As You Wish: 7 Princess Bride Cast Members' Shocking New Projects In 2025

Thirty-eight years after the world first fell in love with the tale of Westley and Buttercup, the legendary The Princess Bride cast remains as active and beloved as ever, with several major new projects debuting in late 2024 and 2025. The timeless 1987 fantasy-adventure film, directed by Rob Reiner and written by William Goldman, created a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with new generations, thanks to its quotable lines, swashbuckling adventure, and perfect blend of romance and comedy. As of December 2025, the principal actors are not just resting on their laurels, but are taking on surprising new roles, from psychological thrillers to new Broadway-bound plays, proving their careers are far from "mostly dead."

This deep dive explores the current status of the actors who brought the classic characters—from the Dread Pirate Roberts to Inigo Montoya—to life, offering a fresh look at their most recent and upcoming work. The enduring legacy of the film is a testament to the talent of its ensemble, and their latest endeavors confirm that their careers are still in the "inconceivable" phase of success.

The Princess Bride Cast: Essential Biography and Profile

The core ensemble of The Princess Bride is a collection of cinematic and theatrical legends. Here is a quick profile of the main cast members and the iconic roles they played in the beloved fantasy film:

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• Cary Elwes (Westley / The Dread Pirate Roberts):
  • Born: October 26, 1962 (London, England)
  • Role: The Farm Boy who becomes the legendary pirate, a master swordsman who seeks to rescue his true love, Buttercup.
  • Notable Post-Bride Roles: Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Saw, Stranger Things, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
• Robin Wright (Buttercup):
  • Born: April 8, 1966 (Dallas, Texas, USA)
  • Role: The beautiful farm girl, the titular Princess Bride, whose love for Westley drives the story.
  • Notable Post-Bride Roles: Forrest Gump, Wonder Woman, Blade Runner 2049, and the Emmy-nominated role of Claire Underwood in House of Cards.
• Mandy Patinkin (Inigo Montoya):
  • Born: November 30, 1952 (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
  • Role: The Spanish master swordsman consumed by a quest for revenge against the six-fingered man. His line, "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die," is one of cinema's most famous.
  • Notable Post-Bride Roles: Dick Tracy, Homeland (Saul Berenson), Criminal Minds, and a celebrated Broadway career.
• Chris Sarandon (Prince Humperdinck):
  • Born: July 24, 1942 (Beckley, West Virginia, USA)
  • Role: The villainous, cowardly, and manipulative Prince of Florin who intends to marry Buttercup.
  • Notable Post-Bride Roles: Fright Night, the voice of Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
• Wallace Shawn (Vizzini):
  • Born: November 12, 1943 (New York City, USA)
  • Role: The small, self-proclaimed genius and criminal mastermind who constantly uses the word "Inconceivable!"
  • Notable Post-Bride Roles: My Dinner with Andre, the voice of Rex in the Toy Story franchise, Gossip Girl.
• Carol Kane (Valerie, The Wife of Miracle Max):
  • Born: June 18, 1952 (Cleveland, Ohio, USA)
  • Role: The eccentric, nagging, but ultimately helpful wife of Miracle Max.
  • Notable Post-Bride Roles: Taxi (Simka), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
• Billy Crystal (Miracle Max):
  • Born: March 14, 1948 (New York City, USA)
  • Role: The former "wizard" or magician who helps Westley get "mostly dead" back to "all alive."
  • Notable Post-Bride Roles: When Harry Met Sally..., City Slickers, the voice of Mike Wazowski in Monsters, Inc., and a nine-time host of the Academy Awards.

Inconceivable! Major New Projects from the Cast in 2024 and 2025

The enduring popularity of the film means that the cast is constantly asked about their experiences making the movie and their famous lines. However, the actors have continued to build impressive, diverse careers. The latter half of 2024 and the entire 2025 year have been particularly busy for the ensemble, with several high-profile releases and productions.

Robin Wright and Billy Crystal Take on Darker Roles

Two of the film's biggest stars have recently ventured into dramatic and psychological territory, a notable shift from the lighthearted fantasy of The Princess Bride.

