The Annexation Of Fame: 30 Years Later, Where Is The Little Giants Cast Now (2024 Update)?

The enduring underdog story of the 1994 film *Little Giants* is celebrating a massive milestone in 2024: its 30th Anniversary. This family sports comedy, which pitted the scrappy, overlooked "Giants" against the powerful "Cowboys," remains a beloved 90s classic, constantly re-watched by fans who still remember the iconic "Annexation of Puerto Rico" play. With a fresh wave of nostalgia and a new generation discovering the film, it’s the perfect time to catch up with the cast, who have gone on to have fascinating careers, from horror movie stardom to Hallmark Channel staples. The story of brothers Danny O'Shea (Rick Moranis) and Kevin O'Shea (Ed O'Neill) coaching rival pee-wee football teams was more than just a comedy; it was a powerful message about teamwork, challenging gender stereotypes, and celebrating the "un-cool" kids. As of late 2024, the film's legacy is stronger than ever, with cast members teasing reunions and sharing new behind-the-scenes secrets that reveal the chaos and fun of making this cult classic.

The Little Giants Cast: Where Are They Now (2024)

The film featured a mix of established comedy stars and a talented ensemble of child actors, many of whom have continued their careers in Hollywood. Here is a look at the main cast members and their current status, updated for 2024.

Rick Moranis (Danny O'Shea)

• Born: April 18, 1953 (Toronto, Canada)
• Role in *Little Giants*: Danny O'Shea, the kind-hearted, underdog brother who coaches the Little Giants.
• Current Status: Moranis famously stepped away from acting in the late 90s after the death of his wife to focus on raising his children. He has since done sporadic voice work and is set to return to live-action on-screen for the Disney+ sequel *Shrunk*, reprising his role as Wayne Szalinski from the *Honey, I Shrunk the Kids* franchise.
• 2024 Update: His return to the screen for *Shrunk* is one of the most anticipated comebacks in Hollywood.

Ed O'Neill (Kevin O'Shea)

• Born: April 12, 1946 (Youngstown, Ohio)
• Role in *Little Giants*: Kevin O'Shea, the competitive, arrogant older brother who coaches the Cowboys.
• Current Status: O'Neill is a television icon, known globally for his roles as Al Bundy in *Married... with Children* and Jay Pritchett in *Modern Family*.
• 2024 Update: He continues to be a highly respected actor, with his most recent work including voice acting roles and TV appearances.

Shawna Waldron (Becky 'Icebox' O'Shea)

• Born: January 25, 1982 (Glendale, California)
• Role in *Little Giants*: Becky O'Shea, Danny's daughter, a talented football player who is initially rejected by the Cowboys for being a girl, earning her the nickname "Icebox."
• Current Status: Waldron continued acting, appearing in films like *The American President* and the TV series *Ladies Man*. She is a key figure in the film's enduring legacy, representing a character who challenged gender stereotypes in youth sports.
• 2024 Update: She remains active in the industry and frequently participates in cast retrospective interviews and panels.

Devon Sawa (Junior Floater)

• Born: September 7, 1978 (Vancouver, Canada)
• Role in *Little Giants*: Junior Floater, the star player for the Cowboys who struggles with his feelings for Icebox.
• Current Status: Sawa is one of the most successful child actors from the film, known for starring roles in 90s hits like *Casper* and *Now and Then*, and later in the horror franchise *Final Destination* and the TV series *Chucky*.
• 2024 Update: He is still very busy, with recent projects including a role in the upcoming horror film *Heart Eyes*. He has also publicly teased the possibility of a *Little Giants* reunion.

Alexa PenaVega (Priscilla O'Shea)

• Born: August 27, 1988 (Miami, Florida)
• Role in *Little Giants*: Priscilla O'Shea, the younger daughter of Kevin O'Shea.
• Current Status: PenaVega achieved major fame as Carmen Cortez in the *Spy Kids* film series. She is now known for her frequent starring roles in numerous Hallmark Channel movies.
• 2024 Update: She is a prominent figure in family-friendly television and continues to act alongside her husband, Carlos PenaVega.

