If you grew up in the late 2000s, you probably remember the exact moment you saw Mary Santiago and Joey Parker dancing in that crowded high school hallway. It was peak Disney-adjacent nostalgia. Even though it wasn't technically a Disney Channel Original Movie, Another Cinderella Story felt like the blueprint for the era’s teen musicals. Released in 2008, it took the classic "glass slipper" trope and swapped it for a Zune. Remember the Zune? Honestly, that might be the most "2008" thing about the entire film.
But what really kept us coming back—and what keeps the film trending on streaming platforms like HBO Max and Hulu today—is the another cinderella story movie cast. This wasn't just a group of random actors; it was a lineup of rising stars and seasoned comedy legends.
The Big Three: Selena, Drew, and Jane
At the heart of the film is Selena Gomez, who played Mary Santiago. This was basically her breakout film role right as Wizards of Waverly Place was becoming a global phenomenon. She wasn't just the "quiet girl" here; she had to prove she could dance. And she did. From those intricate tango sequences to the final dance competition, Gomez brought a grounded, likable energy that made Mary feel like more than just a fairy tale archetype.
Then there’s Drew Seeley. He played Joey Parker, the world-famous pop star who returns to high school to finish his senior year. Fun fact: Seeley was actually the singing voice for Zac Efron in the first High School Musical movie. By the time he joined the another cinderella story movie cast, he was already a seasoned pro in the teen musical world. His chemistry with Selena was palpable, especially during that iconic "New Classic" duet.
And we have to talk about Jane Lynch. Before she was Sue Sylvester on Glee, she was Dominique Blatt. She played the "wicked stepmother" role but with a washed-up pop star twist. She was hilarious. She was delusional. She spent half the movie trying to keep her "stunning" looks while forcing Mary to clean her massive, mirrors-everywhere mansion. Lynch’s comedic timing arguably saved the movie from being too "saccharine."
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The Supporting Players Who Stole the Show
While the leads got the spotlight, the supporting another cinderella story movie cast members were doing some heavy lifting in the comedy department.
- Emily Perkins and Katharine Isabelle (Britt and Bree): These two played the "wicked stepsisters," but they weren't your typical villains. They were chaotic, poorly dressed, and strangely endearing in their incompetence. It’s actually pretty funny when you realize both actresses were previously known for the cult horror classic Ginger Snaps. Seeing them go from werewolf sisters to bubblegum-pop wannabes was a wild transition.
- Jessica Parker Kennedy (Tami): Mary’s best friend and "fairy godmother" stand-in. Tami was the backbone of the movie, the one who actually pushed Mary to go to the ball. Jessica has since gone on to have a massive career in shows like The Flash (as Nora West-Allen) and Black Sails.
- Marcus T. Paulk (Dustin/The Funk): Joey’s best friend and the guy who essentially ran the school’s social scene. He provided the beat and the hype for the film’s major musical moments.
Why This Specific Cast Worked So Well
Most teen movies of this era felt a bit... manufactured? But the another cinderella story movie cast had a certain "it" factor. They weren't just playing roles; they were performing.
The movie relied heavily on dance, and unlike other films where they use body doubles for everything, you could tell Selena and Drew put in the work. The choreography was surprisingly complex for a direct-to-video sequel. It wasn't just "step-touch"; it was actual contemporary and ballroom-infused hip-hop.
Where Are They in 2026?
It’s been nearly 18 years since the film premiered. Let that sink in.
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Selena Gomez is now an Emmy-nominated actress for Only Murders in the Building, a beauty mogul with Rare Beauty, and one of the most followed people on the planet. Her transition from Mary Santiago to a serious powerhouse in Hollywood is legendary.
Drew Seeley continues to work steadily in film and television. He’s become a staple in the Hallmark and Lifetime movie worlds, often popping up in holiday specials. He also recently did a deep-dive interview on the Joe Vulpis Podcast, reminiscing about the 2008 filming days and how he still remembers the "New Classic" choreography.
Jane Lynch is a household name with five Emmys under her belt. Whether she’s hosting Hollywood Game Night or appearing in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, she’s kept that sharp, dry wit that made Dominique Blatt so memorable.
Jessica Parker Kennedy is a sci-fi and superhero icon now. After her long run on the CW's The Flash, she’s moved into more dramatic prestige TV roles, showing a range far beyond the "best friend" trope.
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The Zune and Other 2008 Artifacts
You can't talk about the another cinderella story movie cast without mentioning the tech they used. The "glass slipper" in this version was a 4th generation Microsoft Zune. Joey finds it after Mary flees the masquerade ball, and he uses the playlist to find his "mystery girl."
In 2026, the idea of a Zune feels like looking at a rotary phone. But at the time, it was a legitimate (albeit struggling) competitor to the iPod. It’s a perfect time capsule.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to revisit the magic or see what the cast is up to lately, here are a few things you can do:
- Watch the "New Classic" Music Video: The official video featuring Selena and Drew is still on YouTube and has over 30 million views. It's a great trip down memory lane.
- Check out the Cast's Current Projects: Watch Only Murders in the Building on Hulu to see how much Selena has grown, or look for Drew Seeley’s recent Hallmark credits if you want that cozy, nostalgic feeling.
- The Soundtrack is Still a Bop: You can find the full Another Cinderella Story soundtrack on Spotify. Songs like "Bang a Drum" and "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" still hold up as catchy pop anthems.
The legacy of the another cinderella story movie cast isn't just about a teen movie; it's about the launchpad it provided for some of today's biggest stars. It proved that a simple retelling of a classic story could become a cultural touchstone if you have the right people in the room.