Zendaya was already a star by the time Zapped premiered on Disney Channel in the summer of 2014, but nobody quite realized she was about to become a global icon. It's wild looking back at that era. The movie—basically a modern, digital-age riff on the "girl gets magical powers" trope—centered on Zoey Stevens, a high schooler who discovers a phone app that can control boys. It sounds like a premise that could only exist in the mid-2010s. Honestly, it was peak Disney.
When people search for the cast of Zapped 2014, they’re usually looking for more than just a list of names. They want to know if the chemistry on screen was real and, more importantly, where these actors ended up. You’ve got a mix of massive A-listers and people who decided the Hollywood grind just wasn't for them.
Zendaya: From Zoey Stevens to Global Supernova
Let's be real. Zendaya is the reason this movie is still talked about. Playing Zoey Stevens, she had to balance being a straight-A student with the absolute chaos of moving into a house full of rowdy stepbrothers and a messy dog. It’s a classic Disney fish-out-of-water story.
Since 2014, Zendaya's career didn't just grow; it exploded. She managed to do what very few Disney stars actually pull off: she transitioned into "serious" acting without a public breakdown. She’s now a two-time Emmy winner for her role as Rue in Euphoria. It's a massive leap from controlling boys with an app to portraying the gritty, heartbreaking reality of addiction. Beyond the small screen, she’s anchored the Spider-Man franchise as MJ and led the sci-fi epic Dune. She’s become a fashion mogul too. Basically, if Zendaya is in it, people are watching.
Chanelle Peloso and the Sidekick Energy
Every Disney protagonist needs a chaotic best friend. That was Chanelle Peloso as Rachel Todds. Rachel was the one who accidentally triggered the whole app mess by dropping Zoey’s phone into a dog bath. Peloso brought a specific kind of frantic, lovable energy that made the movie work.
Peloso didn't disappear after the credits rolled. She’s had a really solid career in television. You might have spotted her in Incredible Crew or the Syfy series Deadly Class. She also voiced characters in the animated series Reboot: The Guardian Code. Unlike some child stars who burn out, she seems to have found a comfortable rhythm in the industry, moving between voice work and live-action guest spots.
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The Boys of Zapped: Spencer Boldman and the Stepbrothers
Spencer Boldman played Jackson Kale, the love interest. At the time, he was already a Disney staple thanks to Lab Rats. Jackson was the typical "cool guy with a heart of gold" who didn't need an app to be a decent human. Boldman had that classic heartthrob look that Disney loved.
After Zapped, Boldman stayed in the spotlight for a bit, notably starring alongside Emily Ratajkowski in the 2018 film Cruise. However, he’s been a bit quieter lately. He’s very active on social media, often sharing his travels and his dog, which is honestly a vibe.
Then you have the stepbrothers. They were the "problem" Zoey was trying to solve.
- Conner Cowie played Adam Stevens.
- Adam DiMarco played Adam Thompson.
- William Ainscough played Ben Thompson.
Adam DiMarco is the one who really surprised everyone recently. If you watched the second season of HBO’s The White Lotus, you probably recognized Albie Di Grasso. Yep, that’s him. He went from being a goofy kid in a Disney movie to playing one of the most talked-about characters in a prestige drama. It’s a testament to how much talent was packed into this 2014 TV movie.
Emilia McCarthy and the Rivalry
You can’t have a high school movie without a rival. Emilia McCarthy played Taylor Dean, the captain of the dance team. She was the quintessential "mean girl" who eventually gets her comeuppance.
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McCarthy stayed very busy in the Canadian and American acting circuits. She landed a major role in the Zombies franchise on Disney Channel, playing Lacey. She also appeared in Degrassi: Next Class, which is basically a rite of passage for young actors. She’s grown into a very versatile performer, often leaning into those high-energy, competitive characters she plays so well.
Why the Cast of Zapped 2014 Still Resonates
There is a specific nostalgia for 2014. It was the tail end of the "DCOM" golden era before streaming completely changed how kids consume media. The cast of Zapped 2014 represents a transition point. For Zendaya, it was one of her last "kid-centric" projects before she started seeking out roles that challenged her.
The movie was filmed in Vancouver, which explains why so many of the supporting cast are Canadian staples. If you watch any show filmed in British Columbia—from The Flash to Supernatural—you’re bound to see a familiar face from Zapped.
The Direction and Production
Peter DeLuise directed the film. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s a legend in the sci-fi community, having directed tons of Stargate SG-1 episodes. Having a seasoned pro like DeLuise behind the camera is probably why the movie feels a bit more polished than your average TV flick.
The script was based on the book Boys Are Dogs by Leslie Margolis. It’s funny how the movie swapped the "training a dog" metaphor for a literal smartphone app. It was a very "of its time" creative choice. In 2014, we were all obsessed with the idea that "there's an app for that."
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The Impact of Zapped on Disney's Legacy
Zapped pulled in over 5 million viewers on its premiere night. That’s a huge number for a cable movie. It proved that Zendaya had the "it factor" to carry a film solo.
Looking back, the movie is a bit cheesy. The dance battles are dated. The "controlling men" plot hasn't aged perfectly in terms of social commentary. But as a piece of entertainment? It’s a time capsule. It reminds us of a time when the biggest problem a teenager had was a disorganized dance team and a glitchy iPhone.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're looking to revisit the work of this cast, don't just stop at Zapped. You can see the evolution of these actors across multiple platforms.
- Watch Adam DiMarco in The White Lotus: It’s the ultimate "where are they now" moment.
- Follow Spencer Boldman on Instagram: If you want to see the lifestyle of a former Disney star who is living his best life away from the paparazzi.
- Binge the Zombies Trilogy: To see Emilia McCarthy really lean into her Disney roots with even more production value.
- Track Zendaya’s Production Company: She’s now producing her own projects, like Challengers, showing her shift from the girl in front of the camera to the power player behind it.
The cast of Zapped 2014 serves as a reminder that "teen stars" aren't a monolith. Some become the biggest names in the world, some become respected character actors, and others move on to private lives. Either way, they all contributed to a weird, fun moment in pop culture history that still holds a spot on Disney+ today. For those wanting to dive deeper into the technical side of how these movies were made, checking out the behind-the-scenes features on physical DVD releases—if you can still find them—reveals a lot about the stunt choreography and the early mobile-interface graphics used in the film.