The live-action film adaptations of The Flintstones—the 1994 blockbuster and the 2000 prequel—remain a fascinating piece of pop culture history, largely due to their star-studded casts. As of late 2024, the actors who brought the beloved Bedrock families to life are busier than ever, with major career comebacks, new television series, and high-profile Broadway runs dominating the news. The enduring legacy of these films is now set to continue with a major new project from Warner Bros. Animation, proving that the Stone Age is far from over.
For fans curious about what Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty are up to three decades later, the updates range from a beloved comedy legend’s return to film to the official announcement of a brand-new animated feature, Meet the Flintstones, set to debut in 2025. This deep dive uncovers the complete cast lists, their most current projects, and the surprising behind-the-scenes facts that made the 1994 film a box office phenomenon.
The Iconic 1994 Cast: Where Are They Now?
The 1994 film, directed by Brian Levant and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, was a massive hit, grossing nearly $342 million worldwide against a $46 million budget. It was celebrated for its stunning set design and special effects, despite mixed reviews from critics. The film’s success was largely attributed to its pitch-perfect casting, which featured some of the biggest names in Hollywood at the time.
John Goodman as Fred Flintstone
- Full Name: John Stephen Goodman
- Born: June 20, 1952 (St. Louis, Missouri)
- Notable Roles: Dan Conner in Roseanne/The Conners, Walter Sobchak in The Big Lebowski, Sully (voice) in Monsters, Inc.
- Current Projects (2024/2025): Goodman continues his successful television run as a lead in two major HBO/Max series, The Righteous Gemstones and The Conners. He is also set to appear in the upcoming animated film Smurfs (2025).
Goodman was reportedly the only actor executive producer Steven Spielberg would consider for the role of Fred, a testament to his ability to capture the character's blustering but lovable nature.
Rick Moranis as Barney Rubble
- Full Name: Frederick Allan Moranis
- Born: April 18, 1953 (Toronto, Canada)
- Notable Roles: Louis Tully in Ghostbusters, Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors, Wayne Szalinski in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.
- Current Projects (2024/2025): Moranis famously stepped away from acting in the late 1990s to focus on his family. In a highly anticipated and recent update, he is officially set to make his return to live-action film by reprising his iconic role as Dark Helmet in the sequel Spaceballs 2, scheduled for release in 2027.
Moranis’s casting as the mild-mannered Barney was considered a perfect foil to Goodman’s boisterous Fred.
Elizabeth Perkins as Wilma Flintstone
- Full Name: Elizabeth Ann Perkins
- Born: November 18, 1960 (Queens, New York)
- Notable Roles: Susan Lawrence in Big, Celia Hodes in Weeds, Jackie in Sharp Objects.
- Current Projects (2024/2025): Perkins has maintained a steady career in film and television. She is set to appear in the sequel Another Simple Favor and the upcoming thriller film The Housemaid (2025).
Rosie O'Donnell as Betty Rubble
- Full Name: Roseann O'Donnell
- Born: March 21, 1962 (Commack, New York)
- Notable Roles: Host of The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Doris in A League of Their Own, Carrie in Sleepless in Seattle.
- Current Projects (2024/2025): O’Donnell continues her work in television and advocacy. She has been seen filming a role for the HBO Max series And Just Like That in 2024 and remains active in producing and political commentary.
Other notable cast members in the 1994 film included:
- Kyle MacLachlan as Cliff Vandercave, the villainous executive.
- Halle Berry as Miss Sharon Stone, Fred's seductive secretary.
- Elizabeth Taylor in her final film role as Fred's mother-in-law, Pearl Slaghoople.
The Prequel Players: Viva Rock Vegas Cast Updates
Released in 2000, The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas served as a prequel, exploring how Fred met Wilma (originally Wilma Slaghoople) and Barney met Betty (originally Betty O’Shale). The film featured an entirely new cast, giving it a distinct identity and tone.
Mark Addy as Fred Flintstone
- Full Name: Mark Ian Addy
- Born: January 14, 1964 (York, England)
- Notable Roles: Dave in The Full Monty, Robert Baratheon in Game of Thrones, Bill Miller in Still Standing.
