Can't Fight The Moonlight: Where Is The Coyote Ugly Cast Now? (2025 Reunion & Sequel Buzz)

The cult classic *Coyote Ugly* has officially celebrated its quarter-century milestone, and the reunion news is hotter than a bar top on a Saturday night. Released in 2000, the film about aspiring songwriter Violet Sanford's journey to New York and her job at the infamous Coyote Ugly Saloon has become a cultural touchstone, launching the careers of its young, dynamic cast. As of early 2025, the stars have reunited, sparking fresh—and very real—rumors of a sequel or reboot. This article dives deep into the lives of the original Coyotes and the men who loved them, detailing their latest career moves, entrepreneurial ventures, and the surprising details they revealed at their recent 25th-anniversary celebration. From major network television to a multi-million dollar ice cream empire, the *Coyote Ugly* cast has certainly kept busy since they last poured liquor on a piano.

The Original Coyotes and Their Latest 2025 Career Updates

The core cast of *Coyote Ugly* has maintained a strong presence in film and television over the last two decades. Here is a look at what the main stars are doing now, focusing on their most recent projects and notable career shifts.

Piper Perabo (Violet Sanford)

• Role: Violet Sanford, the timid but talented singer/songwriter from New Jersey.
• Current Status: Perabo remains a highly active actress and a vocal political activist.
• Recent Projects (2024–2025): She is well-known to a new generation of fans for her role as Summer Higgins in Taylor Sheridan’s hit series *Yellowstone*. She also recently starred in the Prime Video series *Butterfly*, playing a complex mother and villain. Before this, she was the star of the Golden Globe-nominated spy drama *Covert Affairs* (2010–2014).

Tyra Banks (Zoe)

• Role: Zoe, the headstrong, original Coyote who eventually leaves to attend law school.
• Current Status: Supermodel, media mogul, entrepreneur, and television personality.
• Recent Projects (2024–2025): Tyra Banks has fully embraced her business side, launching her own ice cream company, Smize & Dream, which opened a flagship location in 2024. She also made a highly publicized return to the runway, walking in the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Banks has been the most vocal proponent for a *Coyote Ugly* sequel or television reboot.

Maria Bello (Lil)

• Role: Lil, the tough-as-nails, no-nonsense owner of the Coyote Ugly Saloon.
• Current Status: Actress, writer, and producer, known for her versatile roles in film and TV.
• Recent Projects (2023–2025): Bello had a memorable six-episode stint in the critically acclaimed Netflix/A24 dark comedy series *Beef* (2023). Her other notable roles include *A History of Violence* and a long run on the series *NCIS*.

Adam Garcia (Kevin O'Donnell)

• Role: Kevin O'Donnell, the charming Australian love interest and chef who encourages Violet.
• Current Status: A renowned "triple threat" actor, dancer, and singer, primarily focusing on stage work.
• Recent Projects (2024–2025): Garcia is confirmed to be appearing in the 2025 concert production of the musical *If/Then* in London. He also appeared in the 2023 film *The Performance*. Garcia is perhaps best known for his lead roles in stage musicals like *Saturday Night Fever* and *Kiss Me, Kate*.

Bridget Moynahan (Rachel)

• Role: Rachel, one of the original and most spirited Coyotes.
• Current Status: Star of a long-running police drama.
• Recent Projects (2024):** Moynahan has spent the last decade and a half starring as Erin Reagan on the hit CBS police drama *Blue Bloods*, which is concluding with its final season in 2024. Her career on the show was a major commitment, defining her post-*Coyote Ugly* work.

John Goodman (Bill)

• Role: Bill Sanford, Violet's loving but protective father.
• Current Status: A legendary, Emmy-winning actor with a prolific career across film and television.
• Upcoming Projects (2025–2026): Goodman has no signs of slowing down, with multiple projects in the pipeline, including a role in the animated film *Smurfs* (2025). He is arguably best known for his iconic TV role as Dan Conner in *Roseanne* and its spin-off *The Conners*.

Izabella Miko (Cammie)

• Role: Cammie, the Coyote known for her wild, playful antics on the bar.
• Current Status: Actress, dancer, and visual artist.
• Lesser-Known Fact: Before landing her breakout role in *Coyote Ugly*, the Polish-born actress revealed she was "selling batteries" in Times Square to make ends meet. She continues to act and is also a mixed media artist, showcasing her vibrant, divinely inspired artwork.

The "Wild" 25th Anniversary Reunion and Sequel Rumors

The biggest, most current news for fans is the highly anticipated 25th-anniversary reunion, which took place in Los Angeles in early 2025. The event included a special 35mm screening of the film and a Q&A session with the cast and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, with proceeds benefiting LA wildfire relief efforts. Tyra Banks, who was instrumental in organizing the event, described the get-together as "magical, wild." The reunion saw the return of Piper Perabo, Tyra Banks, Maria Bello, Bridget Moynahan, and Izabella Miko, among others, proving the bond between the "Coyotes" is still strong after two decades.

The Unstoppable Sequel/Reboot Buzz

The reunion wasn't just a nostalgic look back; it served as a major platform to discuss the future of the *Coyote Ugly* franchise. The cast, led by Tyra Banks, has been actively pushing for a sequel or a television series reboot. * Tyra Banks' Vision: Banks has confirmed having meetings about bringing the Saloon back to life, suggesting a modern take that could involve a new generation of Coyotes while incorporating the original cast. * The Original Cast's Enthusiasm: The reunion Q&A was filled with discussions about a potential Part 2, with the cast expressing genuine excitement about reprising their iconic roles. The possibility of seeing Violet Sanford, Lil, Zoe, and the rest of the crew back on the bar top has never been more real.

Behind the Bar: Secrets and Topical Authority

Beyond the main cast, the film is rich with fun facts and behind-the-scenes trivia that contribute to its lasting topical authority. The enduring popularity of *Coyote Ugly* can be traced back to a few key elements: * The Real Coyote Ugly Saloon: The movie is based on the real Coyote Ugly Saloon, which was founded in 1993 in New York City by Liliana "Lil" Lovell. The movie's success helped the real-life bar expand into a global franchise, with locations all over the world. * The Voice of Violet: While Piper Perabo played the role of Violet Sanford, the singing voice for all the songs, including the chart-topping hit "Can't Fight the Moonlight," was actually provided by country singer LeAnn Rimes. Rimes also made a memorable cameo at the end of the film. * The Dance Training: The high-energy bar-top choreography required intense preparation. The actresses underwent rigorous training to master the moves, which included pouring liquor, dancing, and even handling fire safely. This dedication is a major reason why the film's dance sequences remain so iconic. * The Producer Power: The film was produced by the legendary Jerry Bruckheimer, known for action-packed blockbusters like *Top Gun* and *Pirates of the Caribbean*. His involvement gave the relatively small story a big-budget, cinematic feel that contributed to its massive box office success, grossing over $113 million worldwide. The 25th-anniversary reunion not only confirmed the lasting legacy of *Coyote Ugly* but also reignited the hopes of fans for a new chapter. With the original cast members like Piper Perabo and Tyra Banks having successful and current careers in 2025, and with the sequel talks being more serious than ever, the time might finally be right for the Coyotes to fight the moonlight once more.