The Cast ofCruel Intentions: Where Are They Now?

Mar. 15, 2025

Reese Witherspoon (left) as Annette Hargrove and Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn Merteuil in the 1999 film ‘Cruel Intentions.'.Photo:Archive Photos/Stringer/Getty Images

Archive Photos/Stringer/Getty Images

It was aCruelsummer, indeed.On March 5, 1999,Cruel Intentions—a modernremake of 1988’sDangerous Liaisons—hit theaters, enticing audiences with its take on teen prep school culture and its characters involved in its seductive, sometimes dangerous, hierarchy.The film helped launch the careers of its leading stars, includingReese Witherspoon,Selma Blair,Ryan PhillippeandSarah Michelle Gellar. A pop culture touchstone,Cruel Intentionshas spawned two sequels and an off-Broadway musical since its theatrical debut. After all these decades, fans will be happy to know the castmates are still connected in their love of the movie, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024.“Happy 25th #cruelintentions. Everybody still loves you, and I intend to keep it that way,” Gellar captioned a photoon Instagram, nodding to her character’s iconic one-liner in the film. Witherspoon chimed in, posting the promotional movie poster with the caption: “Cue Bitter Sweet Symphony 🎶💗🥂 Happy 25th Anniversary to Cruel Intentions!“Further proving the cult classic’s lasting influence, Amazon Prime Video’s eight-episodeCruel Intentionsserieswill premiere on Nov. 21, with newcomers Sarah Catherine Hook, Zac Burgess and Savannah Lee Smith taking the lead and actorSean Patrick Thomas— who starred in the 1999 original — rounding out the cast.To celebrateCruel Intentionsand its cultural impact, here’s what the cast is up to now.

It was aCruelsummer, indeed.

On March 5, 1999,Cruel Intentions—a modernremake of 1988’sDangerous Liaisons—hit theaters, enticing audiences with its take on teen prep school culture and its characters involved in its seductive, sometimes dangerous, hierarchy.

The film helped launch the careers of its leading stars, includingReese Witherspoon,Selma Blair,Ryan PhillippeandSarah Michelle Gellar. A pop culture touchstone,Cruel Intentionshas spawned two sequels and an off-Broadway musical since its theatrical debut. After all these decades, fans will be happy to know the castmates are still connected in their love of the movie, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024.

“Happy 25th #cruelintentions. Everybody still loves you, and I intend to keep it that way,” Gellar captioned a photoon Instagram, nodding to her character’s iconic one-liner in the film. Witherspoon chimed in, posting the promotional movie poster with the caption: “Cue Bitter Sweet Symphony 🎶💗🥂 Happy 25th Anniversary to Cruel Intentions!”

Further proving the cult classic’s lasting influence, Amazon Prime Video’s eight-episodeCruel Intentionsserieswill premiere on Nov. 21, with newcomers Sarah Catherine Hook, Zac Burgess and Savannah Lee Smith taking the lead and actorSean Patrick Thomas— who starred in the 1999 original — rounding out the cast.

To celebrateCruel Intentionsand its cultural impact, here’s what the cast is up to now.

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Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn Merteuil

Left: Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn Merteuil in 1999’s ‘Cruel Intentions,'; Right: Sarah Michelle Gellar visiting Hallmark’s ‘Home & Family’ at Universal Studios Hollywood on Dec. 17, 2018, in University City, Calif.Melissa Moseley/Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock; Paul Archuleta/Getty

While filming the hit CW seriesBuffy the Vampire Slayer, which aired from 1997 to 2003, Gellar appeared in several films, including the 1997 slashersI Know What You Did Last SummerandScream 2. Two years later, she bookedCruel Intentions, where she starred as the wealthy and popular — and devious — teen Kathryn Merteuil.

Gellar is married to fellow actorFreddie Prinze Jr., whom she met on the set ofI Know What You Did Last Summer. Theytied the knotin 2002 andwelcomed two children: Charlotte Grace, born in 2009, and Rocky James, born in 2012.

Gellar will be attached to the upcomingI Know What You Did Last Summersequel, though she won’t be returning as Helen Shivers.

“I am dead,” she told PEOPLE of her character from the 1997 film in 2024.

