Recasting The Characters Of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (If It Was Made Today)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is one of the most memorable and iconic high-school comedies of all time. From its unique humor to its dynamic characters, there is nothing not to love about this classic. Of course, everyone can quote it and sing along to its soundtrack, but the cast also makes it what it is.

If it were to ever be remade, who could possibly fill Alan Ruck’s or Matthew Broderick’s shoes? It’s time to find out, and recast these lovable characters in 2020 – over 30 years since this movie was released. There’s a lot of twisting and shouting to be had.

10 Cameron Frye – Timothée Chalamet

Cameron Frye is famously known for being a bit depressed and a bit quiet, but he also has a huge heart that fans of this movie can’t help but love. Alan Ruck played both the manic, funny, and melancholic Cameron brilliantly.

Timothée Chalamet is on everyone’s list of biggest upcoming actors today, and he’s proved his versatility over and over again. He’s more than convincing as a moody teen, and he’s crush this role today.

9 The Police Station Boy – Dave Franco

This character has one scene, and doesn’t even have a name, but everyone knows exactly what Charlie Sheen said to Jennifer Gray (as Jeanie Bueller). This bad-boy character made for an unforgettable movie moment.

Dave Franco could probably do the exact same speech as Sheen, and have the same hilarious and sexy flair to it. Anyone, even a Jeanie, would fall for someone like Franco as a police station.

8 Ed Rooney – Joaquin Phoenix

Ed Rooney is about as classic a character as they come, and Jeffrey Jones will forever be recognized with his grey suit and moustache. However, Joaquin Phoenix has shown how dynamic he can be, and he could totally rock that facial hair, too.

He can be angry and he can be defeated, and as popular as he is today, it would only be a rightful passing of the torch to have someone like Phoenix bring Ed Rooney back to the big screen.

7 Jeanie Bueller – Emma Stone

Jennifer Gray is iconic for playing the role of Jeanie, but it’s certainly time for her to pass the torch to someone who is equally sassy and strong, and would have fans both loving and hating her.

Emma Stone is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood, and she can be more than convincing as a young woman with one mission – to destroy her brother. Plus, she’s as hilarious and driven as a real-life Jeanie Bueller would be.

6 Grace – Rebel Wilson

Grace is the poor sweet school secretary that finds herself in the middle of Ed Rooney’s rage. Edie McClurg played this sweet and clueless character well, and it’s easy to see how Rebel Wilson could do the same.

With the same mannerisms and doe-eyed brilliance, Wilson could answer phones and still be huge comedic relief. A popular actress today, it would be more than fun for fans to see her take on this role.

5 Katie Bueller – Laura Dern

To cast the perfect mom and dad for Ferris, they have to seem just as sweet and innocent as Cindy Pickett and Lyman Ward did. Fans have all seen Laura Dern’s versatility, but she’s also totally convincing at being mother-of-the-year.

Laura Dern could certainly do Pickett’s role justice, and her sweet side would be totally believable as it sparked all of Jeanie’s anger. Fans would love to laugh at and adore her.

4 The Economics Teacher – John Turturro

This character didn’t even have a name, but everyone can quote him: “Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?” It’s hard not to hear this quote coming out of Ben Stein’s mouth.

John Turturro is usually the comedic relief in his films, whether they be action, drama, or straight-up comedy. Fans might get a huge chuckle out of watching him perch a pair of glasses on his nose and call out Bueller’s name. He can pull off anything, anyways.

3 Sloane Peterson – Zendaya

Sloane Peterson has to be funny, sexy, kind, and able to turn heads of anyone watching the flick on the big screen. Zendaya definitely checks off all of these boxes, and she can be both quirky and totally irresistible.

Mia Sara might always be known for her fake-kissing as Ferris’ dad, and imagining Zendaya doing the same isn’t that far of a stretch. In fact, she’d probably slay it.

2 Tom Bueller – Paul Rudd

Tom Bueller is handsome, clueless, and out of touch with his family, and it takes a certain kind of actor (like Lyman Ward) to pull off a character like this one.

There’s no one more charming and capable of being the cute and simple guy than Paul Rudd. He would be confused the whole film, and would just let life take him where it goes. He’d be a Tom that everyone would adore.

1 Ferris Bueller – Austin Butler

Austin Butler has a lot of talent that has yet to be seen by the world. He has slayed in some roles including Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, and is set to star as Elvis Presley in an upcoming biopic.

Of course, no one could probably replace Matthew Broderick, but Austin Butler might just give it a solid effort. He’s dreamy, charming, and has the bad-boy look that quickly turn innocent and hilarious. He’d have a chance at bringing this classic back in the right way.

About The Author

Meah Peers
(631 Articles Published)

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I just graduated university with Criminology & Psychology, but have a burning side passion for film! I am an avid reader, writer, and film-goer, and I love learning about movies, actors, directors, and sharing my passion and knowledge with others.
I am a List Writer for ScreenRant, and love being a part of a film community where we all share the same passions.

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