acting and producing.
- Ryan Phillippe (Sebastian Valmont):
- Born: September 10, 1974 (50 years old as of late 2024)
- Role in Film: Sebastian Valmont, the charming, cynical seducer.
- Latest Projects: Starring in the 2024 action-thriller film Prey and the upcoming thriller Saint Clare (2024). He was also filming the movie One Mile in late 2024.
- Current Focus: Film acting, primarily in the thriller and action genres.
- Reese Witherspoon (Annette Hargrove):
- Born: March 22, 1976 (48 years old as of late 2024)
- Role in Film: Annette Hargrove, the virtuous daughter of the headmaster.
- Latest Projects: Continues to star in and produce the critically acclaimed series The Morning Show. Her production company, Hello Sunshine, remains a powerhouse, adapting best-selling novels into major films and series.
- Current Focus: Acting, producing, and running the media company Hello Sunshine.
- Selma Blair (Cecile Caldwell):
- Born: June 23, 1972 (52 years old as of late 2024)
- Role in Film: Cecile Caldwell, the naive, violin-playing target of Kathryn and Sebastian's bet.
- Latest Projects: Continues her advocacy work for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, while actively pursuing a return to acting after a period of remission. She made a red carpet appearance at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.
- Current Focus: Health advocacy, writing (her memoir, Mean Baby), and a renewed focus on her acting career.
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Dark Return: From Buffy to Dexter’s Prequel
The actress who brought the delightfully wicked Kathryn Merteuil to life, Sarah Michelle Gellar, is making a major, high-profile return to a dark and complex television role. After her recent supernatural series Wolf Pack (2023), Gellar has been cast in a main role for the highly anticipated Showtime prequel, Dexter: Original Sin.
The new series, which began filming in mid-2024, will explore the origins of the famous serial killer Dexter Morgan. Gellar’s involvement is a significant casting coup, placing her back in a dark, high-stakes drama—a genre she dominates. Fans are eager to see if her new character will possess the same calculating, manipulative edge that made Kathryn Merteuil such a memorable villain. Her role in Dexter: Original Sin is set to premiere in 2025.
Beyond television, Gellar continues to be a vocal advocate for mental health and a successful entrepreneur, co-founding the food-crafting brand Foodstirs. Her career trajectory demonstrates a masterful balance between acting in major franchises and building a lifestyle brand, maintaining her status as a Hollywood icon well into the 2020s.
Reese Witherspoon: The Billion-Dollar Producer and 2024 Personal Life
Reese Witherspoon’s career since playing the moral counterpoint Annette Hargrove has been nothing short of phenomenal. She is now one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood, primarily through her company, Hello Sunshine. This company is responsible for a string of successful, female-led projects, including Big Little Lies, Little Fires Everywhere, and the ongoing hit series The Morning Show, where she co-stars with Jennifer Aniston.
In late 2024, Witherspoon’s focus remains on her production slate, which is continually adapting best-selling books and championing women's narratives. Her influence in the literary and cinematic worlds has created a distinct brand of high-quality, prestige content. On a personal note, the actress made headlines in July 2024 when she was first spotted with her new boyfriend, financier Oliver Haarmann, with updates continuing into October 2024, confirming she is "having fun" and navigating a new chapter in her life.
Her work is a testament to the fact that she didn't just survive the transition from teen star to adult actress; she redefined it, becoming a mogul who shapes the industry from behind the camera as much as in front of it.
Ryan Phillippe and Selma Blair: Action Thrillers and Health Advocacy in 2024
Ryan Phillippe: A Busy Slate of 2024 Thrillers
Ryan Phillippe, who played the troubled Sebastian Valmont, has maintained a steady career in film and television, often gravitating toward intense, action-oriented roles. The year 2024 has been particularly busy for him with several new releases and ongoing productions. He starred in the action-thriller Prey, released in 2024, alongside Mena Suvari and Emile Hirsch. This project showcases his continued appeal in the thriller genre.
Furthermore, Phillippe is also part of the cast for the upcoming film Saint Clare (2024) and began filming the new movie One Mile in September 2024 on Vancouver Island. His consistent work schedule and choice of physically demanding roles suggest a focus on maintaining his status as a reliable leading man in independent and genre films. He continues to engage with fans and maintain a strong presence on social media, often reflecting on his iconic roles, including his time as Sebastian Valmont.
Selma Blair: A Champion for MS and a Return to Acting
Selma Blair, who played the innocent Cecile Caldwell, has become one of the most inspiring figures in Hollywood. Since her 2018 diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Blair has been a powerful advocate, sharing her journey with raw honesty through her memoir Mean Baby and the documentary Introducing, Selma Blair.
In 2024, Blair has given fans an update on her health, affirming she is in remission and expressing a strong desire to return to acting, stating her current plans are "much more career-oriented." She continues to manage her conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and is actively working on new projects, including a skincare collaboration. Her appearance at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2024 highlighted her resilience and commitment to her career and advocacy.
The Cruel Intentions Legacy: 25th Anniversary and the New TV Series
The enduring power of the film was celebrated with its 25th anniversary in 2024. While a full cast reunion was not widely publicized, there were smaller, impromptu meetups, such as Selma Blair and Joshua Jackson (who played Blaine Tuttle) having a "Cruel Intentions reunion" at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars Party, reminding fans of the close bonds formed on set.
Perhaps the biggest sign of the film's lasting influence is the new Cruel Intentions TV series, which was a major topic of discussion in 2024. The new series, which features a completely new cast, including Sarah Catherine Hook as Caroline Merteuil and Zac Burgess as Lucien Belmont, shifts the setting to a prestigious Washington D.C. college. Directed by Roger Kumble, the director of the original 1999 film, the show aims to capture the same seductive, high-stakes drama for a new generation. The series cast has been giving interviews throughout 2024, signaling a fresh take on the classic story.
The original movie, which was a box office success, continues to be a benchmark for teen dramas. Its blend of scandalous plots, iconic fashion, and a killer soundtrack has ensured its legacy, which is now being extended through new media, cementing the story of the Merteuil and Valmont siblings for decades to come.
Detail Author:
- Name : Alaina Russel
- Username : rusty11
- Email : madisen75@tromp.org
- Birthdate : 2003-08-18
- Address : 944 Rosalinda Crest West Kayleighside, IN 62076
- Phone : +1.959.946.5296
- Company : Douglas PLC
- Job : Automotive Technician
- Bio : Nihil autem consequatur qui sint. Necessitatibus quidem tempore quidem tempora earum. Soluta suscipit magni esse quia ab necessitatibus esse.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/camren9090
- username : camren9090
- bio : Nemo quia eum nostrum. Quae alias sit ipsam atque. Voluptates repudiandae et corporis rem consectetur.
- followers : 4813
- following : 1221
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/camren_dev
- username : camren_dev
- bio : Voluptatem blanditiis vel ut aliquid.
- followers : 4399
- following : 1471
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@cheidenreich
- username : cheidenreich
- bio : Aspernatur omnis dolor sed numquam.
- followers : 2303
- following : 2410
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/camren_real
- username : camren_real
- bio : Veniam magnam voluptas esse et. Sapiente velit hic non incidunt animi.
- followers : 4437
- following : 1277