“My best friend [Jennifer Kaytin Robinson] is directing it, so we joke that I have an unofficial job, which is I am continuity,” Gellar explained her part in the project. “So I’m always the one telling her, ‘Well, that would happen, or that wouldn’t happen with those characters,’ so I do have kind of an unofficial job title.”

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Reese Witherspoon as Annette Hargrove

Left: Reese Witherspoon as Annette Hargrove in ‘Cruel Intentions,'; Right: Reese Witherspoon attending AT&T & Hello Sunshine Celebrate the Launch of ‘Shine On with Reese’ at NeueHouse Hollywood on Aug. 6, 2018, in L.A.Melissa Moseley/Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Her roles in films likeElection(1999),Legally Blonde(2001),Sweet Home Alabama(2002) andWalk the Line(2005) garnered her praise and various award nominations and victories, including a Best ActressOscarfor her portrayal of June Carter Cash.

Witherspoon’s notable film credits also includeWater for Elephants(2011),Wild(2014), — for which earned her a Best Actress Oscar nomination —Home Again(2017) andYour Place or Mine(2023), among many others. Her small screen credits include starring and executive producingBig Little LiesandLittle Fires Everywhere. Since 2019, she’s played oppositeJennifer Anistonas Bradley Jackson onThe Morning Show, for which she received twoEmmynominations for outstanding lead actress in a drama series.

From 1999 to 2007, Witherspoon wasmarried to Phillippe, with whom she sharestwo children: daughterAva Phillippeand sonDeacon Phillippe. In 2011, shewed talent agentJim Toth, and they welcomed son Tennessee James in 2020. The coupleannounced their divorcein 2023. Witherspoonbegan datingprivate equity financierOliver Haarmannin 2024.

When she isn’t acting, Witherspoon manages her clothing line,Draper James, which she launched in 2015. She’s also the founder of the production companyHello Sunshine, which has produced such projects asDaisy Jones & The Six,Big Little LiesandThe Morning Show.

On the way, Witherspoon has been confirmed to star in the upcomingLegally Blonde 3, reprising her role as Elle Woods in the beloved movie series. In 2022,Deadline confirmedthe actress’ cheerleader seriesAll Starswill get a two-season run on Amazon Prime Video. She’ll also extend her producing credits withEleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, an upcoming series adaptation based on Gail Honeyman’s bestselling novel,according to Deadline.

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Ryan Phillippe as Sebastian Valmont

Left: Ryan Phillippe as Sebastian Valmont in ‘Cruel Intentions,'; Right: Ryan Phillippe attending the 2018 NBCUniversal Upfront presentation at Rockefeller Center on May 14, 2018, in New York City.Melissa Moseley/Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock; Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Phillippe (and his backside) captured the attention of teens across the globe as swoon-worthy bad boy Sebastian Valmont.

Though Sebastian met his untimely fate at the end of the film, Phillippe remained a fixture on the big screen throughout the 2000s and 2010s, appearing inWay of the Gun(2000),Crash(2004),Flags of Our Fathers(2006),MacGruber(2010),The Lincoln Lawyer(2011) andCatch Hell(2014), which he also produced.

When asked how he’d feel about his then-young adult children with Witherspoon,Ava and Deacon, watchingCruel Intentions, Phillippe gave a very Dad-like response.

“You know, I haven’t checked back in with them about it now that they’re both of age,” hetoldE! Newsin 2021. “I don’t know if it would be creepy for them, you know? In some ways, like, if I were to think about watching my parents do some of the things that their parents do in that movie, it wouldn’t be the most appetizing or appealing notion.”

In addition to Ava and Deacon, Phillippe also shares a daughter, Kailani Merizalde, with model Alexis Knapp.

04of 08

Selma Blair as Cecile Caldwell

Left: Selma Blair as Cecile Caldwell in ‘Cruel Intentions,'; Right: Selma Blair attending the 2019 ‘Vanity Fair’ Oscar party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 24, 2019, in Beverly Hills, Calif.Melissa Moseley/Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock; JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP/Getty

Still a big fan, Blair had nothing but nice things to say aboutCruel Intentionswhen speaking to PEOPLE about its enduring appeal in 2024. “It was one of the most gorgeous movies. It still lasts. It still holds up. And I love it. And I love everyone in that cast,” she said, admitting, “I’ll watch it all the time. If it’s in the background, I will never turn it off … Like, never.”

