The Ultimate 'Where Are They Now' List: What The Cast Of The Lizzie McGuire Movie Is Doing In 2024 And The Truth About The Canceled Reboot

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It’s been over two decades since we watched Lizzie McGuire ditch her awkward junior high persona for a Roman pop-star fantasy in The Lizzie McGuire Movie, but the film’s legacy as a perfect capstone to the Disney Channel era remains ironclad.

As of late 2024, the curiosity surrounding the cast is higher than ever, especially following the dramatic cancellation of the planned Disney+ revival series. From Hilary Duff’s post-Lizzie career resurgence to the surprising new paths of her co-stars, we dive into the current lives and careers of the beloved cast members, revealing the latest updates, recent projects, and the behind-the-scenes drama that stopped the reboot in its tracks.

The Main Cast: From Rome to Revival Drama

The core group who traveled to Rome for their eighth-grade graduation trip has gone on to varied and fascinating careers. Here is a look at the main cast’s biographical profile and their most recent projects.

  • Hilary Duff (Lizzie McGuire/Isabella Parigi):
    • Born: September 28, 1987 (Houston, Texas)
    • Known For: Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004), A Cinderella Story (2004), Younger (2015–2021), and *How I Met Your Father* (2022–present).
    • Current Status: Starring as Sophie in the Hulu series *How I Met Your Father* and is a mother of four.
  • Adam Lamberg (David "Gordo" Gordon):
    • Born: September 14, 1984 (New York City, New York)
    • Known For: Lizzie McGuire series and movie, *Dead Man’s Walk* (1996).
    • Current Status: Largely stepped away from acting. Works in the cultural sector, notably with the Irish Arts Center in New York City.
  • Jake Thomas (Matt McGuire):
    • Born: January 30, 1990 (Knoxville, Tennessee)
    • Known For: Lizzie McGuire series and movie, *A.I. Artificial Intelligence* (2001), *Cory in the House*.
    • Current Status: Continues to act in film and television, and is active on social media, often discussing the *Lizzie McGuire* legacy.
  • Robert Carradine (Sam McGuire):
    • Born: March 24, 1954 (Hollywood, California)
    • Known For: Lewis Skolnick in the *Revenge of the Nerds* film series, The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
    • Current Status: Continues to appear at fan conventions, including a *Revenge of the Nerds* reunion at the NJ Horror Con & Film Festival in August 2024.
  • Hallie Todd (Jo McGuire):
    • Born: January 7, 1962 (Los Angeles, California)
    • Known For: Brothers, The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
    • Current Status: Focuses on acting coaching, having authored multiple books on the craft, and runs The Hallie Todd Studios.

Hilary Duff and The Canceled Disney+ Revival: What Really Happened

The most talked-about topic among fans in recent years has been the highly anticipated, yet ultimately scrapped, *Lizzie McGuire* revival on Disney+. The series was set to follow Lizzie as a 30-year-old apprentice decorator living in New York City.

Creative Differences Were The Core Issue.

The original show’s creator, Terri Minsky, was initially on board, but she soon departed over creative disputes with Disney executives. Hilary Duff later confirmed the project was canceled in 2020.

Duff was candid about the situation, stating that she wanted the adult Lizzie to face real, mature problems, like a potential relationship with a person who wasn't Gordo, and navigating her career. She felt that the original PG-rated vision Disney had for the revival was too restrictive for a character who was now 30 years old, saying she wanted Lizzie to be "real" and "authentic."

Jake Thomas (Matt McGuire) also weighed in, suggesting the show's vision was simply too mature for the family-friendly Disney+ platform, leading to an impasse. The news was a major disappointment for fans, but it cemented the original movie as the true, final chapter of Lizzie’s journey.

The Supporting Cast: Where Are They Now?

The supporting cast of the movie, who played crucial roles in Lizzie’s Roman adventure, have also been busy in the years since the film’s 2003 release. Their career paths are a fascinating mix of major Hollywood success and career pivots.

Yani Gellman (Paolo Valisari)

Yani Gellman played the charming, yet ultimately duplicitous, Italian pop star Paolo Valisari, who tricked Lizzie into impersonating his singing partner, Isabella Parigi. The character remains one of Disney’s most memorable villains.

Recent Career: Gellman has maintained a steady acting career with roles in major TV series like *Pretty Little Liars* (as Garrett Reynolds) and *The Young and the Restless*. More recently, he has been active in the horror genre. In 2024, he was featured in the horror film *Departing Seniors*. His career has quietly pivoted from teen heartthrob to a consistent genre actor, a stark contrast to his pop-star character in the film.

Clayton Snyder (Ethan Craft)

Ethan Craft, the object of Lizzie’s unrequited affection, was the handsome but clueless teen who joined the Rome trip. Clayton Snyder, who played the role, had a very different passion off-screen: water polo.

Recent Career: Snyder is an accomplished athlete. He played water polo for Pepperdine University and later professionally in Europe. While he continues to act occasionally, his focus has largely been outside of Hollywood, though he often participates in fan-related events and interviews about his time on the show.

Alex Borstein (Miss Ungermeyer / Isabella’s Bodyguard)

Alex Borstein’s dual role as the strict but hilarious chaperone Miss Ungermeyer and Isabella’s unamused bodyguard provided much of the film’s comedic relief. Her career post-Lizzie has been nothing short of stellar.

Recent Career: Borstein is one of the most successful members of the cast. She is globally recognized as the voice of Lois Griffin on the animated series *Family Guy* (since 1999). Her most critically acclaimed role is as Susie Myerson in the Amazon Prime Video series *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*, a role for which she has won multiple Emmy Awards. In early 2024, she was nominated for a SAG Award for the role and has a live comedy tour with dates scheduled for late 2024.

Behind The Scenes: Fun Facts and Filming Locations

To truly appreciate the film's legacy, it’s worth revisiting the details that made it a cultural phenomenon. The movie was a massive commercial success and holds a special place in Disney history.

  • A Disney First: The Lizzie McGuire Movie was the very first Disney Channel series to be turned into a feature film, paving the way for later hits like *Kim Possible* and *Hannah Montana: The Movie*.
  • Filming Locations: While many interior shots and the airport scene were filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the iconic Roman scenes were shot on location throughout Rome, Italy. Key locations included the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), and Piazza Venezia.
  • The Voice of Isabella: Although Hilary Duff performed the songs as Lizzie, the pop-star alter ego Isabella Parigi had a different singing voice, provided by singer Haylie Duff (Hilary’s older sister).
  • The Missing Best Friend: Lalaine, who played Lizzie’s best friend Miranda Sanchez in the TV series, did not appear in the movie. Her absence was explained in the film as her being on vacation in Mexico.
  • Box Office Success: The film was a huge hit, grossing over $55 million worldwide on a modest budget, confirming the franchise's global appeal.

The enduring appeal of The Lizzie McGuire Movie is a testament to its charm, its iconic setting, and the chemistry of its cast. While the dream of a full-fledged revival is now officially a fantasy, the current success of the cast members, particularly Hilary Duff and Alex Borstein, ensures the legacy of the film continues in Hollywood and beyond.

cast of the lizzie mcguire movie
cast of the lizzie mcguire movie

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