Superbad was a surprise hit movie that catapulted its stars into mainstream success for years to come. The 2007 Columbia Pictures film was a raunchy high school-based comedy following three boys on their quest to get alcohol, go to a party, and ultimately hook up with girls in their final chance before high school ends and they go their separate ways. There had been a string of comedic coming-of-age movies before Superbad — the American Pie series, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Can’t Hardly Wait, and Euro Trip all come to mind — however, these characters come across as more potty-mouthed and more clueless about what they’re doing in the process. Despite this, the friendship between the characters played by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera is clearly heartfelt, despite their downplaying of how much they mean to one another at various points in the movie.
Written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, there is also a significant focus on the secondary characters of the film, who also get a chance to shine. Two bad cops (played by Rogen and SNL’s Bill Hader) keep the hijinks going, and the character of McLovin (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) delivers an unforgettable role as the third wheel friend who becomes a victim in a robbery at a liquor store while trying to buy alcohol with his clearly fake Hawaiian I.D. Of course, the movie wouldn’t be as fun if the boys didn’t have specific girls they wanted to impress at the party they’re buying alcohol for. Of the girls of their affection, none stands out more than Emma Stone in her first true breakout movie role. Despite the mismatch between the two, Stone comes across as down-to-earth and likable as the object of affection for Hill’s character. In fact, this was also the breakout film for Hill and Cera as well. It’s now been nearly 15 years since Superbad was released, so let’s take a look at where the cast is today.
Jonah Hill
Columbia Pictures
Since Superbad, Jonah Hill has had a remarkable career. Hill’s starred in The Wolf of Wall Street, Moneyball, 21 Jump Street (and its sequel 22 Jump Street), War Dogs, This is the End, and recently played a memorable role in the Netflix film Don’t Look Up. He’s a writer, director, and producer, who even created his own critically praised indie film called Mid 90s. Hill is a great improviser, but can also do dramatic roles. Hill’s next role will be in the film, You People, alongside Eddie Murphy, Julia Louis Dreyfus, David Duchovny, and Nia Long. The movie is expected to premiere on Netflix sometime later this year.
Michael Cera
Actor Michael Cera has also stayed consistently busy over the years. Cera starred in Juno, Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist, Year One, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, and numerous television shows like Arrested Development and Children’s Hospital. While not necessarily mainstream blockbusters, most of these roles have been highly praised. Cera has also become a successful voice actor, with numerous television projects coming up over the next year or so.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
While not as big of a star as Jonah Hill or Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse has amassed a magnificent resume of voice acting roles and projects over the years. Mintz-Plasse has been in front of the screen as memorable characters in Kick-Ass (and its sequel Kick-Ass 2), Promising Young Woman, Tag, and Pitch Perfect. He’s also been in significant voice roles in the How to Train Your Dragon and Trolls movies. Mintz-Plasse’s currently part of the cast for the upcoming film, Honor Society.
Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen is one of the most recognizable comedy actors of the past 2 decades. Much like Adam Sandler (whom Rogen co-starred with for the film, Funny People), he’s been producing many of his own hit projects for many years. You may not even realize how many of his films you’re probably already familiar with: Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Pineapple Express, The Green Hornet, 50/50, Neighbors, The Interview, Steve Jobs, The Guilt Trip, among others. You can currently catch Rogen starring in the Hulu series Pam and Tommy.
Bill Hader
Besides his star-making characters as a cast member at Saturday Night Live, Bill Hader has amassed a collection of both mainstream and indie film roles such as Trainwreck, The Skeleton Twins, It Chapter 2, and Men in Black 3. He’s also made a name for himself as a voice actor, with spots in Toy Story 4, Inside Out, Finding Dory, and The Angry Birds Movie 1 & 2, Sausage Party, and South Park. If that wasn’t enough, he’s known to make a guest appearance from time to time in shows like The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Simpsons, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Also, be sure to check out his starring role in the TV series, Barry.
Emma Stone
As one of Hollywood’s it girls, Emma Stone is an A-list actress with roles in La La Land, The Amazing Spider-Man 1 & 2, Cruella, The Help, Crazy Stupid Love, Zombieland, Easy-A, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), The Favourite, and Battle of the Sexes. She even found time to appear in a Paul McCartney music video for the song, “Who Cares,” and star in the Netflix series, Maniac, reuniting with Superbad co-star, Jonah Hill. Up next for Stone will surely be another hit in the Disney dalmatian film, Cruella 2.
