The Billion-Dollar Cast: What The Freaks And Geeks Actors Are Doing Now In 2025

Twenty-six years after its debut, the single-season wonder *Freaks and Geeks* remains one of television’s most influential and beloved cult classics. The show, created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow, launched a staggering number of future A-list movie stars, writers, and directors. Its premature cancellation in 2000 is now legendary, but the cast's subsequent dominance in Hollywood is the true story of success.

As of late 2025, the actors who once walked the halls of William McKinley High School are busier than ever. They are directing blockbuster films, starring in major streaming series, and leading the charge in new psychological thrillers and horror reboots. Here is the definitive, up-to-date look at what the iconic *Freaks and Geeks* ensemble is doing right now and the enduring legacy of their careers.

The Freaks and Geeks Cast: Full Biography and Career Highlights

The cast of *Freaks and Geeks* is often referred to as a "billion-dollar cast" due to the collective box office and streaming success of its main players. Their careers span the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), major network sitcoms, and critically acclaimed dramedies, cementing the show’s status as a true launching pad for talent.

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• Linda Cardellini (Lindsay Weir): Born in Redwood City, California, Cardellini’s career post-*Freaks and Geeks* exploded across both film and television. She is instantly recognizable to a generation as Velma in the live-action *Scooby-Doo* films, and she earned an Emmy nomination for her dramatic turn as Laura Barton in the MCU (starting with *Avengers: Age of Ultron*). She was a main cast member on the acclaimed series *ER* and later starred in the Netflix dark comedy *Dead to Me*.
• John Francis Daley (Sam Weir): Born in Wheeling, Illinois, Daley is one of the few cast members to have a massive second career behind the camera. While he is known for starring as Dr. Lance Sweets on the long-running series *Bones*, his most significant impact has been as a screenwriter and director, often alongside his partner, Jonathan Goldstein. Their credits include the screenplays for *Spider-Man: Homecoming* and *Horrible Bosses*.
• James Franco (Daniel Desario): Born in Palo Alto, California, Franco achieved major Hollywood stardom early in his career, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for *127 Hours*. He is also known for his roles in the *Spider-Man* trilogy, *Pineapple Express*, and *The Disaster Artist*, which he directed. Franco has also pursued an extensive academic career and is a published author.
• Samm Levine (Neal Schweiber): Born in Chicago, Illinois, Levine is a prolific actor and a fixture in the comedy world. Beyond his role as the aspiring comedian geek, he is well-known for his recurring appearances on *Drunk History* and his work as a panelist on various comedy and game shows. He is also a successful voice actor in animated series and video games.
• Seth Rogen (Ken Miller): Born in Vancouver, Canada, Rogen transitioned from actor to one of Hollywood’s most powerful writer-producers, often collaborating with his childhood friend Evan Goldberg. Their production company, Point Grey Pictures, is behind hits like *Superbad*, *Knocked Up*, *This Is the End*, and the critically acclaimed series *Preacher* and *The Boys*. Rogen is considered a titan of modern comedy.
• Jason Segel (Nick Andopolis): Born in Los Angeles, California, Segel became a household name playing Marshall Eriksen on the hugely successful sitcom *How I Met Your Mother*. He is also an accomplished screenwriter, having written and starred in films like *Forgetting Sarah Marshall* and the 2011 reboot of *The Muppets*. He has recently shifted to more dramatic, critically praised roles.
• Martin Starr (Bill Haverchuck): Born in Santa Monica, California, Starr is a familiar face in the comedy and indie film world, often working with the same group of collaborators from *Freaks and Geeks*. He had major roles in the HBO series *Silicon Valley* and was a recurring character (Mr. Harrington) in the MCU’s *Spider-Man* trilogy. He is celebrated for his dry, deadpan comedic delivery.
• Busy Philipps (Kim Kelly): Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Philipps has maintained a strong presence in both acting and media. She gained significant recognition for her role as Audrey Liddell on *Dawson’s Creek* and Laurie Keller on *Cougar Town*. She is also an influential author, podcaster, and advocate, known for her candid and engaging public persona.

The Latest 2025 Projects: From Marvel to Horror Reboots

The cast’s collective output in 2025 highlights their continued relevance and evolution in the entertainment landscape. Many are moving into new genres and taking on significant creative control over their projects.

