From Cool Beans To Hollywood Royalty: Where The Hot Rod Movie Cast Is Now (2025 Update)

The 2007 comedy *Hot Rod*, starring the core members of The Lonely Island, was initially met with mixed reviews but has since cemented its place as a quintessential cult classic, beloved for its absurd humor, quotable lines, and unforgettable stunts. As of this current date in late 2025, the cast—a veritable who’s who of modern comedy and dramatic talent—has gone on to dominate nearly every corner of Hollywood, from prestige HBO dramas to blockbuster animated franchises.

The film follows amateur stuntman Rod Kimble (Andy Samberg) as he attempts to jump 15 school buses to raise money for his abusive stepfather Frank Powell’s (Ian McShane) heart surgery, all so he can finally fight him. The journey, filled with "Cool Beans" moments and "Trippin' Balls" sequences, launched the careers of several comedy heavyweights into the stratosphere. Here is a comprehensive look at the main actors and their biggest projects since Rod Kimble's quest for respect.

The Main Crew: Rod Kimble, Kevin, and Dave

The heart of *Hot Rod* lies with Rod Kimble and his loyal, if slightly awkward, stunt crew. The core trio of Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Bill Hader have all found massive success, often working together on new projects, proving that the spirit of The Lonely Island is alive and well.

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Andy Samberg (Rod Kimble)

Andy Samberg, who played the determined but perpetually failing stuntman Rod Kimble, has had perhaps the most high-profile career trajectory. After his iconic run on *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) and his role in *Hot Rod*, he became a household name as Detective Jake Peralta on the critically acclaimed sitcom *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*.

• Role in *Hot Rod*: Rod Kimble, the lead amateur stuntman with a fake mustache.
• Latest Projects (2024–2025): Samberg recently appeared in the 2024 film *Lee*, a biographical drama about photographer Lee Miller, demonstrating his dramatic range. He is also slated for a voice role in the highly anticipated animated sequel *Zootopia 2* in 2025 and is set to star in the romantic comedy *42.6 Years*.
• The Lonely Island: Samberg continues his work with Jorma Taccone and director Akiva Schaffer. The comedy trio recently made a sporadic return to *SNL* for its 50th season (October 2024), and there are ongoing talks about new music and comedy projects, keeping their unique brand of musical comedy alive.

Jorma Taccone (Kevin)

Jorma Taccone played Kevin, Rod's half-brother and the crew’s manager/filmmaker. Taccone is a key member of The Lonely Island and has excelled both in front of and behind the camera.

• Role in *Hot Rod*: Kevin, the earnest filmmaker documenting Rod's stunts.
• Latest Projects (2024–2025): Along with Samberg and Schaffer, Taccone is heavily involved in The Lonely Island's creative endeavors. He is also a prolific director and writer, having co-directed the mockumentary *Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping*. Taccone has openly discussed the possibility of a *Hot Rod 2* sequel, though he has suggested the group's evolving output makes it unlikely to come to fruition.

Bill Hader (Dave)

Bill Hader's portrayal of Dave, the crew member who famously "tripped balls," was one of the film's most memorable supporting roles. Hader's career has skyrocketed since, moving from *SNL* sketch comedy to becoming one of television's most respected writer-directors.

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• Role in *Hot Rod*: Dave, Rod's enthusiastic and easily distracted crew member.
• Latest Projects (2024–2026): Following the massive success of his HBO series *Barry*, Hader is developing a new HBO comedy series with writer Duffy Boudreau. In animation, Hader is set to voice the title role in the animated film *The Cat in the Hat*, scheduled for release around 2025/2026. He is also developing a highly-anticipated HBO limited series centered on the infamous Jim Jones cult and the Jonestown tragedy.

The Scene-Stealers: Rico, Denise, and the Powell Parents

The supporting cast of *Hot Rod* brought a surprising amount of gravitas and comedic depth, transforming what could have been a simple sketch-comedy movie into a true cult classic. These actors have continued to take on diverse and compelling roles across film and television.

Danny McBride (Rico)

Danny McBride played Rico, the fourth member of Rod's crew. His deadpan delivery and unique comedic style were perfectly suited for the film's absurdity. McBride has since become a powerhouse in the comedy world, often collaborating with filmmaking partners David Gordon Green and Jody Hill on projects that blend dark humor with Southern Gothic themes.

