The Tragic Fate Of 'Sebastian' From The NeverEnding Story 2: The Unforgettable Life Of Jonathan Brandis

Decades after its release, The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter remains a bittersweet piece of 1990s cinema, largely due to the enduring, and ultimately tragic, legacy of its star. As of December 12, 2025, the film’s main character, Bastian Bux—often mistakenly remembered by fans as 'Sebastian'—is intrinsically linked to the short but brilliant career of actor Jonathan Brandis, a teen idol whose life was cut short far too soon. This sequel, which took us back to the magical world of Fantasia, is now viewed through a lens of profound nostalgia and sorrow, prompting new generations to discover the man behind the boy who could not stop wishing.

The sequel, released six years after the beloved original, saw a completely new cast step into the iconic roles, with Brandis taking over as the young protagonist who rediscovers the power of the magical book, *The NeverEnding Story*. While the film itself received mixed reviews and struggled to capture the magic of its predecessor, Brandis's portrayal of Bastian Bux was a defining moment for the young actor, cementing his status as a recognizable face in early 90s pop culture. His performance and subsequent career trajectory are what truly keep the memory of this "next chapter" alive today.

The Life and Tragic Legacy of Jonathan Brandis (The Man Behind Bastian Bux)

The actor who brought Bastian Bux to life in the 1990 sequel was Jonathan Gregory Brandis. His story is one of a rapid rise to fame as a teen heartthrob, followed by a devastating downturn that still resonates with his fans today.

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• Full Name: Jonathan Gregory Brandis
• Born: April 13, 1976, in Danbury, Connecticut, USA.
• Died: November 12, 2003 (Aged 27), in Los Angeles, California, USA.
• Cause of Death: Suicide.
• Key Role (Child): Bastian Bux in The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter (1990).
• Key Role (Teen): Lucas Wolenczak in the television series SeaQuest DSV (1993–1996).
• Other Notable Roles: Young Bill Denbrough in Stephen King's miniseries It (1990).
• Career Start: Began his career as a child model before transitioning to acting at age 9.

Brandis's role as Bastian Bux was a major career highlight, coming in the same year he starred in the iconic horror miniseries *It*. He quickly became a fixture on magazine covers and bedroom walls, largely thanks to his subsequent role as the young prodigy Lucas Wolenczak on Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi series, *SeaQuest DSV*.

However, as the 1990s closed, Brandis struggled to transition from a successful child star to a leading adult actor. This professional disappointment, coupled with other personal battles, led to his tragic death in 2003 at the age of 27. His story has become a poignant example of the pressures faced by young actors in Hollywood, ensuring that his memory, and his portrayal of Bastian, remains a deeply emotional topic for fans.

The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter – A Sequel Under Scrutiny

The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter arrived six years after the German-made original, attempting to revisit the magic of Fantasia with a new storyline and, critically, a new cast. The film’s narrative follows Bastian Bux (Jonathan Brandis) as he returns to the bookstore, still haunted by his adventures, and finds himself pulled back into the world of the Childlike Empress.

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The central premise of the sequel revolves around the power of the magical amulet, the Auryn. Each time Bastian makes a wish in Fantasia, he loses a memory from his real life. This plot introduces new threats and entities, forcing Bastian to confront the cost of his imagination. The main antagonist is the wicked sorceress Xayide, who manipulates Bastian into using his wishes to benefit her sinister plans. She is aided by her bird-like servant, Nimbly, and the new existential threat, The Emptiness, which is slowly consuming Fantasia.

One of the most immediate points of contention for fans was the complete recasting of the main roles. Barret Oliver, who played Bastian in the first film, was replaced by Jonathan Brandis. Similarly, Noah Hathaway's Atreyu was replaced by Kenny Morrison, and Tami Stronach’s Childlike Empress was replaced by Alexandra Johnes. Only the voice of the Rockbiter remained from the original cast.

Critics often described the sequel as a "forgettable follow-up" and a "revised version of the first" rather than a true continuation. The film’s themes, however, are still powerful, exploring the relationship between memory, imagination, and the responsibility that comes with great power. The movie’s score, composed by Robert Folk, also attempted to capture the grand scale of the original, lending an epic feel to Bastian's new, memory-erasing quest.

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The Enduring Cult Appeal and Topical Authority of Bastian Bux

Despite the critical lukewarmness, *The NeverEnding Story II* holds a significant place in the hearts of 90s kids, and the story of Bastian Bux continues to generate topical authority for several key reasons.

Nostalgia and the 90s Teen Idol Phenomenon

For an entire generation, Jonathan Brandis was the face of the early 90s. His involvement in the film, alongside his concurrent fame in *SeaQuest DSV*, cemented the sequel's place in 1990s pop culture. The film is a pure nostalgia hit, reminding viewers of a time when fantasy films relied more on practical effects and grand, somewhat frightening, creature designs, like the Acharis—the giant, insect-like creatures who guarded the secret of the wishes.

The Tragic Shadow of the Actor

The most compelling reason for the film's enduring relevance is the tragic fate of Jonathan Brandis. Any modern discussion of the movie inevitably turns to the actor's struggles and untimely passing. This context adds a layer of profound sadness to the themes of the film—a story about a boy losing his memories through wishes—creating a meta-narrative about the fleeting nature of fame and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. The bittersweet memory of Brandis has turned the film into a cult classic, cherished not just for its content, but for the life it represents.

The Complexities of Fantasia’s Lore

The sequel deepened the lore established by Michael Ende’s original novel, even if it took liberties with the source material. It introduced new entities and concepts that are still debated by fans today:

• The Auryn’s Price: The idea that the power of wishing comes at the cost of one's own memories is a sophisticated, dark concept for a children's film.
• Xayide: The first film’s villain was The Nothing, an abstract concept. The sequel introduced Xayide, a tangible, manipulative sorceress, making the threat more personal and immediate for Bastian.
• Falkor’s Return: The return of Falkor the Luck Dragon, though voiced by a different actor, provided the necessary link to the original film, offering comfort and familiarity amid the new, darker threats.

Ultimately, the enduring search for "Sebastian Neverending Story 2" is a search for Jonathan Brandis. It is a quest to understand the talented young actor who took on the role of Bastian Bux and, in doing so, became an unforgettable part of cinematic history. While the film may not be as revered as its predecessor, the memory of Brandis ensures that *The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter* will always remain a relevant and emotionally charged topic for fans of 90s fantasy and the tragic tale of a fallen star.