Robin Wright's Directorial Thriller
Robin Wright (Buttercup) has been focused heavily on her work behind the camera. Her latest venture, the psychological thriller series The Girlfriend for Prime Video, sees her in a triple role as producer, director, and lead actress. This follows her critically acclaimed directorial debut with the film Land. In addition to her work as a director, Wright also appeared in the 2024 film Damsel alongside Millie Bobby Brown, and she is set to star in the upcoming drama Here (2024) with Tom Hanks. Her continued commitment to both acting and directing showcases her evolution as a prominent Hollywood figure.

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Billy Crystal's Dramatic Turn
Billy Crystal (Miracle Max), known primarily for his stand-up comedy and romantic-comedy roles, surprised audiences with a dramatic lead in the Apple TV+ psychological thriller series Before. The series, which premiered in October 2024, stars Crystal as a tortured psychiatrist, a role he described as pushing the envelope with darker elements. This unexpected shift demonstrates Crystal's range and his desire to explore new acting territory outside of his comedic comfort zone.

Mandy Patinkin, Cary Elwes, and Wallace Shawn's Diverse Ventures

The trio responsible for some of the film's most memorable moments—the battle of wits and the sword fight—are also thriving in new and diverse projects, from television comedies to new theatrical works.

Mandy Patinkin's Real-Life Comedy
Mandy Patinkin (Inigo Montoya) and his wife, Kathryn Grody, are the focus of the new series Seasoned, a comedy based on their real-life, "delightfully tumultuous relationship." The show, which was featured at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, has been a passion project for the couple. Furthermore, Patinkin has continued his work as a narrator, returning in 2024 to narrate new stories for "Exile." His continued ability to balance serious dramatic work with lighthearted, personal projects is a hallmark of his career.

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Cary Elwes: From Knuckles to Frankenstein
Cary Elwes (Westley) has maintained a strong presence in genre television. In 2024, he appeared in the Paramount+ comedy series Knuckles, a spin-off from the Sonic the Hedgehog film series. Looking ahead, Elwes is reportedly circling a role in FX's dark comedy pilot, Very Young Frankenstein. He also remains closely tied to the film's legacy through his popular book, As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the beloved production.

Wallace Shawn's Return to the Stage
Wallace Shawn (Vizzini), an accomplished playwright, is set to premiere his new play, What We Did Before Our Moth Days, in 2025. Shawn's commitment to the theater, alongside his continuous voice work as Rex in the Toy Story franchise, showcases his dual career as both a celebrated actor and a respected literary figure. His work continues to challenge and entertain audiences across different mediums.

The Enduring Topical Authority of a Fairy Tale

The film's topical authority—its ability to remain relevant and a constant source of discussion—is fueled not only by the quality of the original film but also by the continued connection between the cast. The actors frequently participate in virtual and in-person reunions, often to the delight of fans. A recent special reunion moment occurred when Cary Elwes and Mandy Patinkin met up, a photo of which was shared online, 37 years after the film’s release. These moments of connection between Westley and Inigo Montoya highlight the genuine bond formed on set, which translates directly into the film’s enduring charm.

Additionally, Chris Sarandon (Prince Humperdinck) has maintained a visible presence at fan conventions in 2025, engaging with audiences about his iconic roles and ongoing projects. Carol Kane (Valerie) has also been busy, starring in the 2024 dramatic comedy Between the Temples, which earned her a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award, while continuing her recurring role as Pelia in the popular series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

The entire The Princess Bride cast has successfully navigated decades of career evolution, transitioning from a cult classic to mainstream success and back again. Their 2024 and 2025 projects—ranging from directing a psychological thriller to starring in a dark comedy and premiering new plays—confirm that the story of Florin and Guilder is only one chapter in their incredible, ongoing careers. The magic of the film, much like the cast itself, is truly timeless, and their new work is a perfect reason to revisit the land of adventure, giants, and true love.