25 Years Later: The Shocking Truths And Problematic Kiss Of Never Been Kissed
The Cast of *Never Been Kissed* (1999): A 25-Year Retrospective
The stellar ensemble cast of *Never Been Kissed* has continued to thrive in Hollywood, with many of them recently reuniting to celebrate the film's milestone anniversary. Here is a look at the main entities and what they have been doing recently:
- Drew Barrymore (Josie Geller): After founding her production company Flower Films, which produced *Never Been Kissed*, Barrymore became a major force in Hollywood. Her focus in the 2020s has been her highly successful daytime talk show, *The Drew Barrymore Show*, where she hosted a major cast reunion for the film. She continues to champion positive, authentic content and is a mother of two.
- Michael Vartan (Sam Coulson): Vartan, who played the charming and supportive English teacher, went on to star in the hit spy series *Alias* and the film *Monster-in-Law*. More recently, he has appeared in various television roles and was a key guest at the 25th-anniversary reunion, where he shared a very candid, behind-the-scenes secret about the famous kissing scene.
- David Arquette (Rob Geller): Playing Josie’s popular, kind-hearted younger brother, Rob, Arquette is best known for his role in the *Scream* horror franchise. He has also pursued a career in professional wrestling and was part of the cast reunion, even showing up in his memorable "Tiki Post" costume from the movie.
- Molly Shannon (Anita Olesky): The *Saturday Night Live* alum played Josie's eccentric, loyal colleague and friend, Anita. Shannon has had a prolific career in both comedy and dramatic roles, including the HBO series *The White Lotus*. She also joined the reunion, highlighting her enduring friendship with Barrymore.
- John C. Reilly (Augustus Strauss): Reilly, who played Josie's newspaper boss, Augustus, has become one of Hollywood's most respected character actors, earning an Oscar nomination for *Chicago*. His recent work includes the HBO series *Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty*.
- Leelee Sobieski (Aldys): Sobieski played Aldys, the intelligent, outcast high school student who befriends Josie. After a successful film career, she largely stepped away from acting to focus on her career as a visual artist, now known as Leelee Kimmel.
The Problematic Kiss: Why the Rom-Com Doesn't Hold Up Today
While *Never Been Kissed* is remembered as a sweet, high school redemption story, a significant portion of its modern discussion centers on the romance between Josie and Sam. The film’s plot requires Josie, a 25-year-old adult, to pose as a 17-year-old student, which leads to her developing a relationship with her teacher.
The core issue, as highlighted by contemporary critics and viewers, is the power dynamic and ethical breach. Sam Coulson believes he is falling for a high school student, and while Josie is technically an adult, the relationship is predicated on an elaborate, months-long deception.
In the current cultural climate, where conversations about boundaries, consent, and predatory behavior are prominent, this plot device feels deeply uncomfortable. Critics argue that the film romanticizes a scenario that is, at its heart, exploitative of minors, even if the "minor" is actually an undercover journalist. The scene where Sam realizes the truth, yet still rushes to the field to kiss her in front of the whole school, is now viewed by many as glossing over a serious ethical violation and professional misconduct.
This re-evaluation of the film’s sexual politics is a common trend for 90s and early 2000s romantic comedies. The nostalgia for the film is now mixed with a critical awareness that what was once seen as a charming fantasy is, through a modern lens, a narrative that simply "does not hold up."
Behind the Scenes Secrets from the Cast Reunion
The 25th-anniversary celebrations in 2024 brought the cast together on *The Drew Barrymore Show*, providing fans with fresh, candid revelations about the movie’s production. These secrets offer a fascinating glimpse into the making of the iconic "pitcher’s mound kiss" finale.
The most viral moment of the reunion came from Michael Vartan, who played Sam Coulson. He confessed the high-pressure situation of the final kiss scene—a moment of intense romantic payoff for the audience—was complicated by his own physical reaction. Vartan revealed that, due to the emotional build-up and the public nature of the kiss, he "pitched a tent" during the filming and had to quickly adjust his position to hide it from the cameras. This confession added a hilarious, human element to the otherwise fairy-tale climax.
Furthermore, David Arquette showed up in a full replica of his eccentric "Tiki Post" costume, which his character Rob wears to the prom. This demonstrated the cast’s enthusiasm for the film’s enduring legacy and its quirky, memorable style. The reunion served as a reminder of the genuine chemistry among the actors, which contributed significantly to the movie’s success as a cult classic.
The Enduring Legacy of "Josie Grossie"
Despite the modern criticisms of the central romance, the core message of *Never Been Kissed*—the journey of Josie Geller from "Josie Grossie" to a confident, accepted woman—remains powerful and relevant. The film is fundamentally a narrative about high school trauma, social anxiety, and the pressure to conform.
Josie’s character arc resonates with anyone who felt like an outcast during their formative years. Her transformation is not just about a physical makeover but about finding the courage to be her authentic, intelligent self, and finally connecting with genuine friends like Aldys and Anita. The film champions the idea that it is never too late to heal old wounds and find acceptance, both from others and from within.
The film’s success also solidified Drew Barrymore’s position as a producer with an ear for the zeitgeist, launching a string of successful romantic comedies. *Never Been Kissed* is a time capsule of 90s fashion, music, and teen culture, but its themes of self-discovery and the search for true connection ensure its place in the romantic comedy canon, even as viewers engage in more nuanced, critical discussions about its complex plot elements.
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