The Ducks Fly Together: Where Is The Mighty Ducks 2 Cast Now? (2024 Updates)

The iconic 1994 film, D2: The Mighty Ducks, introduced a generation to the concept of "Ducks Fly Together" and the unforgettable 'knuckle puck,' taking the ragtag Minnesota team to the Junior Goodwill Games as Team USA. Over three decades later, as of late 2024, the actors who brought Coach Bombay and the Ducks to life have scattered across Hollywood, the fire department, and major television, with some of the most surprising career shifts in movie history.

From a beloved star's public recovery journey to a former hockey player becoming a full-time Los Angeles firefighter, the lives of the *D2* cast continue to fascinate fans. This deep dive reveals the complete cast and their latest, most surprising updates, proving that while the jerseys may be retired, the spirit of the Ducks is still flying high.

Complete Roster: The Mighty Ducks 2 Cast and Current Status (2024)

The core cast of *D2: The Mighty Ducks* included returning favorites from the original film and new additions who would become staples of the trilogy. Here is a look at the main players and their most recent career updates and biographical details.

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• Emilio Estevez (Gordon Bombay):
  • Born: May 12, 1962, in Staten Island, New York.
  • Role in D2: The former hot-shot lawyer and now coach of Team USA at the Junior Goodwill Games.
  • Current Status: Estevez returned as Coach Bombay for the first season of the Disney+ series, *The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers*. However, he did not return for the second season due to a reported contractual dispute over COVID-19 vaccine mandates. He remains active in directing and writing.
• Joshua Jackson (Charlie Conway):
  • Born: June 11, 1978, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
  • Role in D2: The team captain and heart of the Ducks, known for his leadership.
  • Current Status: Jackson has had a highly successful career in television, starring in hit shows like *Dawson's Creek*, *Fringe*, *The Affair*, and most recently, the critically acclaimed series *Dr. Death*. He is one of the most visible and successful actors from the franchise.
• Marguerite Moreau (Connie Moreau):
  • Born: April 25, 1977, in Riverside, California.
  • Role in D2: One half of the 'Bash Brothers' romance, a reliable forward for the Ducks.
  • Current Status: Moreau has maintained a steady acting career, with major roles in films like *Wet Hot American Summer* and TV series like *Grey’s Anatomy* and *Parenthood*. She reprised her role in the Disney+ revival, *The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers*.
• Elden Henson (Fulton Reed):
  • Born: August 30, 1977, in Rockville, Maryland.
  • Role in D2: The powerful defenseman known for his slapshot and being one of the 'Bash Brothers.'
  • Current Status: Under the name Elden Henson (he previously acted as Elden Ratliff), he has starred in major franchises, including playing Pollux in *The Hunger Games* films and Foggy Nelson in the Netflix series *Daredevil*. He also reunited with the cast for a cameo in *Game Changers*.
• Shaun Weiss (Greg Goldberg):
  • Born: August 29, 1978, in Van Nuys, California.
  • Role in D2: The lovable, anxious goalie who must face the tough Team Iceland.
  • Current Status: Weiss's life has been a public journey of recovery from addiction. After getting sober in 2020, his transformation has been remarkable. In a touching 2024 update, he returned to the ice for a hockey event, symbolizing his successful comeback and inspiring many fans.
• Kenan Thompson (Russ Tyler):
  • Born: May 10, 1978, in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Role in D2: The new addition to the team from Los Angeles, famous for inventing the 'knuckle puck' shot.
  • Current Status: Thompson is arguably the most famous name on the list, having been a cast member on *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) since 2003, making him the longest-tenured cast member in the show's history. He has also starred in his own sitcom, *Kenan*, and reprised his role as Russ Tyler in *Game Changers*.
• Mike Vitar (Luis Mendoza):
  • Born: December 21, 1978, in Los Angeles, California.
  • Role in D2: The speedster from California whose main challenge was learning to stop on the ice.
  • Current Status: Vitar retired from acting after the trilogy and has pursued a career in public service. He has been a dedicated firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) since 2002, a surprising and heroic career shift for the former child star.
• Vincent LaRusso (Adam Banks):
  • Born: May 16, 1978, in Livingston, New Jersey.
  • Role in D2: The "cake-eater" star player who was originally a rival but became a core member of the Ducks.
  • Current Status: LaRusso largely stepped away from acting after the trilogy. He graduated from the Boston University School of Management in 2000 and has worked in various financial and business roles. He also made a cameo in the Disney+ series.
• Matt Doherty (Lester Averman):
  • Born: June 22, 1978, in Inglewood, California.
  • Role in D2: The team's comedian and resident goofball, known for his wise-cracks.
  • Current Status: Doherty continues to work in the entertainment industry as both an actor and a writer. He had an uncredited role in the Oscar-winning film *Argo* and has participated in various cast reunions, demonstrating his continued connection to the franchise.

The Most Surprising Career Changes Since the Junior Goodwill Games

While some actors, like Joshua Jackson and Kenan Thompson, have become major household names in Hollywood, the true fascination for fans lies in the cast members who took entirely different paths. These career shifts highlight the diverse lives of former child actors and provide some of the freshest updates for fans today.

From Speedster to LAFD Firefighter: Mike Vitar’s New Life

Mike Vitar, who played the exceptionally fast but braking-challenged Luis Mendoza in *D2*, has one of the most compelling post-Hollywood stories. Vitar left the acting world entirely and transitioned into a life of public service. Since 2002, he has been a full-time firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire Department, a career he has dedicated over two decades to.

His decision to step away from the spotlight and commit to a demanding, high-stakes profession like firefighting is a powerful reminder that not all former stars remain in front of the camera. Vitar's commitment to his community is a unique and admirable legacy that rivals his on-screen hockey heroics.

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The Remarkable Comeback of Goldberg (Shaun Weiss)

The journey of Shaun Weiss, who played the eccentric goalie Greg Goldberg, has been one of the most followed stories by fans of the trilogy. After facing significant personal challenges, including a public struggle with substance abuse, Weiss committed to recovery.

His inspirational transformation has been widely celebrated. In a heartwarming 2024 update, Weiss shared images and videos of himself back on the ice, participating in a hockey event. This return to the rink, 28 years after the film's release, symbolized his sobriety and renewed health, proving that the 'Ducks Fly Together' spirit extends far beyond the screen into real-life resilience.

The Rise of the Knuckle Puck King: Kenan Thompson’s SNL Reign

Kenan Thompson, who joined the Ducks in *D2* as the charismatic Russ Tyler, has achieved the highest level of consistent comedic success. After his breakout roles in *D2* and the Nickelodeon series *Kenan & Kel*, Thompson joined the cast of *Saturday Night Live* in 2003.

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His tenure on *SNL* is legendary; he is the longest-running cast member in the show's history and has earned multiple Emmy nominations. Thompson's ability to transition from a child star known for the 'knuckle puck' to a comedy icon is a testament to his versatility and comedic genius, securing his place as a superstar of modern television.

The Legacy of D2: Reunions, Rivalries, and the Disney+ Revival

The enduring popularity of *D2: The Mighty Ducks* is evident not just in the careers of its stars but also in the continued reunions and the Disney+ revival series, *The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers*.

The Return of Team Iceland and the Rivalry

No discussion of *D2* is complete without mentioning the formidable rivals, Team Iceland, led by the ruthless Coach Wolf "The Dentist" Stansson, played by Carsten Norgaard. Norgaard, a Danish actor, has continued to work in television, appearing in shows like *The Man in the High Castle* and *Person of Interest* after his memorable role as the villainous coach.

The intensity of the Team USA vs. Team Iceland rivalry, culminating in the dramatic shootout finale, remains one of the most iconic moments in 90s sports cinema.

The Disney+ Revival and Notable Absences

The 2021 Disney+ series, *The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers*, brought many of the original Ducks back to the ice, including Elden Henson, Marguerite Moreau, Vincent LaRusso, and Kenan Thompson. However, the show faced a major shake-up when the star of the franchise, Emilio Estevez, departed before the second season. This high-profile exit left a void in the show, but it did not diminish the excitement of seeing the other Ducks reunite.

Another notable absence from the revival was Joshua Jackson (Charlie Conway), whose busy schedule with shows like *Dr. Death* prevented his participation, though he has expressed continued love for the franchise. The reunion episodes confirmed the enduring bond of the cast and satisfied fans' curiosity about what their favorite players were up to as adults.

Other Key Ducks: From Jesse Hall to Jussie Smollett

The ensemble cast was vast, and many other actors have their own unique stories. Brandon Adams, who played the powerful forward Jesse Hall, is also known for his role in *The Sandlot* but has largely stepped away from acting, with his last known role being in the early 2000s.

Jussie Smollett, who played Terry Hall (Jesse's brother) in the original film, did not return for *D2* but went on to a high-profile role on the show *Empire* before his career was derailed by legal issues. The diverse paths of the supporting cast, from public service to comedy stardom, truly encapsulate the wide-ranging legacy of the Ducks.

The spirit of the Ducks, defined by teamwork, underdogs, and the unforgettable "Quack!" chant, continues to resonate with fans of all ages. Whether they are fighting fires, starring on SNL, or making an inspirational comeback, the *D2: The Mighty Ducks* cast has proven that once a Duck, always a Duck.