Disney Channel's 100th Original Movie had a lot to live up to. It was 2016. The hype was real. When the network decided to remake the 1987 cult classic Adventures in Babysitting, fans were skeptical. I mean, how do you replace Elisabeth Shue? But the Adventures of Babysitting 2016 cast actually pulled it off by leaning into a "rivalry" dynamic rather than just a straight copy-paste of the original script.
Sabrina Carpenter and Sofia Carson were already rising stars back then. Seeing them together was basically a Disney power move. It’s been nearly a decade since that frantic night in the city premiered, and the career trajectories of these actors have gone in some wild, totally unexpected directions. Some stayed in the mouse house. Others went full-blown pop star. A few basically vanished from the limelight to live normal lives.
The Headliners: Sabrina Carpenter and Sofia Carson
Let's be real. Most people clicking on stuff about the Adventures of Babysitting 2016 cast are here for Sabrina Carpenter.
She played Jenny Parker, the "overachiever" with the organized binder. At the time, she was finishing up Girl Meets World. Fast forward to now, and she is a global pop juggernaut. Her transition from "Disney kid" to "Short n' Sweet" icon is one of the most successful rebrands in music history. She’s headlining festivals and opening for Taylor Swift. It’s a far cry from accidentally rapping in a club while wearing a giant puffy jacket. Honestly, watching the movie now feels like looking at a time capsule of a superstar in training.
Then you've got Sofia Carson, who played Lola Perez. Lola was the "rebel" artist who didn't care about the rules. Sofia was already deep in the Descendants franchise as Evie, but this movie showed she could handle comedy. Since 2016, she’s become a massive deal for Netflix. Remember Purple Hearts? That movie was a juggernaut for the streaming giant. She also performed at the Oscars. She’s stayed incredibly loyal to the Disney/Hollywood Records family while carving out a niche as a sophisticated, high-fashion actress and advocate.
The "Kids" Who Aren't Kids Anymore
Nikki Hahn played Emily Cooper, the teen who went through a whole "rebellion" phase involving a fake tattoo and green hair dye. Nikki has grown into a very serious actress. If you’ve seen American Housewife, you’ve seen her work. She’s also a huge fan of classic cinema and often posts about film history, which is cool because she’s not just chasing the next TikTok trend. She’s got a classic Hollywood vibe that’s rare for people her age.
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Max Gecowets, who played the thrill-seeking Trey Anderson, has kept a much lower profile. He did some work on The Foster’s spin-off Good Trouble, but he’s not someone you’ll see in the tabloids. It's funny. In the movie, his character was the catalyst for all the trouble. In real life, he seems to enjoy his privacy.
Then there's Mallory James Mahoney. She was Katy Cooper, the little fashionista. She stayed with Disney Channel for a long time after the Adventures of Babysitting 2016 cast went their separate ways. She starred in Bunk'd for several seasons. She’s grown up on screen, literally.
Jet Jurgensmeyer (Bobby Anderson) is another one who stayed busy. He did a lot of voice acting—he was the voice of Pip the Penguin in T.O.T.S.—and he’s a country singer. He’s actually really talented with a guitar. He played the "aspiring chef" in the movie, and while I don't know if he can actually cook a soufflé, he can definitely sell out a small venue with his music.
Madison Horcher, who played AJ Anderson (the roller derby obsessed kid), has popped up in shows like Santa Clarita Diet. She’s got this great comedic timing that felt underutilized even in the 2016 movie.
What People Get Wrong About the 2016 Remake
People love to hate remakes. It’s a hobby. One big misconception is that the Adventures of Babysitting 2016 cast was trying to replace the original 1980s crew. They weren't. The 2016 version was written as a "spiritual successor." It swapped the gritty 80s Chicago underworld for a more sanitized, neon-colored version of the city.
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Critics often point out the lack of the "Thor" subplot or the "Nobody leaves here without singing the blues" scene. While the 2016 version did have a rap battle (which, let’s be honest, is definitely a product of its time), it focused more on the female friendship between Jenny and Lola. That’s why it worked for a new generation. It wasn't about one girl being a hero; it was about two girls who hated each other realizing they were better together.
Behind the Scenes and Production Secrets
The movie was filmed in Vancouver, not Chicago. Classic Hollywood move. They spent a lot of time on night shoots, which is tough on child actors because of labor laws.
- Sabrina and Sofia actually became close friends during filming.
- The "rap battle" was rehearsed for weeks to make it look "spontaneous."
- Kevin Quinn, who played the love interest Zac Chase, was also a Disney darling at the time (Bunk'd). He’s since moved into the Christian music and film scene.
There was a lot of pressure on this film. Being the 100th DCOM meant Disney put a massive marketing budget behind it. You couldn't turn on the TV in June 2016 without seeing Sabrina and Sofia.
How the Cast Changed the "Disney Formula"
Usually, Disney movies have one clear lead. This one didn't. It was a true ensemble. It proved that you could have two "Alpha" female leads without the plot devolving into a catfight. They were rivals, sure, but they were professional rivals.
The Adventures of Babysitting 2016 cast also represented a shift toward more multi-talented stars. Almost everyone in that cast can sing, dance, and act. This "triple threat" requirement became the blueprint for how Disney cast their shows for the next five years.
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Where to Follow the Cast Today
If you want to keep up with them, social media is your best bet, though some are more active than others.
- Sabrina Carpenter: Instagram is her main spot. She uses it to promote her music and her very aesthetic "effortless French girl" brand.
- Sofia Carson: Very active on Twitter (X) and Instagram, mostly focusing on her work with UNICEF and her latest film projects.
- Jet Jurgensmeyer: Follow him on YouTube if you want to see his music covers and original songs.
- Nikki Hahn: Her Instagram is great for fans of photography and indie film vibes.
Practical Steps for Fans and Collectors
If you're a fan of the 2016 remake, there are actually a few things you can do to engage with the "fandom" even years later.
- Check Disney+ for the "Director’s Cut" or Extras: Most people just watch the movie, but the "Bloopers" and "Deleted Scenes" segments on Disney+ show a lot of the chemistry between the kids.
- Listen to the Soundtrack: It’s not just "Wildside." The incidental music was composed by Mark Mothersbaugh (from DEVO!). It’s actually high-quality stuff.
- Look for Autographed Memorabilia: Since many of these actors (especially Sabrina) became huge stars, early signed posters from the 2016 premiere have actually started to go up in value on sites like eBay.
The legacy of the Adventures of Babysitting 2016 cast isn't just about a single TV movie. It served as a massive launching pad. For some, it was a fun summer job before heading back to school. For others, it was the first step toward becoming a household name. Whether you prefer the 80s grit or the 2010s gloss, you can't deny that Disney knew exactly what they were doing when they put this group together.
To dive deeper into the world of DCOMs, compare the 2016 remake's pacing to other mid-2010s hits like Descendants or Zombies. You'll notice a distinct shift in how Disney started prioritizing music-heavy plots to drive soundtrack sales. Tracking the career of Sabrina Carpenter specifically offers a masterclass in how to transition from teen stardom to adult prestige without losing your core audience.