Kirsten Dunst Spills the Tea on Bring It On Sequel: “Leave Good Things Where They Are

Hey there, folks! I’m Elena West, your go-to motivational speaker, and I’m here to dish out the juiciest details on why Kirsten Dunst is shutting down the idea of a Bring It On sequel. Get ready—this is BIG! The 43-year-old actress, who catapulted to fame playing Torrance Shipman in the hit cheerleader comedy 25 years ago, has changed her tune on reprising her iconic role.
In a recent chat with Entertainment Tonight at the premiere of her new film Roofman in New York City, Kirsten revealed her honest thoughts on returning for a Bring It On sequel. “I’m like, leave good things where they are,” she said with a hint of finality. “I don’t need to put on a cheerleading outfit. I don’t even know what I would do—be a coach or something? Let’s leave it.” This statement marks a significant shift from her previous stance, where she expressed enthusiasm for a potential sequel.
For those who may not recall, Kirsten and her co-stars Gabrielle Union, Eliza Dushku, and Jesse Bradford all moved on after the 2000 movie. However, the franchise continued with six sequels featuring different squads. Over the years, the original cast has teased an on-screen reunion, with Kirsten and Gabrielle even having a mini-reunion for a 2019 Rodarte campaign. This sparked a wave of nostalgia, with the duo reminiscing about their time as Torrance and Isis.
In fact, during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019, Kirsten gushed about the possibility of a sequel, saying, “I had no idea that Gabrielle was in it too and then it became, like, this whole Bring It On thing… If they wanted to make another movie, I would make another movie. It would be so fun!” Fast forward to 2023, Gabrielle shared an update on the status of the sequel, noting that they’ve been developing it “forever,” but the process has been slow, leaving room for doubt.
Despite her initial openness to the idea, Kirsten’s stance on a Bring It On sequel has since shifted. In a 2024 interview with Entertainment Tonight, she expressed skepticism, saying, “I mean, it depends. As long as it’s not embarrassing.” This cautious approach suggests that Kirsten is prioritizing her artistic integrity and doesn’t want to risk tarnishing her legacy.
However, it’s clear that Kirsten still holds Bring It On close to her heart. In August 2024, she made a guest appearance at a screening of the movie at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The crowd went wild as she took the stage, chanting her character’s iconic cheer: “Hate us ’cause we’re beautiful. Well, we don’t like you either. We’re cheerleaders, we are cheerleaders. Roll call!” This moment showcased Kirsten’s enduring connection to the film and its fans.
As we dive deeper into the world of Bring It On, here are some behind-the-scenes secrets that’ll make you appreciate the movie even more. Did you know that the film was originally called Cheer Fever? Or that the script, written by music video director Jessica Bendinger, was a hard sell and almost didn’t get made? In fact, Bendinger revealed that she pitched the script to 28 different places before it was finally greenlit.
Another interesting fact: Kirsten wasn’t the first choice to play Torrance Shipman. The role was initially offered to Marley Shelton, who ultimately decided to star in the 2001 film Sugar and Spice instead. Kirsten, who was 17 at the time, was always a top choice for producers, but she had turned them down several times before finally taking the part after shooting a “depressing, bad indie film.”
The inspiration for Gabrielle Union’s character, Isis, was none other than Michael Jordan. And director Peyton Reed revealed that Gabrielle was instrumental in finding the perfect tone for the film. These tidbits offer a glimpse into the making of a movie that has become a beloved classic.
As we wrap up this story, it’s clear that Kirsten Dunst has made peace with her decision to leave the Bring It On franchise where it is. While fans may be disappointed, it’s hard to argue with her logic. After all, sometimes it’s better to leave good things alone. Now take what you’ve learned and make something great happen!
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed