From Teen Heartthrob To Hollywood A-Lister: What The '17 Again' Cast Is Doing Now In 2024

It has been over fifteen years since the fantasy-comedy 17 Again hit theaters, captivating audiences with its blend of high school hijinks and heartfelt family drama. The 2009 film, which saw a disillusioned adult Mike O’Donnell magically revert to his 17-year-old self, launched the next phase of Zac Efron's career and provided a memorable final major film role for the late Matthew Perry. As of December 2025, the cast has scattered across Hollywood, from leading blockbuster films to critically acclaimed television projects, making headlines with both career triumphs and personal tragedy.

The film, directed by Burr Steers and written by Jason Filardi, remains a nostalgic favorite, prompting fans to constantly ask: Where are the stars of 17 Again now? The 2024-2025 period has brought significant updates for the key players, cementing their status as some of the most enduring and recognizable faces in film and television.

The Complete '17 Again' Cast: A Biography & Career Update

The ensemble cast of 17 Again featured a mix of established comedic veterans and rising young talent. Here is a look at the core cast, their key roles in the film, and a detailed breakdown of their careers and recent updates through late 2025.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Zac Efron (Young Mike O'Donnell)
  • Born: October 18, 1987 (Age 38)
  • Role in 17 Again: The 17-year-old version of Mike O'Donnell, a man given a second chance to fix his life.
  • Post-17 Again Highlights: The Paperboy (2012), Neighbors (2014), Baywatch (2017), The Greatest Showman (2017), Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019), and the documentary series Down to Earth with Zac Efron.
• Matthew Perry (Adult Mike O'Donnell)
  • Born: August 19, 1969
  • Died: October 28, 2023 (Age 54)
  • Role in 17 Again: The 37-year-old, disillusioned Mike O'Donnell.
  • Post-17 Again Highlights: Recurring television roles in The Good Wife (2012–2013) and The Good Fight (2017), and the mini-series The Kennedys: After Camelot (2017). His memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, was released in 2022.
• Leslie Mann (Scarlet O'Donnell)
  • Born: March 26, 1972 (Age 53)
  • Role in 17 Again: Mike's estranged wife, Scarlet.
  • Post-17 Again Highlights: Funny People (2009), This Is 40 (2012), Blockers (2018), and voice work in The Croods: A New Age (2020).
• Thomas Lennon (Ned Gold)
  • Born: August 9, 1970 (Age 55)
  • Role in 17 Again: Mike's wealthy, sci-fi-loving best friend.
  • Post-17 Again Highlights: Starring as Lieutenant Jim Dangle in Reno 911!, and roles in films like The Dark Knight Rises (2012) and Dog Days (2018).
• Michelle Trachtenberg (Maggie O'Donnell)
  • Born: October 11, 1985 (Age 40)
  • Role in 17 Again: Mike and Scarlet's daughter.
  • Post-17 Again Highlights: Continuing her iconic role as Georgina Sparks in the Gossip Girl reboot (2023) and voice work in the animated series Harriet the Spy (2023).
• Sterling Knight (Alex O'Donnell)
  • Born: March 5, 1989 (Age 36)
  • Role in 17 Again: Mike and Scarlet's son, a high school basketball player.
  • Post-17 Again Highlights: Known for his main role as Chad Dylan Cooper in the Disney Channel series Sonny with a Chance and the spin-off So Random!.

Zac Efron's Blockbuster Career and 2025's Most Anticipated Films

Zac Efron's performance as the teenage Mike O'Donnell was pivotal, successfully transitioning him from a Disney Channel heartthrob to a bankable leading man in Hollywood. The film showcased his comedic timing and dramatic depth, proving he was ready for more mature roles.

In the years since, Efron has diversified his portfolio, taking on everything from dramatic thrillers to critically acclaimed biopics. His work in the Netflix documentary series Down to Earth also highlighted his commitment to environmental causes, appealing to a broader, more mature audience.

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a major one for the actor. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the Netflix romantic comedy A Family Affair, where Efron stars alongside Joey King. Furthermore, he is set to return to his Disney roots, though in a new context, by joining the cast of the dramedy remake of Three Men and a Baby. In late 2024, Efron was also spotted on set for a new untitled thriller project, tentatively called Famous, indicating his continued focus on challenging, varied roles.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

The Enduring Legacy of Matthew Perry and Heartfelt Tributes

The role of the adult Mike O'Donnell was one of Matthew Perry's most memorable big-screen performances outside of his iconic work as Chandler Bing on Friends. His portrayal of a man struggling with regret and the desire for a do-over resonated deeply with audiences.

The most significant and somber update for the cast came in late 2023. Matthew Perry tragically passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. The official autopsy report, released in December 2023, determined his cause of death to be the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine as contributing factors.

Following his passing, the entire entertainment industry, including his former castmates, shared heartfelt tributes, underscoring the profound impact he had on comedy and pop culture. His legacy continues not only through his acting roles but also through his candid memoir, which detailed his lifelong struggles and commitment to helping others with addiction.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

From Supporting Roles to New Thrillers: Updates on the Extended Cast

The strength of 17 Again lay in its supporting cast, who provided both the film's comedic heart and its emotional grounding. Many of these actors have gone on to forge impressive careers in the years since the film’s release.

Leslie Mann and Thomas Lennon: Comedy Veterans' Latest Ventures

Leslie Mann, who played Mike's wife Scarlet, continues to be a fixture in Hollywood comedies and drama. While she had several projects in development, her most recent work includes the animated sequel The Croods: A New Age (2020) and the comedy Blithe Spirit (2021). She has several upcoming films in the works, including the highly anticipated projects Rock The Boat and The Olive Sisters.

Thomas Lennon, the eccentric billionaire Ned Gold, has remained incredibly busy. In late 2024, he starred in the romantic comedy Chosen Family. He is also slated to appear in the upcoming film The Casket Girls. Beyond acting, Lennon is a prolific writer and director, having served as the director of the Documentary Film Lab at Rutgers University since 2018.

The O'Donnell Children and the High School Antagonists

Michelle Trachtenberg (Maggie O'Donnell) has kept her television career vibrant. In 2023, she reprised her fan-favorite role as the manipulative Georgina Sparks in the Max reboot of Gossip Girl, a character she first made famous in the original series. She also lent her voice to the animated series Harriet the Spy.

Sterling Knight (Alex O'Donnell) is perhaps best known for his Disney Channel roles, particularly Chad Dylan Cooper. While his recent film credits have been lighter, he remains a recognizable figure, with fans often sharing "then and now" looks at the former teen star on social media.

Finally, the cast members who played key high school figures are also making waves. Hunter Parrish, who played the school bully Stan, has moved on to major television roles. In a significant career update, he was cast in the new mystery thriller series Scarpetta, which was announced in October 2024. He also appeared in the Hulu miniseries The Other Black Girl (2023). Melora Hardin, who played Principal Jane Masterson, continues her successful career following her iconic role in The Office and five seasons of The Bold Type. In 2024, she was a presenter at the Astra Awards, and her movie Clock is currently streaming on Hulu.