In 2018, Blair revealed she had beendiagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The actress has been open about her journey with the disease on social media and in the 2021 documentaryIntroducing, Selma Blair. She also broke barriers when shecompeted on season 31ofDancing with the Starsin 2022. Blairannounced her departure from the showon week five due to health concerns.

Blair has one son,Arthur Saint, whom she shares with fashion designer Jason Bleick. She was previously married to writer-producer Ahmet Zappa from 2004 to 2006.

05of 08Joshua Jackson as Blaine TuttleLeft: Joshua Jackson as Blaine Tuttle in ‘Cruel Intentions,'; Right: Joshua Jackson attending the 84th annual Drama League Awards at Marriott Marquis Times Square on May 18, 2018, in N.Y.C.Melissa Moseley/Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock; Slaven Vlasic/GettyAs Blaine,Joshua Jacksongot pulled into Sebastian’s scheming.Though Jackson’s role in the film was minor, his career shot forward as Pacey Witter on the popular teen seriesDawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003. The Canadian actor has also had starring roles onFringe,The Affair,Little Fires EverywhereandDr. Death.In 2023, Jackson starred on the Paramount+ showFatal Attraction, and since 2024, he’s taken on the role of Dr. Max Bankman onRyan Murphy’s medical dramaDoctor Odyssey. In 2025, he willappear inKarate Kid: Legendswith franchise starsRalph MacchioandJackie Chan.Jackson dated actressDiane Krugerfrom 2006 to 2016. He later remarried,tying the knotwith actressJodie Turner-Smithin 2019 andwelcoming their daughter,Juno Rose Diana, in 2020. Turner-Smithfiled for divorcein 2023. Jackson was laterromantically linkedto Oscar winnerLupita Nyong’ountil the pair split in 2024, with Nyong’oconfirming her relationship status as “single"during aninterview withHarper’s Bazaar UKthat October.

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Joshua Jackson as Blaine Tuttle

Left: Joshua Jackson as Blaine Tuttle in ‘Cruel Intentions,'; Right: Joshua Jackson attending the 84th annual Drama League Awards at Marriott Marquis Times Square on May 18, 2018, in N.Y.C.Melissa Moseley/Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock; Slaven Vlasic/Getty

As Blaine,Joshua Jacksongot pulled into Sebastian’s scheming.

Though Jackson’s role in the film was minor, his career shot forward as Pacey Witter on the popular teen seriesDawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003. The Canadian actor has also had starring roles onFringe,The Affair,Little Fires EverywhereandDr. Death.

In 2023, Jackson starred on the Paramount+ showFatal Attraction, and since 2024, he’s taken on the role of Dr. Max Bankman onRyan Murphy’s medical dramaDoctor Odyssey. In 2025, he willappear inKarate Kid: Legendswith franchise starsRalph MacchioandJackie Chan.

Jackson dated actressDiane Krugerfrom 2006 to 2016. He later remarried,tying the knotwith actressJodie Turner-Smithin 2019 andwelcoming their daughter,Juno Rose Diana, in 2020. Turner-Smithfiled for divorcein 2023. Jackson was laterromantically linkedto Oscar winnerLupita Nyong’ountil the pair split in 2024, with Nyong’oconfirming her relationship status as “single"during aninterview withHarper’s Bazaar UKthat October.

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Sean Patrick Thomas as Ronald Clifford

Left: Sean Patrick Thomas as Ronald Clifford in ‘Cruel Intentions,'; Right: Sean Patrick Thomas arriving at Jessica and Jerry Seinfeld’s GOOD + Halloween Bash at Sony Pictures Studios on Oct. 28, 2018, in Culver City, Calif.Melissa Moseley/Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock; Steve Granitz/WireImage

After playing Cecile’s music teacher, Ronald Clifford, Thomas notably starred in the 2001 teen romance filmSave the Last Dance.He also appeared in theBarbershopmovie franchise, as well asHalloween: Resurrection(2002),Deep in the Darkness(2014) andTill(2022).

A new generation ofCruel Intentionsfans will see Thomas in the Amazon Prime Video series adaptation; however, he won’t be reprising his role as the compassionate tutor but rather a new character, Professor Chadwick, when the reboot premieres on Nov. 21, 2024.

Thomas is married to actressAonika Laurent, with whom he shares two children.