Seth Rogen and Jason Segel’s Apple TV+ Dominance

The comedy duo of Seth Rogen and Jason Segel continue to be major players for Apple TV+, demonstrating the platform's trust in their creative vision.

Rogen is currently starring in the critically acclaimed satirical comedy series, *The Studio* (2025–present), a project he co-created, wrote, and directed. This ambitious series is Rogen’s most personal and comprehensive love letter to show business yet, solidifying his role as a multifaceted auteur in the comedy space.

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Meanwhile, Segel, who has been praised for his leading role in the dramedy *Shrinking*, is expanding his relationship with Apple TV+. He is set to star in a new psychological thriller film titled *Sponsor*. This move showcases Segel’s commitment to exploring darker, more complex acting roles beyond the comedic comfort zone established by *How I Met Your Mother*.

Linda Cardellini and the Horror Revival

Linda Cardellini, the original Lindsay Weir, is making a major splash in the horror genre. She has officially joined the cast of Peacock’s highly anticipated *Friday the 13th* prequel series, *Crystal Lake*. This project, produced by A24, marks a significant, high-profile entry for Cardellini into one of the most iconic horror franchises of all time. With a predicted Halloween 2025 release, her role is shaping up to be a perfect successor to her acclaimed work in the Netflix thriller *Dead to Me*.

John Francis Daley’s Blockbuster Directing Career

John Francis Daley, who played the quintessential geek Sam Weir, is now one of Hollywood’s most sought-after directors and screenwriters. Following the success of *Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves* (2023), Daley and his partner Jonathan Goldstein are attached to direct a new, wholly original *Star Trek* film for Paramount. This project is separate from the Kelvin timeline and promises a fresh take on the classic sci-fi universe. Daley is also linked to the upcoming *A Minecraft Movie*, further cementing his status as a go-to director for major studio franchises.

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The Enduring Geeks and Freaks: Samm, Martin, Busy, and James

The supporting cast members continue to diversify their careers across various platforms, from short films and podcasts to new television ventures.

Busy Philipps (Kim Kelly) has transitioned successfully into the world of talk shows and podcasting. While her acclaimed Peacock comedy *Girls5Eva* concluded its run, Philipps is now hosting a new late-night talk show on QVC+ called *Busy This Week*. She also continues to host her popular podcast, *Busy Philipps Is Doing Her Best*, maintaining her connection with fans.

Martin Starr (Bill Haverchuck) remains a fixture in the film festival circuit and prestige television. He was recently at SXSW 2025 for the short film *Out for Delivery*. Starr also generated buzz by playing coy about a potential return as Mr. Harrington in the upcoming *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, keeping Marvel fans guessing about the future of the MCU. He was also seen at the premiere of *Tulsa King* Season 3 in late 2025.

Samm Levine (Neal Schweiber) continues his steady acting career, recently appearing in the Tubi mockumentary *UnderDeveloped* and the film *Immortal*. Known for his quick wit, Levine is also a prominent personality in the comedy and podcast world, often appearing as a guest or host on various shows.

James Franco (Daniel Desario) has been focusing on smaller, independent projects and stage work following a period of controversy. His current work includes a surreal stage play work-in-progress titled *Desert Films*, which explores themes of fame and fantasy. Additionally, he is set to appear in the 2025 film *Together*, a psychological drama about a couple whose relationship is altered by a supernatural incident.

The Legacy of Freaks and Geeks

The true measure of *Freaks and Geeks*' success isn't its single-season run, but the sheer volume of talent it unleashed onto the world. The show’s creative team—including Feig and Apatow—went on to define a generation of comedy. The actors, who played the awkward, misunderstood teenagers of the 1980s, have become the creative powerhouses shaping the entertainment industry today.

From the director’s chair of a *Star Trek* movie to the lead role in a *Friday the 13th* reboot, the *Freaks and Geeks* cast has proven that a show’s cancellation is often just the beginning of a legendary career. The show's influence continues, not just through reruns, but through the constant, fresh, and high-quality work of its alumni, ensuring the spirit of the freaks and geeks lives on in Hollywood. The fact that the cast members still frequently reunite for various projects, such as John Francis Daley, Samm Levine, and Martin Starr’s recent *Dungeons & Dragons* promotion, shows the bond remains strong.