- Current Projects (2024/2025): Addy is a highly respected English actor who continues to work prolifically in British television and film, known for his versatile supporting roles across various genres.
Stephen Baldwin as Barney Rubble
- Full Name: Stephen Andrew Baldwin
- Born: May 12, 1966 (Massapequa, New York)
- Notable Roles: Michael McManus in The Usual Suspects, various reality TV appearances.
- Career Focus: Baldwin’s career has largely shifted towards faith-based projects, television work, and public speaking.
Kristen Johnston as Wilma Slaghoople
- Full Name: Kristen Angela Johnston
- Born: September 20, 1967 (Washington, D.C.)
- Notable Roles: Sally Solomon in 3rd Rock from the Sun, Tammy Diffendorf in Mom.
- Current Projects (2024/2025): Johnston is a two-time Emmy winner and remains a prominent figure in television comedy. She is starring in the new sitcom Leanne and is also set to co-star in a new Netflix comedy from executive producer Chuck Lorre, marking a reunion from their work on Mom.
Jane Krakowski as Betty O'Shale
- Full Name: Jane Krajkowski
- Born: October 11, 1968 (Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey)
- Notable Roles: Jenna Maroney in 30 Rock, Jacqueline White in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Elaine Vassal in Ally McBeal.
- Current Projects (2024/2025): A Tony, Olivier, and Critics’ Choice Award-winning actress, Krakowski is currently starring on Broadway. She is slated to take over the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in the hit comedy Oh, Mary! in the fall of 2024.
The prequel also featured Alan Cumming as The Great Gazoo and Thomas Gibson as the villainous Chip Rockefeller, adding to the ensemble of recognizable stars.
The Future of Bedrock: A New Animated Movie is Coming
The biggest and most current news for fans of the franchise is the official announcement of a new animated feature film titled Meet the Flintstones.
Warner Bros. Animation confirmed the project at an industry event, signaling a major new effort to revive the classic Hanna-Barbera property for a modern audience. The new film is expected to be a full-length animated feature, returning the characters to their original cartoon format, which many fans believe is the best medium for the Stone Age family.
While a specific voice cast has not been officially confirmed by Warner Bros., the film is currently slated for a potential release in 2025. This project highlights a renewed interest in the world of Bedrock, which could lead to further spin-offs and television series. The focus on animation is a notable departure from the mixed results of the two live-action adaptations, suggesting the studio is prioritizing the original aesthetic and humor of the iconic cartoon.
Behind the Stone Curtain: Box Office Success and Topical Authority
The two live-action films, while polarizing, cemented The Flintstones as a perennial Hollywood property. The 1994 film in particular is a case study in commercial success overcoming critical backlash.
A Box Office Juggernaut
Despite receiving "generally negative reviews from critics," the 1994 live-action adaptation was an undeniable box office smash. It earned a massive $342 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year. This commercial triumph is often attributed to the film's star power, the nostalgia factor, and the incredible detail of the prehistoric world created by the set designers and special effects teams.
The Creative Team and Key Entities
The film’s topical authority rests on a foundation of legendary Hollywood entities:
- Hanna-Barbera: The original creative force behind the 1960s animated series.
- Steven Spielberg: Served as Executive Producer through his company, Amblin Entertainment, lending significant weight and prestige to the project.
- Brian Levant: Directed both The Flintstones (1994) and the prequel Viva Rock Vegas (2000), linking the two live-action cinematic efforts.
- The Costumes: The elaborate, animal-skin costumes and the detailed, prehistoric-inspired gadgets (like the Bronto-crane and various 'dino-powered' appliances) were critical to translating the cartoon to the big screen.
- The Theme Song: The iconic "Meet the Flintstones" theme song, which was re-recorded for the film, remains instantly recognizable.
The lasting appeal of the franchise lies in its ability to blend Stone Age settings with modern suburban life, an element that both live-action films successfully adapted. Whether through the star power of John Goodman and Rick Moranis, or the musical theater brilliance of Jane Krakowski, the cast members of these prehistoric comedies continue to make headlines, ensuring that the legacy of Fred and Barney’s antics remains a relevant part of today’s entertainment landscape.
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