07of 08

Eric Mabius as Greg McConnell

Left: Eric Mabius as Greg McConnell in ‘Cruel Intentions,'; Right: Eric Mabius attending Hallmark Channel’s TCA winter press tour on Feb. 9, 2019, in L.A.Columbia Pictures/courtesy Everett; AFF-USA/REX/Shutterstock

Eric Mabius played Greg, Annette’s ex, who becomes Sebastian’s blackmail victim. The actor, known for starring on the ABC comedyUgly Bettyfrom 2006 to 2010, has also appeared on the Showtime seriesThe L Word,OutcastsandChicago Fire.

He has two children with his wife, Ivy Sherman.

08of 08Christine Baranski as Bunny CaldwellLeft: Christine Baranski as Bunny Caldwell in ‘Cruel Intentions,'; Right: Christine Baranski attending the 2018 Directors Guild of America Honors in New York.Melissa Moseley/Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock; Andrew H. Walker/Variety/REX/ShutterstockChristine Baranskihad a relatively small part inCruel Intentionsas Cecile’s overbearing mother, but beyond the film, the actress and stage veteran has had a prolific and celebrated career.She has appeared inHow the Grinch Stole Christmas(2000),Chicago(2002),Mamma Mia!(2008),A Bad Moms Christmas(2017) andMamma Mia! Here We Go Again(2018).Baranski is perhaps best known for her role as Diane Lockhart onThe Good Wife, which she played from 2009 to 2016, and its spinoff,The Good Fight, which aired from 2017 to 2022.The Emmy winner had a recurring role onThe Big Bang Theoryand has made guest appearances onFrasier,Ugly BettyandYoung Sheldon. From 2022 to 2023, she starred as Agnes Van Rhijn on HBO’sThe Gilded Ageand voiced anAmerican Mastersepisode withJ.K. Simmonsin 2024.During a 2024 interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, Baranski hinted at the possibility that herMamma Mia!character, Tanya, might be involved in the upcomingMamma Mia 3.Shetold the publication, “I was in London with [producer] Judy Craymer at our favorite watering hole, she is planningMamma Mia 3. She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen. That’s all I can say!“TheCybillstar added, “But, it’s not like, “Oh, I wish it could happen!” Judy Craymer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Craymer to get everybody back together.“Baranski was married to actor and playwright Matthew Cowles from 1983 until he died in 2014. They welcomed two daughters: Isabel Cowles and fellow actressLily Cowles.

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Christine Baranski as Bunny Caldwell

Left: Christine Baranski as Bunny Caldwell in ‘Cruel Intentions,'; Right: Christine Baranski attending the 2018 Directors Guild of America Honors in New York.Melissa Moseley/Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock; Andrew H. Walker/Variety/REX/Shutterstock

Christine Baranskihad a relatively small part inCruel Intentionsas Cecile’s overbearing mother, but beyond the film, the actress and stage veteran has had a prolific and celebrated career.

She has appeared inHow the Grinch Stole Christmas(2000),Chicago(2002),Mamma Mia!(2008),A Bad Moms Christmas(2017) andMamma Mia! Here We Go Again(2018).

Baranski is perhaps best known for her role as Diane Lockhart onThe Good Wife, which she played from 2009 to 2016, and its spinoff,The Good Fight, which aired from 2017 to 2022.

The Emmy winner had a recurring role onThe Big Bang Theoryand has made guest appearances onFrasier,Ugly BettyandYoung Sheldon. From 2022 to 2023, she starred as Agnes Van Rhijn on HBO’sThe Gilded Ageand voiced anAmerican Mastersepisode withJ.K. Simmonsin 2024.

During a 2024 interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, Baranski hinted at the possibility that herMamma Mia!character, Tanya, might be involved in the upcomingMamma Mia 3.

Shetold the publication, “I was in London with [producer] Judy Craymer at our favorite watering hole, she is planningMamma Mia 3. She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen. That’s all I can say!”

TheCybillstar added, “But, it’s not like, “Oh, I wish it could happen!” Judy Craymer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Craymer to get everybody back together.”

Baranski was married to actor and playwright Matthew Cowles from 1983 until he died in 2014. They welcomed two daughters: Isabel Cowles and fellow actressLily Cowles.

source: people.com