• Role in *Hot Rod*: Rico, the philosophical and often stoned crew member.
• Latest Projects (2024–2026): McBride is the creative force behind several acclaimed HBO series, including *Eastbound & Down* and *The Righteous Gemstones*. His upcoming projects include a TV adaptation of the horror-comedy novel *The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires* (2024) and a voice role in *The Angry Birds Movie 3* (2026).

Isla Fisher (Denise)

Isla Fisher portrayed Denise, the love interest who joins Rod's crew. Known for her breakout role in *Wedding Crashers*, Fisher brought a much-needed grounded presence to the chaos of Rod's life.

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• Role in *Hot Rod*: Denise, Rod's neighbor and eventual crew member.
• Latest Projects (2024–2025): Fisher continues to work steadily in comedy and drama. In 2024, she starred in the family comedy film *The Present*. Looking ahead to 2025, she is slated to appear in the highly anticipated sequel *Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy* and has a voice role in the animated film *Dog Man*.

Ian McShane (Frank Powell)

Ian McShane played Frank Powell, Rod's abusive and perpetually unimpressed stepfather who serves as the film’s central antagonist. McShane, an accomplished dramatic actor, brought a menacing yet hilarious seriousness to the role, making the frequent fights with Rod legendary.

• Role in *Hot Rod*: Frank Powell, Rod's harsh stepfather.
• Latest Projects (2024–2025): McShane is perhaps most famous today for his role as Winston in the *John Wick* franchise. His recent work includes the 2024 thriller *American Star* and voice work as Tai Lung in *Kung Fu Panda 4* (2024). He is set to reprise his role as Winston in the *John Wick* spin-off film *Ballerina* (2025).

Sissy Spacek (Marie Powell)

Sissy Spacek played Marie Powell, Rod’s kind and supportive mother. The Oscar-winning actress, known for roles like *Carrie*, provided a gentle counterpoint to McShane's Frank.

• Role in *Hot Rod*: Marie Powell, Rod's mother.
• Latest Projects (2024–2025): Spacek remains active in both film and television. She is set to star in the FX limited series *Dying for Sex*, alongside Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate, and is also cast in the film adaptation of *Die, My Love*, expected in 2025.

The Enduring Legacy of Hot Rod: Cult Status and Key Entities

Despite its modest box office performance, *Hot Rod* has earned its status as a definitive 21st-century comedy cult classic. The film’s enduring popularity stems from its embrace of the surreal, its unique blend of physical comedy, and the impeccable chemistry of the *SNL*-heavy cast.

The film is loaded with memorable entities that contribute to its topical authority and rewatch value:

• Director: Akiva Schaffer, the third member of The Lonely Island, made his feature directorial debut with *Hot Rod*. Schaffer is currently slated to direct the highly anticipated *The Naked Gun* reboot, starring Liam Neeson, confirming his continued influence in comedy filmmaking.
• The Stunts: The film's ambitious, low-budget stunt work is a key part of its legend. A famous piece of trivia is that Andy Samberg's stunt double, David Barrett, actually broke his leg while filming the opening sequence, highlighting the physical commitment to the comedy.
• The Soundtrack: The *Hot Rod* soundtrack is a major entity in itself, perfectly capturing the 80s-inspired, motivational-rock vibe of Rod’s persona. Key musical entities include the band Europe (with songs like "Danger on the Track" and "Rock the Night"), John Farnham ("You're the Voice"), and the instrumental score by Trevor Rabin. The inclusion of Europe’s "The Final Countdown" is one of the film's most iconic moments.
• Other Entities: Other notable cast members who appeared in *Hot Rod* include Will Arnett as the local radio DJ Jonathan, Chris Parnell, and Will Ferrell, who was originally slated to play Rod Kimble before the role went to Samberg.

The combined success of the *Hot Rod* ensemble—from Bill Hader’s dramatic turn in *Barry* to Andy Samberg’s continued comedic reign—has only amplified the film’s status. It remains a beloved touchstone for a generation of comedy fans, proving that sometimes, the biggest cinematic jumps don't need to clear 15 buses; they just need a crew with heart, a fake mustache, and a whole lot of "Cool Beans."