The Untold Truth: Little Giants Behind-the-Scenes Facts

Despite its wholesome appearance, the production of *Little Giants* was reportedly quite chaotic, leading to some fascinating, little-known facts that have surfaced in recent years. These stories add a layer of intrigue to the film's 30-year legacy.

1. The Writer Thought It Would Be a "Train Wreck"

One of the most surprising revelations is that the film's writer expressed serious doubts during production. The writer reportedly said that *Little Giants* "was going to be a train wreck of massive proportions." Although it didn't perform spectacularly at the box office upon release, it went on to become a massive family favorite on home video, completely defying the initial pessimistic predictions.

2. The Broken Wrist That Was Hidden

Child actor Todd Bosley, who played the character Jake Berman (the team's intellectual and inventor), broke his wrist before filming wrapped. Instead of halting production, Bosley cleverly covered up the injury to avoid being replaced, continuing to film his scenes while hiding the cast. This dedication is a testament to the young cast's commitment to the project.

3. The Real-Life Family Struggles of Rick Moranis

During the filming of *Little Giants*, Rick Moranis was dealing with the serious illness of his wife, Ann Belsky, who tragically passed away in 1991. Devon Sawa (Junior) recalled that the young cast was respectful of Moranis's situation, recognizing that he was going through "family stuff." This context adds a poignant layer to Moranis's famously warm performance as the dedicated father and coach, Danny O'Shea.

The Topical Authority: Dissecting the Iconic "Annexation of Puerto Rico" Play

No discussion of *Little Giants* is complete without a deep dive into the legendary game-winning play. The "Annexation of Puerto Rico" is arguably the most famous trick play in sports movie history, and it is a crucial entity for understanding the film's cultural impact.

The Play's Origin and Mechanics

The play is called by Danny O'Shea in the final moments of the championship game against the Cowboys. The name itself is a quirky, memorable piece of 90s movie dialogue. The play is essentially a variation of a legitimate football trick play known as the Fumblerooski. The steps of the Annexation of Puerto Rico are:

1. The Hike: The center hikes the ball, but instead of handing it off, he places it on the ground between the quarterback's legs.
2. The Fake: The entire offensive line and backfield then sprint in one direction, acting as if the play is going the opposite way.
3. The Execution: The quarterback (Rudy Zolteck in the film) pretends to have the ball and runs with the rest of the team, drawing the defense away.
4. The Score: The player who is supposed to retrieve the ball—in the movie, it's the smallest player, Spike Hammersmith—stays back, picks up the ball, and runs in the opposite direction for the game-winning touchdown.

The moment perfectly encapsulates the *Little Giants*' spirit: using cunning and teamwork, rather than brute force, to defeat a superior opponent.

The Enduring Cultural Impact

The "Annexation of Puerto Rico" has transcended the film itself. It has been referenced in real-life sports commentary and is a well-known piece of football trivia among 90s kids. The play's inclusion solidifies *Little Giants* as a major contribution to the "underdog sports movie" genre, standing proudly alongside classics like *The Mighty Ducks* and *The Sandlot*.

The Little Giants Legacy: Why It Still Resonates in 2024

Thirty years after its premiere, *Little Giants* continues to connect with audiences for several key reasons, demonstrating true topical authority in the nostalgia market. Challenging Gender Norms: The character of Becky "Icebox" O'Shea remains a powerful figure. Her struggle to be taken seriously on the field because of her gender, and her eventual triumph, was ahead of its time. She is a foundational entity in the discussion of female representation in sports films. The Power of the Underdog: The film’s core message—that the kids who are "not good enough" are actually the most valuable—is timeless. The Little Giants team, made up of misfits like the overweight player, the clumsy player, and the girl, proved that heart and smarts can beat talent alone. The Moranis/O'Neill Dynamic: The central conflict between the two brothers, Danny and Kevin, grounded the film in a relatable family rivalry. The chemistry between comedy legends Rick Moranis and Ed O'Neill provided the emotional backbone that elevated the movie beyond a simple kids' sports flick. With a potential reunion on the horizon, thanks to teasing from cast members like Devon Sawa, the 30th Anniversary of *Little Giants* is less about looking back and more about celebrating a legacy that is still very much alive and kicking in 2024. The film’s themes of inclusion, heart, and the perfect trick play ensure its place as a cherished family classic for decades to come.